Snapchat‘s crying filter was the talk of the internet in 2022, captivating users with its incredibly realistic crying effect that could transform any face into a weeping mess. People couldn‘t get enough of using the filter to prank their friends, create dramatic content, or just marvel at the impressively convincing visuals. However, many Snapchatters, particularly those on Android devices, soon discovered a major issue – the crying filter often fails to work when trying to record a video.
If you‘ve excitedly loaded up the crying filter only to find it unresponsive when hitting record, or noticed that it works for photos but refuses to apply when capturing video, you‘re definitely not alone. A huge number of Android users have expressed frustration over this glitch, taking to social media and online forums to vent and seek solutions.
The iOS vs Android Snapchat Divide
So why does the crying filter seem to work flawlessly for iPhone users recording videos, while Android fans are left struggling? The problem likely stems from the fundamental differences in how Snapchat is developed and optimized for the two mobile operating systems.
It‘s well-documented that Snapchat has long had issues providing a smooth, bug-free experience on Android compared to iOS. Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel even acknowledged this back in 2017, admitting that the company had neglected the Android app in the early days of Snapchat‘s existence.
The root of Snapchat‘s Android troubles lies in the vast fragmentation of the Android ecosystem. While Apple has a relatively small number of iPhone models to develop for, Android boasts a massive array of devices with varying hardware configurations and specs. Snapchat has previously blamed this diversity for the difficulty in delivering a consistent experience across all Android phones.
As a result, features like filters are often designed with iOS in mind first, then ported over to Android later. This can lead to compatibility issues, glitches, and subpar performance on certain Android devices. The crying filter video recording bug is a prime example of this problem.
Snapchat‘s Android woes are reflected in the app‘s usage statistics. According to data from Statista, as of January 2023, 62.4% of Snapchat‘s global users access the app on an iOS device, compared to just 37.6% on Android. In the US, the difference is even more stark – 77.5% of American Snapchatters are on iOS, with only 22.5% using Android.
These numbers suggest that Snapchat‘s struggles on Android may be hindering its growth and alienating a significant portion of the global smartphone user base. With Android accounting for over 70% of worldwide mobile OS market share, Snapchat can‘t afford to keep treating Android as a second-class citizen.
Troubleshooting the Crying Filter on Android
If you‘re an Android user desperate to get the crying filter working for your video masterpiece, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try. First and foremost, check that your Snapchat app is updated to the latest version. Bug fixes and performance improvements are frequently rolled out through app updates, so ensuring you have the most recent release is crucial.
To update Snapchat on Android:
- Open the Google Play Store app
- Tap on your profile icon in the top right
- Select "Manage apps & device"
- Find Snapchat in the list of apps and tap on it
- If an update is available, tap the "Update" button
If updating doesn‘t resolve the issue, try clearing Snapchat‘s cache. Over time, temporary data stored by the app can become corrupted and cause problems. Clearing the cache gives Snapchat a fresh start without deleting your account data.
To clear Snapchat‘s cache on Android:
- Go to your device‘s Settings app
- Tap "Apps & notifications"
- Find and tap on Snapchat
- Tap "Storage & cache"
- Tap "Clear cache"
If the crying filter still won‘t cooperate, your last resort is to completely uninstall and reinstall the Snapchat app. This will erase all locally stored data and give you a totally clean slate. Just remember to log back in to your account after reinstalling.
Should none of the above work, you may unfortunately have to accept that the crying filter is simply incompatible with your particular Android device. Certain phone models or Android versions could have inherent conflicts with the filter‘s functionality. In this case, borrowing a friend‘s iPhone to record crying filter videos might be your only option until Snapchat (hopefully) resolves the bug.
The Importance of Filters to the Snapchat Experience
The crying filter debacle underscores just how crucial filters, lenses, and augmented reality effects are to the Snapchat experience. Snapchat popularized the use of AR filters in social media, and they remain one of the app‘s most loved and defining features.
According to Snapchat‘s own data, over 250 million users engage with augmented reality on the app every day. The company has continually invested in AR technology, introducing new filters and lenses on a regular basis to keep users engaged and entertained.
Filters are more than just a fun gimmick – they‘re a core part of Snapchat‘s identity and appeal. For many users, the ability to transform their appearance or surroundings with a tap is what sets Snapchat apart from other social apps. When popular filters like the crying lens don‘t work properly, it‘s not just a minor inconvenience – it‘s a major blow to the Snapchat experience.
Snapchat‘s Future on Android
As of 2024, Snapchat is still struggling to provide a seamless experience to its Android user base. Despite the company‘s promises to prioritize Android development, issues like the crying filter glitch persist.
However, there are signs that Snapchat is making progress. In 2021, Snapchat rebuilt its Android app from the ground up in an effort to improve performance and stability. The company has also expanded its Android development team and committed to more frequent updates and bug fixes.
Only time will tell if these efforts will be enough to close the gap between Snapchat on iOS and Android. With intense competition from rival apps like Instagram and TikTok, Snapchat can‘t afford to alienate Android users for much longer.
In the meantime, Android Snapchatters will have to continue making do with an imperfect app. By keeping Snapchat updated, regularly clearing the cache, and reporting bugs to Snapchat‘s support team, users can help mitigate issues and improve their experience.
It‘s also worth exploring alternative face filter options, both within Snapchat and on other apps. Snapchat offers a wide selection of lenses beyond the crying filter, many of which work well on Android. And if all else fails, cross-platform apps like TikTok have their own array of fun and wacky filters to play with.
Conclusion
The crying filter fail is a frustrating reminder of Snapchat‘s ongoing struggles on Android. While iOS users enjoy a smooth experience, Android Snapchatters are often left dealing with bugs, glitches, and missing features.
However, there is hope on the horizon. With Snapchat‘s renewed focus on Android development and a growing awareness of the importance of the Android user base, improvements are likely in the coming years. In the meantime, Android users can take steps to optimize their Snapchat experience and explore alternative filter options.
At the end of the day, Snapchat‘s success depends on delivering a great experience to all of its users, regardless of their device. By prioritizing Android development and ensuring feature parity between platforms, Snapchat can secure its place as a leading social media app for years to come. So here‘s hoping that one day, Android users can ugly cry with the best of them using Snapchat‘s iconic filter.