How to Make a Snapchat Filter for an Event in 4 Easy Steps

For most people, Snapchat is a social media platform that lets them send their friends content that disappears after being viewed. For event organisers, the filter feature is an excellent marketing tool to promote events.

Over half the users on Snapchat are 18–29 years old, so bear that in mind before you invest time and resources into the platform. Snapchat is also geared towards brief messages and promotions, so keep the long-form material to sites like LinkedIn.

In this guide, we’ll answer the following questions:

• What is a Snapchat filter?
• Why should you make a Snapchat filter for an event?
• How to get a Snapchat filter for your event
• Guidelines for creating a Snapchat filter

What is a Snapchat event filter?

Snapchat enables you to add overlays (also known as “filters”) to the photos you send. These filters can also be tied to a geographical location, making them “geofilters.” You can create your own geofilters to promote your event, but the cost can vary.

Here are some of the different geofilters you’ll come across:

• Community geofilters are free, cover local areas, and are used by regular users.
• On-demand geofilters are cheap, cover a small area, and are used by small businesses.
• Sponsored geofilters are expensive, cover large areas, and are used by big businesses.

Why should you make a Snapchat filter for an event?

Filters are your chance to capitalise on a user trend on Snapchat. Filters and geofilters are available to the public. They can be seen as the equivalent of using a popular hashtag on Instagram.

Businesses of all kinds are using geofilters: bars, restaurants, shops, and museums. But they’re also popular with events such as weddings, sports events, and music festivals.

Your geofilters will automatically appear in a user’s Snapchat app if they’re in your geographical area. That makes your filter work as a localised, sponsored ad for your event.

Have a look at what other businesses are doing. Turn on your location services for Snapchat, take a picture using the app, and swipe left or right to see which geofilters are available.

How to make a Snapchat filter for your event

If there’s an overlap between your target audience and Snapchat users, you might want to create a filter for your next event. Let’s go through the process of doing so step by step.

1. Design your filter

Go to Snapchat in your browser and click “Create Filter.” Here you can upload a pre-made design or create one from scratch directly from the website. Note the size requirements for custom designs.

2. Set date and time

Snapchat allows you to set the date and time for when your filter is available. Make sure that it’s available in the run-up to your event, as well as during and for a while after it has taken place.

3. Choose a location

Since geofilters are tied to specific locations, you should also choose which location it should be available in. You can type in a city or select a custom location by drawing a ring around it.

4. Check out and secure your filter

You’ll now see how much the filter will cost and be asked to fill out your contact and payment details. It takes a week to process, so make sure that you do this well in advance of the event.

Guidelines for creating a Snapchat filter

There are a few more things to account for before you can create a Snapchat filter. It has to be original, meet the platform’s size requirements, and be within your event budget.

1. Originality

Your Snapchat geofilter design or artwork has to be original. So don’t run the risk of getting in trouble for copyright infringement. Use a site like Canva to create your own designs.

2. Dimensions

The Snapchat geofilter dimensions are 1080×2340 pixels. Bear that in mind whether you’re creating your own design or decided to hire a freelance designer.

3. Price

The Snapchat event filter cost is determined by two things: time and area. The price goes up the longer the filter is available and the larger the area it’s tied to.

Other Snapchat tools to promote events

In addition to geofilters, there are other ways to use Snapchat for event marketing. It comes with a fully-fledged advertising platform, influencers your can partner with, and ways to run contests.

1. Run Snapchat Ads

You can repurpose your existing Snapchat content with Snap Publisher when you run Snapchat Ads. You can target specific, custom, and lookalike audiences just like on Facebook.

2. Partner with influences

Popular Snapchat accounts can seriously improve your reach when you promote an event. Consider partnering up with one or two influencers to get some of their followers on board.

3. Run Snapchat competitions

Snapchat is also a great way to run competitions in the lead-up to your event. Incentivise your followers to share your event and offer the winner a ticket giveaway as a prize.

4. Snapchat event story

It’s also useful to know how to make a Snapchat story for an event. This helps your followers stay up to date with the latest developments. Remember that these are temporary, just like on Instagram.

Examples of the best Snapchat event geofilters for inspiration

Eager to create your own Snapchat filter but still unsure what kind of artwork to use? We’ve rounded up some examples of great Snapchat event geofilters to inspire you.

Click either of these links to see dozens of examples:

• Pinterest
• The Odyssey Online

Slap a filter on it

Now you know how to create a snapchat geofilter for your event. You’ve also seen examples of the best snapchat event geofilters.

Here’s a quick recap of key takeaways:

• Snapchat is a great way to reach younger event attendees.
• You should create an original design or hire someone to do it.
• Pick a time and location for your filter to determine its cost.
• Complement your Snapchat event geofilters with ads.
• Partner with influencers and run ticket giveaways.

Have you already tried  to make a Snapchat filter for an event? Share your experiences with us in the comments section below!