Here's Exactly How To Use Snapchat Geofilters

Good morning, and welcome to the latest installment of the unofficial Bustle Guide to Pretending Like You Understand Technology. Today's topic is how to use Snapchat geofilters, because sometimes it's just too embarrassing to ask your teenage cousin for more help navigating social media. If your Snapchat game could use some work, or if you're simply technologically challenged, never fear! We're about to take an in-depth look at how to use geofilters — I would say possibly too in-depth, but if you're anything like me, the step-by-step method is always the best option.

Geofilters have been around for a while at this point; available beginning in 2014, they actually predate Snapchat's beloved Lenses feature by almost a year. However, they've undergone a number of changes since their initial release. If you're not familiar with them, they're fairly self-explanatory: A geofilter is a feature that can only be accessed in certain locations. This initially meant neighborhoods or landmarks, but it's also expanded to include events and advertisements as well. In fact, Snapchat allows users to submit their own designs for consideration as possible filters for local attractions, universities, and other public areas. Recently, they added an "on-demand" option directed toward people and small business, which allows users to purchase a geofilter for their own event, business, or location.

So how do you actually use a geofilter? Like all things Snapchat-related, it's ridiculously easy.

1. Take A Picture

Say hello to my favorite coffee cup!

2. Doodle Accordingly

Drawing a smiley face is the MOST important step, of course.

Psst! For more talk about all things Internet, check out our podcast, The Chat Room.

3. Swipe Left

Geofilters are the last filters available, so swipe left to access them immediately. Technically, you could swipe right until you reach them, but it's faster to start with the left.

If swiping isn't doing anything to your photo, you probably have the filters option turned off. To turn it back on, just go to the settings option within the app, then scroll down to "manage." Check the "filters" box, and you should be good to go.

4. Choose Your Filter And Send

There are usually a number of different designs to choose from, so be sure to browse through the options before you send.

There you have it! You're officially ready to send all the geofilters you want and impress all your technologically challenged friends.

Images: Stokpic.com/Pexels; Claire Warner/Bustle (4); Giphy