Snap launches DIY tool for businesses to build AR ads

Snap is now letting more and more businesses get on to its Lens train.

In a statement today, the Los Angeles-based social networking major announced the launch of Lens Web Builder, which it says will allow businesses to affordably and quickly build professional augmented reality (AR) Lenses for Snapchat.

Stating that it has seen a surge in AR Lens ads, Snap said that the new tool will allow for a larger pool of businesses to participate in this trend as it requires no specialist experience.

According to Snap, users will need no 3D design expertise, whether in building AR or lens creation, and Lens Web Builder can be accessed from any common web browser.

Snap said that users could create a new branded lens for Snapchat ad campaigns from scratch in mere minutes, with personalization options including 3D objects, effects, animations, 2D assets such as logos, images, and more.

Bypassing the need to only work with potentially expensive specialist creators or companies, businesses will find the Lens Web Builder to be an affordable way to produce campaigns, the firm indicated.

This move follows a series of other measures wherein Snap has tried to expand its offering to businesses, particularly smaller ones, in order to shore up advertising revenues.

Recently, it introduced a new tool that allowed advertisers to convert existing horizontal or square video into a vertical orientation, reducing the effort needed to produce a campaign on Snapchat.