Snapchat’s latest update is making people open their mouths – and it’s all due to the social media platform’s new animated selfie lenses.
The new update was released on September 15, and included new selfie tools, added in-app purchases, and a new trophy case feature.
Here’s a look at what’s new:
Animated selfie lenses
This is the biggest highlight of the new update.
These “lenses” allow you to add special effects to photos and videos, which can be entertaining, funny and some a bit scary.
There are seven different effects, with the update including a rainbow tongue and animated heart eyes, to name a few. Snapchat says the lenses will be regularly updated, with a new effect being rotated daily. So keep checking for new and exciting lenses to come.
To use lenses, operate when facing the camera straight-on, and remove glasses.
Take a look at these examples:
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Changeable friend emojis
It’s not a new feature, but it’s now easier to understand.
Snapchat’s update has included a guide to the app’s “friend emoji’s” system.
Snapchat uses the emojis to describe your Snapchat relationship with the people you exchange messages with the most.
Now you can change the emojis for different types of relationships and even specifically for each user.
This feature can be accessed from the settings menu found in the top right corner of the app. From there, head to Additional Services – Manage – Friend Emojis.
The Trophy case
The Trophy Case is a way of seeing your achievements. Different emojis will represent different achievements, such as reaching a certain score or using a particular feature.

Some achievements include sending a video that unlocks the VHS tape trophy or the using five or more pen colours in a single snap to unlock the lollipop.
Extra replays
Snapchat has added the ability to unlock extra replays, but it comes at a cost.
You can still get one free replay per 24-hour period, but now you can buy extras using the in-app purchases. Three replays cost $0.99, or ten for $2.99.
Even with paid reviews, you can still only replay a snap once, so they must be used for separate messages.
Snapchat users comment on the new update:
Holly Brendling said: “I think it’s pretty cool but also kind of pointless, it’s probably going to be trending and then just die out.”
Stevee-Jayde Arkell: “I like it, but it’s hard to use and sometimes feels like I’m just playing around with webcam filters.”
Libby Blore: “I really like it, but it needs more effects.”
Charmaine Faithfull: “I haven’t got it on my phone because it’s Samsung, which sucks because I want it.”
Aaron Roper: “I think it’s pretty fun and the kids love it.”
If you haven’t seen the new features yet, head along to Snapchat to update.
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