Snapchat Releases Own AI-Powered Selfie Avatar Feature: 'Dreams'

Quincy Jon, Tech Times 30 August 2023, 03:08 pm

Snapchat has unveiled a new feature called "Dreams." With this new service, the popular messaging app enters the market for AI-generated selfies after launching the My AI chatbot earlier this year.

You may find Dreams in the Memories of Snapchat's camera roll. This function uses the generative AI selfie feature trend popularized by applications like Lensa. With Dreams, users can enhance their selfies by employing cutting-edge AI technology to turn them into creative avatars.

How Does Snapchat Dreams Work?

Using Dreams is a straightforward process: users submit a series of authentic selfies to the app, which are then utilized as the foundation for these fanciful avatars. The generative AI model of Snapchat gets to work and creates a range of eight-photo packs from which users may choose. Every group has a different theme, from back-to-school feelings to doppelgängers.

According to Dexerto article, while the feature is similar to Lensa's, Snapchat's Dreams has a distinct edge due to the accuracy of its AI. The generated avatars are often more realistic and closely match the user's characteristics since the AI can access certain angles of the user's face.

However, users cannot design their own unique prompts for Snapchat's Dreams function, which uses predetermined questions to generate avatars. The element of surprise, however, fits very nicely with Snapchat's whimsical and entertaining strategy for interacting with its audience.

Keeping The Fun, Playful Experience

In an interview, Snap Vice President of Product, Jack Brody, discussed Dreams and emphasized how it adheres to Snapchat's mission of providing value via entertaining and cutting-edge experiences.

"We've always approached creating value for the Snapchat community by doing things that are playful, that are fun, [and] that sometimes are a little bit silly and a little bit weird," Brody said, as quoted by The Verge.

Snapchat has faced issues with AI-driven features, according to an Evening Standard report. The site previously introduced a chatbot in the ChatGPT style, which received mixed consumer reviews. Although the chatbot could answer questions and provide guidance, some users found it unsettling that they needed to pay a fee to get rid of it. Unexpected postings were also made due to a bug in the chatbot's operation, which made Snapchat user experience even more challenging.

Despite the issue, Dreams have a more optimistic outlook. With most of Snapchat's user base is already used to using augmented reality lenses to improve their photographs, the switch to AI-generated avatars is expected go more smoothly. With Dreams, Snapchat showcases its continued commitment to engage its users with cutting-edge and entertaining features.