Shader is challenging industry heavyweights like Snap’s AR development platform Lens Studio and TikTok’s Effect House. Their no-code AR creation tool allows users to generate custom effects, 2D masks, and lenses in minutes, eliminating the need for engineering and design skills typically required when creating AR filters. Built on the open source Stable Diffusion model, Shader lets users input text-based prompts to create their own AR creations.
Founded by Darya Sesitskaya, a former Snap design lead responsible for designing Snapchat’s AR camera and more, Shader also features former Snap AR and Blizzard engineers on its team. Their flagship AI camera app, launched in beta on iOS in December 2023, allows users to scan their faces and input prompts to generate personalized AR effects, which can be recorded as videos.
Image Credits: Shader
While initial results may be simpler, Shader plans to offer a premium subscription with higher-quality features. The app allows cross-platform sharing on Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, and Shader will introduce an in-app social feed for users to share and try out new effects.
Users can customize photos from their camera roll, select from Shader’s templates, and soon expect an Android version. The company also recently launched a web version with webcam face scanning and text prompts.
Image Credits: Shader
With $580,000 in funding from several investors, Shader aims to expand its features, such as speech-to-text prompts and integration with platforms like Twitch and Discord. The company’s mission is to make AR/AI effects accessible to all, emphasizing user-friendly design to unleash creativity for social media creators.
Explore Shader’s innovative technology with a short demo on their YouTube channel.
