What is Snapchat Map (Snap Map)?

Snapchat Map or Snap Map is an interactive feature within the app that allows you to view your friends’ locations on the map, discover popular places, and watch snaps and stories from around the world. The feature was launched in 2017 and has become one of the most used features, especially during major events like Riyadh Season and festivals.

To open the map: Open Snapchat ← tap the map icon in the top left corner of the camera screen (or swipe down on the home screen). A world map will appear with Bitmoji icons of your friends and active places around you.

How to Use Snapchat Map

1. Sharing Your Location: When you take a snap, you can add it to the map for your friends to see where you are. Your location updates automatically.

2. Viewing Place Stories: Hotspots appear on the map for active areas (festivals, events, tourist spots). Tap any spot to view snaps from that location.

3. Finding Friends: The map displays Bitmoji locations of your friends. Tap any friend to open a chat or view their story.

4. Exploring Places: You can zoom in on the map and tap any city to see active content there.

Ghost Mode — Privacy First

If you don’t want to share your location with anyone, enable Ghost Mode. In this mode, no one can see your location — only you can.

How to Activate: Open the map ← tap the gear icon ← choose “Ghost Mode.” You can set the duration: 3 hours, 24 hours, or permanently.

Important tip: Ghost Mode is the best option for maintaining privacy. Always enable it if you don’t need to share your location.

What Are Geofilters?

Geofilters are special design overlays that appear only when you’re in a specific geographic location. For example, when you visit Riyadh, a filter named “Riyadh” or a special event filter may appear for you.

Geofilters were first launched in 2014 and have since evolved to include thousands of designs in cities around the world.

Types of Geofilters:

  • Community Filters: Free filters designed by users and available to everyone in specific locations.
  • Personal Filters: For events (weddings, graduations, birthdays) — commercial logos are not allowed.
  • Commercial Filters: For businesses and stores to promote via Snapchat — commercial logos can be included.
  • On-Demand Filters: Custom filters you create yourself through the platform for a fee.

How to Use Geofilters

It’s simple: After taking a photo or video, swipe left or right on the screen to browse filters. Filters that include a city, neighborhood, or event name are geofilters. They will appear automatically if your location matches the required area.

Note: You need to enable location services on your phone for geofilters to work.

How to Create a Custom Geofilter

Snapchat allows anyone to create a custom filter via the “On-Demand Geofilters” service:

  1. Design the filter — required size: 1080×1920 pixels, PNG format with a transparent background
  2. Go to create.snapchat.com or access it from within the app
  3. Define the geographic area on the map (select the location precisely)
  4. Choose the duration: one day or an entire month
  5. Pay the fee — starting from $5 (approximately 19 SAR)
  6. After approval, the filter becomes available to anyone visiting the specified area during the selected period

Important Tips for Maximum Benefit

  • For Individuals: Use geofilters to enhance your snaps during travel and events — they add a unique touch to your content.
  • For Businesses: Geofilters are a low-cost advertisement targeting visitors in a specific location — for example, a restaurant can create a filter that appears only to visitors in the neighborhood.
  • Where it takes place.
  • For events: Weddings and graduation parties — create a custom filter for guests to use at the venue.
  • For privacy: Don’t forget to turn on Ghost Mode if you don’t want to share your location with everyone.

    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Does Snapchat Map consume a lot of data?

    Yes, using the map consumes mobile data, especially when loading maps or watching Snaps. It’s preferable to use Wi-Fi.

    How do I hide my location from a specific person?

    Go to Settings ← “Who Can See My Location” and choose the people you want to share it with. Or use Ghost Mode for complete hiding.

    Are Geofilters free?

    Community filters and city filters are completely free. Custom (On-Demand) filters have fees based on area and duration.

    How much does a custom Geofilter cost?

    It starts from $5 (18.75 Saudi Riyal) for small areas for one day, and up to $50 for large areas for a month.

    Are Geofilters available in Saudi Arabia?

    Yes, Geofilters are available in all cities of the Kingdom. During major events (Riyadh Season, Jeddah, festivals), special free filters are available.

    Do I need to enable location to use filters?

    Yes, Geofilters rely on your current location, so you must enable location services on your phone and in the Snapchat app.

    How long does it take for a custom filter to be approved?

    Usually, a few hours to one working day at most. After approval, it becomes available immediately in the specified area.