• by Colin Kirkland , November 13, 2023

Snapchat has teamed up with leading artificial intelligence organization OpenAI to allow developers to create AR lenses that use ChatGPT via a new ChatGPT Remote API, the company announced at its annual developer event known as Lens Fest.

This capability may expand the ways in which users engage with influencer content on the app.

The update is included in a new beta of Snap's Lens Studio. Based on examples shown by the company, Snap's ChatGPT-powered AR Lenses provide answers to users' questions, and can be embedded with quizzes or randomizers.

Snap says that the feature aims to unlock “new types of learning, conversational, and creative experiences for Snapchatters,” which could translate to new ways for brands to reach consumers as well.

Lens Studio now hosts over 330,000 AR creators, developers, and teams building on Snap’s AR platform, according to updated statistics the company provided on its event. “They have created nearly 3.5 million Lenses, which in the last year have been viewed by Snapchatters more than 3 trillion times.”

Snap added that lens developers will soon be able to use a 3D facemask generator to create generative-AI face lenses as well.

Snap introduced its first ChatGPT-powered feature ––  “My AI” –– in February, which took the form of a chatbot that users could communicate with as if they were talking with one of their close friends. After making the feature free to all users, however, user feedback turned negative due to privacy issues and other concerns.

In October, My AI became subject to a “preliminary enforcement notice” doled out by a UK watchdog that is investigating potential privacy risks.