AR Snapshots: Anime Makeovers, Mandalorian Helmets, Twerking Muppets & More on Snapchat

In the three years since Snapchat launched Lens Studio, developers and artists have created more than 1.5 million AR camera effects with the desktop tool.

Beginning this week, AR Snap Shots will feature five augmented reality filters that showcase the innovative, trendy, or just plain cool AR experiences available on the Snapchat app.

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This week, we'll revisit one of the more popular Lenses from Snapchat, put on a tribute to one of 2020's hit streaming shows, dance with one of Jim Henson's most beloved creations, simulate the face tattoos of a famous rapper-turned-government-informant, and play a classic party game at a social distance.

Read further to try these experiences for yourself.

Draw Yourself as an Anime Hero

While Lens Studio has opened up Snapchat as an AR canvas for creators and developers, Snapchat's own creative teams still lead the way when it comes to viral AR experiences. One of the more recent examples of Snapchat's innovation is the Anime Style filter.

Using the front-facing camera, the Lens virtually paints your face in the style of Japanese animation to capture content in photos or videos.

For additional fun, you can also apply the filter to images in your camera roll. The Lens identifies pictures on your device with faces in them, so just scroll through to view the results. For example, it's pretty funny to see how the faction leaders in Pokemon GO look in anime art style.

Try out Anime Style on Snapchat for yourself.

Wear the Mandalorian's Helmet

Sure, if you want to experience The Mandalorian, the hit Star Wars series on Disney Plus, in augmented reality, you can install the official app (assuming you have a 5G-capable Android smartphone).

But, if you want to wear the beskar-plated helmet of Din Djarin via Snapchat, this is the way.

Despite the misspelling, The Mandolorian (SIC) by Nicholas Dominici projects Mando's helmet onto your face via the front-facing camera. For an unofficial experience, the 3D content is exquisitely rendered.

Invite Kermit to Your Quarantine Dance Party

The waltz, the twist, and the Charleston are viewed as classic dance styles today, but, in their time, they were scandalous, controversial, and provocative.

With history as a guide, one day twerking, arguably the most controversial dance move of our time (though it got its start in the 1980s in New Orleans), will find universal acceptance. And maybe that time has come already, if a wholesome character like Kermit the Frog can get down like that. Thanks to official Lens creator Phil Walton, we don't have to imagine what this would look like.

To unleash the Kermit Twerk in your space now via Snapchat. Point your rear-facing camera to your dance floor, and marvel at the muppet's moves.

You Can Look Like 6ix9ine...Temporarily!

Soundcloud rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine is probably more famous for snitching on his gang associates than any single song he's recorded. The average person probably can't name a single song, but they can probably identify him thanks to his distinctive and not-at-all-subtle face tattoos.

Now, you don't have to permanently handicap your vocational options and get the same look! The entertainer has published GOOBA. The Lens overlays his ink on your likeness virtually while the track of the same name plays in the background. Flash a grin and you'll find that you have 6ix9ine's rainbow-colored grill as well.

With This AR Game, There Is No Dare, Only Truth

Ahh, Truth or Dare...the rite of passage for American teens and young adults actually has its roots in 17th century England.

For a modern twist on the game, we have Truth or Truth by Sarah Duran that lets you play a limited version of the game.

Created in the style of the viral hit Which Disney camera effect on Instagram, Truth or Truth shuffles virtual cards over your head via your front-facing camera. Open your mouth, and the shuffle starts on a random question. For a new question, you'll need to start the experience over again.

In our socially-distanced age, this Lens lets you play the classic party game with friends by snapping the results and sending them to friends. I'd be lying if I said there wasn't some value in simulating normalcy in some way.