Let’s explore more about the augmented reality (AR) experience of Snapchat Scan and the different things you can do with the feature.
What Is Snapchat Scan?
Launched in 2019, the Snapchat Scan feature uses AR and image recognition technology to transform Snapchat into a visual search engine, giving users information about what they’re pointing their camera at.
The Scan tool has gradually been updated–going beyond merely suggesting lenses to identifying multiple objects from your surroundings, unveiling interesting facts about them, solving math equations, and more.
It’s safe to say it comes packed with surprises. All you have to do is point your Snapchat camera at objects and get ready to be amazed.
Google Lens and Pinterest Lens are also apps that identify objects with your phone’s camera and have a similar fun experience with their surroundings. However, Snapchat Scan comes with its own unique set of features.
How to Find the Snapchat Scan Feature
Snapchat has made it quite easy to locate Scan thanks to a 2021 update.
In an attempt to make this tool more central, users can now easily find this tool smack-dab in the middle of the app’s lower function bar, on the main Camera Screen.
The Scan feature can be found right below the round Capture button. Simply tap the yellow button to start using the feature.
Alternatively, by lightly tapping once on your camera screen, you’ll open the Lens Carousel. You’ll find the yellow Scan button at the bottom function bar, a bit to the left.
Additionally, if you want to opt for a more direct approach for activating the Snapchat Scan tool, simply point your Snap Camera at any object and long-press on the screen.
Read more: The Best Snapchat Filters List and Essential Snapchat Lenses
What Can You Do With Snapchat Scan?
Although Snapchat’s Scan journey began through scanning QR codes, it has evolved significantly since then. Snapchat now allows you to survey the world with an increasing list of exciting AR features and tools.
Here are five things you can do with Snapchat Scan…
1. Identify Songs
Have you ever heard someone play a great song, but were too shy to ask its name? Or have you found yourself frustrated in a club, bar, or party, struggling to remember the song’s name?
Scan’s here to ease your exasperation.
Through a partnership with Shazam, identifying songs has become an easy and quick task with the Scan tool.
As soon as you activate the feature (either by tapping on the yellow Scan button or long-pressing the main Snapchat screen), the song’s name will instantly pop up.
2. Solve Math Problems
Are you an exasperated student unable to crack a tricky equation? Or maybe you want to quickly verify an answer? There’s no need to reach for that calculator.
Open your Snapchat app, scan the math problem, and it will show you the solution within a few seconds. However, Snapchat’s limited functionality prevents you from viewing a step-by-step breakdown of the solution.
Don’t be discouraged though. If you are seeking a more detailed guide, Snapchat will redirect you to the Photomath app. Installing it will solve your problems (literally).
Download: Photomath for Android | iOS
3. Identifying Dog Breeds and Plant Species
Having partnered with Dog Scanner, Snapchat Scan allows users to point their Snap Camera at any dog and immediately discover its breed.
Up to 400 breeds can be identified using the app’s data.
Similarly, scanning any tree or plant in the real world will immediately identify its species using the PlantSnap integration.
Read more: How to Make a Snapchat Filter in 3 Easy Steps
4. Learning More About Wine, Food, and Cars
You can also use the Snapchat scan feature to find more about wines and the nutritional information of food products. This update is powered by different apps such as Vivino for wine detection.
Once the Scan tool has detected your wine, you can learn general facts about it and what you can expect it to taste like.
In addition to this, in collaboration with the Yuka app, scanning a food product’s barcode gives you insight into its nutritional content. This is a super useful feature if you want to know more about your food, including the positive and negatives of certain products.
Snapchat’s partnership with Car Scanner also gives you all the information you need about a car at your fingertips. Just scan a car using Snapchat Scan and you can find information such as its model or an approximate price.
5. Scan Can Suggest Camera Lenses
Snapchat contains millions of Lenses and AR filters, which is often why users struggle to find the right one. Scan has also solved this problem by suggesting the Lenses which best fit the image being captured.
This can help you discover new Lenses and filters too, uncovering a wider range of the effects available through the app.
Snapchat Scan: Hit or a Miss?
Undoubtedly, Snapchat Scan has come far on its journey and enhanced our Snapchat experience. It is a powerful and fun technology for those curious about their surroundings, especially useful for those wanting to maximize their learning using minimal time and effort.
However, the feature is currently limited to just a few situations. Regardless, we’re excited to see how Snapchat will continue to unlock new potential by updating Scan tools and expanding its use cases.
