AI- and AR-powered filters are turning around Snap's, FaceApp's fortunes
Don't underestimate the power of an AI editing tool or AR filter
• less than 3 min read
We've always known people like looking at themselves. What we didn't know: People love looking at themselves when they're distorted by AI-powered photo editing tools or augmented reality (AR) filters.
Snap Inc. posted the strongest earnings of its young public company life Tuesday. Its signature platform, Snapchat, boosted its user base, engagement, and advertising. CEO Evan Spiegel partially attributed this growth to AI-powered AR features, aka those viral gender swap/baby face Snapchat lenses from May.
As for FaceApp? It has its 15 minutes of fame every few years.
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Don't underestimate the power of deceivingly simple AI/AR features: These filters have boosted the financial fortunes of an entrenched-yet-struggling photo app and catapulted a smaller contender into social media stardom.
Looking ahead: To keep its daily active Snapstreak alive, Snap will likely prioritize its AR capabilities. But it'll have competition: As FaceApp has shown, the barriers to entry are low. Plus, there are always Big Tech copycats (not naming names).
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