Snapchat is a camera app that lets you exchange pictures and videos with friends. Available for iOS and Android devices, it’s become one of the most popular social media platforms among teens. And for good reason too—there are just so many things that you can do with it.
For example, you can make it so that your snaps will disappear after they’re viewed. On top of that, you can also play games, Livestream videos, send money, share your location on a map, and more.
The best part? You can change the appearance of your snap by adding filters or lenses. Basically, they’re effects that you can overlay onto your picture or video. For instance, you can use them to turn yourself into a dog or add something to the background. The possibilities are pretty much endless with the number of effects that are available.
And on this page, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite retro snap lenses. If anything, they’ll let you turn back the clock! Most of them can be used for videos as well so you can be as creative as you’d like.
Best Retro Snapchat Lenses & Filters For 2021
Anyway, here’s the list that we’ve put together!
1. Retro TV Screen Snapchat Filter
TVs weren’t always flat; they used to be big and bulky with antennas on the top. Have no idea what I’m talking about? Well then, why not scan the snapcode and see for yourself? The second you do that, a retro television will appear on a shelf on the screen. Not only will it have dials on the side but it’ll have the “bunny ears” on top as well!
And as you can see, whatever you point your camera at will appear on the screen. In other words, you can be on TV! In fact, we highly recommend that you record a video—that way, the effect will look even more realistic. Oh, and if you want, you can use the back camera too.
2. Retro Photos Snapchat Lens
Remember the days of taking instant photos? Well, this filter will give your snap that Polaroid vibe. And you just have to do one thing—scan the snapcode! Once you do that, several frames will appear against a black background. Some will be vertical while others will be horizontal; you don’t have to worry too much about it.
Because your face will appear on each and every one of them! And guess what? They’ll all have their own aesthetic. For example, the second one will be in black and white. You can see what I mean if you look at the screenshot that we’ve posted above.
3. VHS Film Snapchat Filter
Want to give your snap video that retro look? Then check out this lens—it’ll turn your snap into a black and white movie. And all you have to do is scan the yellow snapcode. The next thing you know, your back camera will turn on and everything will be in black and white. There will even be specks of dust on the screen!
And those markings on the side? They’re meant to give your snap that old film vibe. You can see what I’m talking about in the example above. So yeah, why not use this filter for your next video? It’ll give it a completely different vibe!
4. Retro Waves Snapchat Filter
Are you a fan of neon colors? If so, you won’t want to miss out on this lens—it’ll let you have your own little 80’s party! Simply scan the snapcode and the effect will activate. The next thing you know, waves of blue and pink will appear on the screen!
And if you’re facing the camera, the waves will move across your face! Trust me, it’s a lot cooler when everything is animated. Considering that, it’s probably best to record a video with the lens. Not that you can’t take a selfie with it, of course, it’s just that it won’t be as cool.
5. Retro Coin Snapchat Filter
Are you a gamer? If so, you’re probably familiar with this coin. That’s right, it’s the one from the classic Mario games! And with this filter, you’ll be able to make them appear like magic. You just need one thing—a “?” block.
It can be a cup, a t-shirt, an image from the internet, anything. All you have to do is point the camera at the block and the retro coin will automatically appear on top, just like the image above. And yes, it will be spinning just like in the games!
6. Old VHS Tape Snapchat Lens
Remember when we used to record everything on VHS? Well, with this filter, you’ll be able to bring some of that magic to Snapchat! Interested? If so, why not give it a go by scanning the snapcode? The second you do that, the effect will activate and trust me, the difference will be quite noticeable.
For one thing, everything on the screen will be a bit blurry. Not only that, but the colors will “pop out” a bit, if you know what I mean. And yes, that’s the date and time printed on the side of the screen. Every now and then, a glitch will also appear on the screen. Don’t worry, though, it won’t affect the video much.
7. Retro Look Snapchat Lens
Ever seen a photo from the 1910s or 1920s? Well, that’s what your snap will look like with this lens! And that’s not all, it’ll also transform you into a gentleman. If that interests you, scan the snapcode. Before you know it, you’ll be wearing a top hat! That’s not all, you’ll have a pair of glasses over your eyes as well. And is that a mustache on your face?
And as far as the actual screen goes, it will resemble an old photograph. For one thing, there will be no colors. Everything will be black and white instead. Also, if you look closely, you’ll see that there are bits of grain and dust on the screen.
8. Retro MSN Snapchat Lens
This filter is literally a blast from the past. What will it do? It’ll make it so that your snap will look like a MSN Messenger chat! Simply scan the snapcode and the windows will pop up in Windows XP fashion. And as you can see, there’ll be one for your buddy list, one for your chat, and one for your emojis.
As for your face, its ill appear where your display picture is supposed to be! Not just for your account but for the other account as well, if you know what I mean. Of course, you can record a video as well! Just think of the MSN interface as the “frame.”
9. Old PC Snapchat FIlter
Have you ever used an old Macintosh? You know, the big bulky ones with the floppy drive at the front? Well, that’s what will this filter will add to your snap! More specifically, it’ll come up as soon as you scan the snapcode. Before you know it, you’ll see something like the example above.
And yes, your face (or whatever you choose to point the camera at) will appear on the screen. In other words, it’ll look like you’re “in” the computer. Feel free to hold that camera button and record a video as well!
10. 90’s Style Snapchat Lens
You know the Memphis pattern from the ’90s? The one with the colorful geometric shapes? Well, that’s what you’ll get with this filter! More specifically, they’ll appear in the background. And all you have to do is scan the yellow snapcode—they’ll come up almost immediately.
And as you can see above, that’s not the only thing that will appear. If you point the camera at your face, a pair of frames will also appear over your eyes! And yup, they’ll have that same color pastel-y color scheme. Talk about stylish—if anything, it’d make for a great retro snap!
11. VCR TV Head Snapchat Filter
Perhaps you’ve always wanted to be on TV? If so, you definitely want to check out this filter. As soon as it’s activated, a TV will appear and you’ll be on the screen! And by TV, we mean the big bulky ones that we used to use back in the day. There will even be a row of buttons at the bottom!
Oh, and as far as the actual “video” goes, don’t expect it to be HD. In fact, it’ll be quite blurry with lines and grains on the screen. You’ll still be able to see your face, though, assuming that you’re facing the camera. And if you want it to look more realistic, take a video!
12. Silent Movie Snapchat Filter
This filter will turn your snap into a silent movie! If that interests you, why not check it out by scanning the snapcode? Everything will turn black and white immediately. That’s not all, various artifacts will appear on the screen as well. As expected from an old film!
And you won’t have to speak or anything. After all, it’s a silent film. You can just express yourself through your face!