Snap Camera is a desktop version of Snapchat that lets you utilize its already-existing library of lenses and apply them to video chat and live streaming platforms.

It uses the webcam on your computer and essentially allows you to make use of exciting filters as well.

Snap Camera shutdown in January 2023

But as of January 25, 2023, the Snap Camera app will no longer be usable or downloadable, according to a recent Snapchat announcement.

Snap-camera-shutdown-2023
Source (Click/tap to view)

This decision has seemingly caught some users off guard and prompted them to turn to social media sites to voice their worries about the same (1,2,3,4).

@snapchatsupport With snap camera leaving, will there be something for streamers to still use your product easily?
Source

Snap-camera-shutdown-2023
Source

Users are now extremely disappointed because this application worked flawlessly for them.

The news is even awful for some transgender people who made calls on various platforms, especially using the ‘Remove Beard Lens’.

This is devastating to MTF & NB transgender people…
Source

The fact that users are finding it hard to accept this decision could probably be because of the one-minute time restriction (1,2) for the Snapchat filter on the web version.

Moreover, significant problems with the filter quality and the absence of options like a webcam source for the desktop app are also quite off-putting for some.

Snap-camera-shutdown-2023
Source

Are there any alternatives?

Even though people have actively been asking for alternatives, it seems unlikely that they will get one.

edit –
ok, i didn’t see that:-
a) the app requires a connection to their website to display filters; and
b) they’ve already cut off the connection.
In which case, let me share your grievances.
Source

Apparently, the Snapchat connection is necessary for the filters. But it appears that the platform doesn’t seem to want such capabilities to be available.

Snap Camera developers are not very active on social media sites and have not provided any comments.

We’ll keep tabs on the latest developments and update this article as and when something noteworthy comes up.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Snapchat section so be sure to follow them as well.

PiunikaWeb started as purely an investigative tech journalism website with main focus on ‘breaking’ or ‘exclusive’ news. In no time, our stories got picked up by the likes of Forbes, Foxnews, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Engadget, The Verge, Macrumors, and many others. Want to know more about us? Head here.

Riya Madaan
868 Posts

Weaving a little bit of life into the articles I write. No, not really! That's not really possible for a trash writer like me but I still try. Apart from it, I skate, meditate and medicate. Also keep myself away from troubles as I age.

Next article View Article

[Updated] Instagram crashing on all Android phones, but there are workarounds

Here's the crux of the article in video form: New updates are being added at the bottom of this story……. Original story from (June 5, 2018) follows: We're...
Jul 10, 2023 6 Min Read