Snapchat Filter Dimensions & Image Sizes 2026
Snapchat filter dimensions are 1080 × 1920 px (9:16), saved as a PNG with a transparent background, at least 50% transparent, under 300 KB, with 310 px kept clear at the top and bottom. Below you'll find those filter specs in full, plus every other Snapchat image size for 2026 — Snap Ads, Stories, Lenses, and profile images.
Quick Reference
Snapchat Ad Formats
Single Image or Video Ad
Collection Ads
Story Ads
Commercials (Non-Skippable)
Snapchat Filter Dimensions & Lens Specs
Snapchat Filter Dimensions (Custom / On-Demand Filters)
Sponsored Lenses (AR)
The Filter Canvas Is Always 1080 × 1920
Every Snapchat filter uses the same canvas: 1080 px wide by 1920 px tall, a 9:16 vertical ratio. That is true whether you are designing a birthday filter, a wedding filter, or a business filter — the size never changes. Snapchat scales the single file to fit every phone screen, so there is no separate tablet or small-screen version to export.
310 px Safe Zones, Top and Bottom
Snapchat's own interface sits over your filter. Keep the top 310 px and the bottom 310 px free of text and logos, leaving roughly 1300 px of usable height in the middle. Artwork can extend into those bands — just nothing you need the viewer to read.
PNG, Transparent, Under 300 KB
Export as a 24-bit PNG with a genuine alpha channel — a white background flattened into the file will be rejected. At least 50% of the canvas must stay transparent so the underlying snap shows through, and the finished file must be smaller than 300 KB.
Design Around the Edges
The strongest filters hug the borders: a banner across the middle third, a frame around the perimeter, or a corner badge. Anything filling the centre covers the subject's face, which is the fastest way to have people swipe your filter away.
What Snapchat Will Reject
No URLs, no phone numbers, no QR codes, no email addresses, and no hashtags on personal filters. Photographs of people, brand logos you do not own, and anything obscuring more than half the screen are also rejected. Business filters may include a brand mark you have rights to.
Filters vs Lenses
A filter is a flat 1080 × 1920 PNG overlay you upload directly. A Lens is an interactive AR effect built in Lens Studio, with a 252 × 252 px carousel icon and 3D or tracked 2D assets. Filters take minutes to make; Lenses take a project.
Organic Content & Profile
Profile Picture (Bitmoji)
Snaps & Stories
Spotlight Content
Technical Specifications
Video Requirements
- Codec: H.264 (recommended) or H.265
- Frame Rate: 30 fps minimum (60 fps supported)
- Resolution: 1080×1920 px (must be 9:16 ratio)
- Bitrate: 5-10 Mbps for best quality
- Audio: AAC codec, 128 kbps minimum
- File Size: 1 GB max (though smaller is better for upload speed)
Image Requirements
- Format: JPG or PNG (PNG for transparency in filters)
- Resolution: 1080×1920 px exactly
- Color Space: sRGB recommended
- Max File Size: 5 MB for standard images, 300 KB for filters
Design Safe Zones
Top 310px and bottom 310px: Avoid placing critical content (logos, text, calls-to-action) in these zones. They may be covered by UI elements like usernames, timestamps, or swipe-up prompts.
Optimal content area: Center 1080×1300 px is safest for important visual elements.
Aspect Ratio Enforcement
Snapchat is strictly vertical (9:16). There's no support for horizontal or square content. All uploads must be 9:16 ratio or they'll be rejected or letterboxed with black bars.
Best Practices for Snapchat
Vertical Only
Snapchat is 100% vertical. Never upload horizontal content—it creates ugly black bars and poor user experience. Design everything for 9:16 from the start.
Hook Immediately
Users can swipe away instantly. Capture attention in the first 2 seconds. Use motion, bold visuals, or surprising moments right at the start.
Sound Off Design
Many Snapchatters watch with sound off. Add captions or text overlays to communicate your message. Visuals should tell the story even without audio.
Authentic & Raw
Snapchat values authenticity over polish. Overly produced content feels out of place. Behind-the-scenes, casual, and spontaneous content performs best.
Use Native Features
Incorporate Snapchat's native tools—filters, lenses, stickers, drawing tools. Content created within the app feels more genuine and engages users better.
Leverage AR Experiences
Snapchat pioneered AR filters. Brands with custom lenses see 5x higher engagement than static ads. Consider investing in AR if budget allows.
Tell Stories, Not Ads
Users hate intrusive ads. Create content that entertains, educates, or adds value. Story ads with multiple tiles let you build narrative and keep users engaged longer.
Target Gen Z
Snapchat's audience skews young (18-24 core demographic). Use trends, memes, and music that resonate with Gen Z. Stay culturally relevant.
Test & Iterate
Snapchat's Ads Manager provides detailed analytics. A/B test creatives, CTAs, and targeting. Iterate based on performance data—engagement rates, swipe-ups, conversions.
Snapchat vs Other Platforms
How Snapchat Differs
| Feature | Snapchat | Instagram Stories | TikTok |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspect Ratio | 9:16 only (strict) | 9:16 preferred, others work | 9:16 only |
| Content Lifespan | 24 hours (stories), permanent (Spotlight) | 24 hours (stories), permanent (feed) | Permanent |
| Primary Audience | Gen Z (13-24 core) | Millennials + Gen Z (18-34) | Gen Z (16-24 core) |
| AR Focus | Pioneered AR, central feature | AR available, less emphasis | AR effects growing |
| Messaging | Core feature (disappearing) | Available (DMs) | Basic (less used) |
| Discoverability | Discover + Spotlight (algorithmic) | Explore + Reels (algorithmic) | For You page (algorithmic) |
When to Use Snapchat
Best for: Reaching Gen Z, authentic behind-the-scenes content, ephemeral campaigns, AR experiences, event marketing (concerts, festivals), location-based targeting.
Not ideal for: Evergreen content (disappears after 24hrs), older demographics (35+), B2B marketing, long-form video, permanent brand assets.
Content Strategy
Treat Snapchat as a platform for intimacy and exclusivity. Users expect raw, unfiltered content from friends and brands they trust. Save your polished, edited content for Instagram or YouTube. Use Snapchat for:
- Product launches and sneak peeks
- Flash sales and limited-time offers
- Behind-the-scenes access
- Interactive polls and Q&As
- User-generated content campaigns (with filters/lenses)