Software · head to head
Snapchat AR vs Bigscreen
The short version
- They diverge on capability: Snapchat AR covers Face tracking, Bigscreen covers Virtual theaters.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Snapchat AR and Bigscreen actually diverge.
| Attribute | Snapchat AR | Bigscreen |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, Spectacles | Vr, Pc, Quest, Psvr |
| Founded | 2011 | 2014 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Snapchat AR
- Face tracking
- World tracking
- Body tracking
- Hand tracking
- Lens Studio
- AR Commerce
- Snap Camera
- Ar support
Only in Bigscreen
- Virtual theaters
- Social viewing
- Desktop streaming
- 3D movies
- Pluto TV
- Paramount+
- Desktop apps
- Vr support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Snapchat AR
- VR Gaming
- AR Marketing
- Virtual Training
- 3D Visualization
- Immersive Experiences
Bigscreen
- VR Gaming
- AR Marketing
- Virtual Training
- 3D Visualization
- Immersive Experiences
Both are used for vr gaming, ar marketing, virtual training, 3d visualization, immersive experiences, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Snapchat AR
- Limited to Snapchat and Spectacles ecosystem without Camera Kit
- Requires JavaScript or TypeScript knowledge for advanced effects
- Monetization requires meeting minimum performance thresholds
- Face tracking effects work best with optimal lighting
Bigscreen
Nothing recorded yet. See the Bigscreen review.
Pricing, plan by plan
Snapchat AR
Free- FreeFree
- AR filters
- Face lenses
- World lenses
Bigscreen
Free- FreeFree
- Social viewing
- Private rooms
- Desktop streaming
Which should you pick?
Choose Snapchat AR if
- You need face tracking.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android, Spectacles.
- You also want world tracking.
Choose Bigscreen if
- You need virtual theaters.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Vr, Pc, Quest, Psvr.
- You also want social viewing.
Questions people ask
- Is Snapchat AR or Bigscreen better?
- Neither clearly leads. Snapchat AR starts at Free and Bigscreen at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Snapchat AR or Bigscreen?
- Snapchat AR starts at Free and Bigscreen at Free.
- Does Snapchat AR or Bigscreen run on more platforms?
- Snapchat AR runs on Web, iOS, Android, Spectacles. Bigscreen runs on Vr, Pc, Quest, Psvr.
- Can I use Snapchat AR for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Snapchat AR best used for?
- Snapchat AR is most often used for vr gaming, ar marketing, virtual training, 3d visualization.
- What can Snapchat AR do that Bigscreen cannot?
- Snapchat AR covers Face tracking, World tracking, Body tracking, Hand tracking. Bigscreen covers Virtual theaters, Social viewing, Desktop streaming, 3D movies.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Snapchat AR: Is Lens Studio free?
Yes. Lens Studio is Snap AR's free AR development platform for creating augmented reality experiences for Snapchat, Spectacles, and web applications through Camera Kit.
SourceSnapchat AR: Can I monetize AR experiences created with Lens Studio?
Yes. Creators can participate in the Lens Creator Rewards Program to earn payouts based on lens performance. Lens+ provides additional monetization options for premium lenses.
SourceSnapchat AR: What features does Lens Studio include?
Lens Studio includes AR development tools, face tracking effects, generative AI for creating assets and ML models, 3D body morphing, and integrations with Snapchat, Spectacles, and mobile/web through Camera Kit.
Source