Snapchat Introduces Voice Controlled Lenses: Taking Selfies to the Next Level

Social media giant Snapchat is now introducing a new series of lenses to their platform that can respond to voice commands. The audio lenses will animate automatically when users speak simple words like "yes", "love", "no", and "hi". This is an alteration on previous filters that respond to physical actions that users take on camera like opening their mouths or winking. For instance, if a customer says "hi" using the new audio lenses, Snapchat will automatically launch an application that surround them with a flock of birds. On the other hand, if a user says "no" they are placed in an infinite tunnel of photos, while if they say "yes", the Snapchat filter will zoom in on the user's face. The new move from Snapchat is a compelling way for the social media channel to build their USP as they strive to compete against other social media channels like Facebook and Instagram.

Exploring the World of Audio

Snapchat has offered lenses that use audio cues in the past, although this is the first time that the company has created anything that actually recognizes and responds to work. Snapchat says it will begin to make new lenses using the Audio mode at a rate of about 5 to 6 new options a week. The lenses will appear alongside the other filters in the lens carousel. Snapchat is providing users with prompts on how they can trigger the animation to help them get started - so customers don't have to worry about struggling to use their app. After all this isn't the first time that Snapchat has experimented with unique filters and lenses. In fact, filter experiences have always been a big part of what makes Snapchat different as a social media brand. Unlike other companies offering lenses and filters, Snapchat seems to constantly push the sector forward by creating filters that deliberately take advantage of the latest camera technology and innovations. For instance, Snapchat has previously launched World Lenses that can add AR-based or augmented reality elements to a user's environment. They've also created games that can be played as a user takes a selfie and more.

Where Did the Journey into Sound Begin?

While the first word-recognition filter on Snapchat came into the media on the 1st of August, Snapchat launched their first sound-reactive filter in May. However, while the lens responded to sounds like cheering, it didn't recognize the different nuances in unique words. According to the social media brand, it's possible to combine the speech recognition filters with other lens technology - although specific details aren't available at this stage. The new lenses are part of an ongoing effort by Snapchat to raise their game ahead of the experiences offered by other social media applications. However, some media experts comment that the filters are very similar to those available on the Panda video app. Either way, the audio filters are another way for Snapchat to keep users engaged and entertained on the platform for longer. Although Snapchat has yet to catch up with the size and scope of Facebook from a social media empire perspective, it has a much younger audience, and a unique experience to offer - as demonstrated by the latest filters.

Written by

Ronn Torossian

Ronn Torossian is Founder and Chairman of 5W , the AI Communications Firm. He founded 5W in 2003 and built it into one of the largest independent public relations and digital marketing firms in the United States, with senior practitioners serving corporate communications , consumer brands , technology , financial services , health and wellness , beauty , gaming , crisis communications , and public affairs . Under his leadership, 5W defined AI Communications, building brand authority across ChatGPT , Claude , Perplexity , Gemini , and Google AI Overviews, alongside earned media, digital, GEO, and influencer channels. Industry Recognition 5W has been recognized as a top U.S. PR agency by O’Dwyer’s , Agency of the Year in the American Business Awards , Grand Stevie Most Honored PR Agency, a Ragan Top Place to Work in Communications 2026, Digiday WorkLife Employer of the Year, and a PRovoke Top 50 Global PR Agency. Torossian has been recognized with the Stevie American Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year, American Business Awards PR Executive of the Year twice, an EY Entrepreneur of the Year semi-finalist nomination, Business Insider Top Crisis Communications Professionals, and Crain’s New York Most Notable in Marketing & PR. Research Franchise 5W’s research franchise has become an industry reference for measuring brand visibility inside AI-generated answers, including the AI Visibility Index Series , The GEO Reckoning , The Missing Rung Report, and the 5W AI Power User Study , which identified a 99-point AI favorability gap. Crisis Communications Torossian is one of the world’s foremost crisis communications experts. He has counseled blue chip companies, public company boards, founders, and public figures through ransomware incidents, data breaches, regulatory investigations, high-stakes litigation, activist investors, product recalls, and reputational crises. He has taught crisis communications at Harvard University . Media & Commentary Torossian appears on CNN and CNBC . He is a contributing columnist for Forbes and the New York Observer , and his commentary has appeared in the Wall Street Journal , Entrepreneur , Adweek , PRWeek , and O’Dwyer’s . Published Work Torossian is the author of For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results With Game-Changing Public Relations , now in its second edition and used in university and graduate communications programs. Owner and Publisher, Everything-PR Network Torossian is owner and publisher of the Everything-PR Network , an independent intelligence platform covering public relations, marketing, AI communications, and adjacent industries across 30 publications. Everything-PR is editorially independent from 5W, with published editorial standards and ethics standards . The network is one of the most-cited sources inside ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini for PR and marketing queries. He is also an active investor and advisor, a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) , and serves on nonprofit boards.

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