Putting Ada on the Map

Snapchat is constantly updating their platform to give users a fresh and unique experience. Snapchat provides ‘geofilters’, otherwise known as “special overlays for Snaps that can only be accessed in certain locations.” (Snapchat) Geofilters are a fun way for users to add a distinctive element onto their snaps.

Ohio Northern students, Alex Sibila and Nicki McElroy, decided to create a geofilter design. That’s right… Ada is finally Snapchat official. While in Ada, Snapchat users are able to swipe right to choose between the two geofilters currently available. Nicki said she “wanted to make something that could be used everywhere in town, not just on campus.” While Alex “wanted to do it because I thought that it would be something that would bring campus together, and something that we didn’t have before." (Northern Review)

Sibila's Geofilter 

McElroy's Geofilter

Snapchat geofilters can be created by anyone from anywhere. Snapchat provides guidelines which need to be met in order for a geofilter to go live. Before Snapchat approves of the design, the creator must give an explanation about the design purpose and pinpoint exactly where the geotag can be used.

Snapchat lists three tips for hopeful geofilter designers. One, submit a web-optimized, transparent PNG with a width of 1080 pixels and a height of 1920 pixels. Two, there should be a buffer zone on the top and bottom of the design and three, avoid borders. Learn more about Snapchat’s geofilters guidelines on their website and get creating!