Skip to main content

Think Snapchat is dead? Then check out the Like app and its AR effects

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Now that Kylie Jenner has declared Snapchat to be dead (and wiped out more than $1 billion in the company’s value), there may be space for a new social media app to ascend to new heights. If Snapchat is over, what’s new and happening? Hoping to fill the void is Like, a short video app with what is said to be some of the most advanced technology in its category. Already an international sensation, Like has proven its popularity by attracting more than 25 million users in 19o countries. So move over indeed, Snapchat, because Like may be the new ruling monarch.

The app, in some ways, is much like Musical.ly, the so-called “global video community” that allows users to create, share, and explore short music videos. But Like takes things a step further with a number of augmented reality effects, resulting in what the Like team calls “music magic.”

Using Like seems simple enough — all you need to do is pick a song (there are plenty of current pop hits that you can select within the app itself) — and then begin recording videos that you can either share in the app itself or on other social media outlets. But before you say that this sounds just like the millions of other social music video apps already in existence, you’ll have to explore the variety of special effects, many of which, ironically enough, seem to take their cues from Snapchat.

You can apply face filters, change your voice with sound effects, and most importantly, check out a host of AR effects. With its 4D Magic effects, Like allows users to transform video backgrounds with simple animations like bubbles, or with impactful moments like a big explosion. You can also turn your background into a fanciful place — after all, why make your bedroom the backdrop when you can make it the moon? Plus, you can do face swaps, and a range of other (again, admittedly Snapchat-esque) effects.

A number of young Hollywood influencers, including Mackenzie Ziegler, Johnny Orlando, and Tessa Brooks have begun using the app, but only time will tell if the real queen of social media gives her stamp of approval. But even if Kylie isn’t using Like just yet, you can try it out yourself.

Editors' Recommendations

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Nomad’s new iPhone case and Apple Watch band may be its coolest yet
Nomad Glow 2.0 Sport Case and Apple Watch Sport Band in daylight.

Though the world of Apple accessories is a dime a dozen, one of the better brands that you can buy is Nomad. Nomad has a variety of amazing leather Apple Watch bands and cases, as well as non-leather options, too. In August 2023, Nomad released a one-of-a-kind Glow in the Dark Apple Watch band that sold out in about 12 hours.

Since that Glow in the Dark band was a limited edition, no one was sure if Nomad was going to re-release it, and this explains the high resale prices you’ll find on eBay. But Nomad just released the Glow 2.0 Apple Watch Sport Band as well as a new Glow 2.0 Sport Case for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. And, yes, they're just as wonderful as before.
The new and improved Glow 2.0

Read more
We finally know when Apple will announce its 2024 iPads
Official artwork for Apple event in May 2024.

(more…)

Read more
One of the biggest Oura Ring competitors just did something huge
The Ultrahuman Ring Air and the Oura Ring, resting on a table.

Ultrahuman, the maker of the Ultrahuman Ring Air, is making its way to U.S. production grounds. The company is setting up a production facility in Indiana, which will mark the first time a smart ring from Ultrahuman will be assembled from scratch on U.S. soil.

“The UltraFactory will offer an end-to-end production capability and is based on the company’s first operational model of such a facility in India,” the company says.

Read more