Have you noticed on Instagram Stories that you opened it recently and your favorite AR filters are missing?
It is the confused state of the thousands of creators who will be left behind after Meta closes down Spark AR in January 2025.
Spark AR was not an instrument but rather a blend of imagination as a technology.
Counting millions of augmented reality experiences on Facebook and Instagram that were built with Spark AR, non-profits shared their stories through filters in viral campaigns by brands running Spark AR.
However, with the move by Meta to retire Spark AR, there is a massive question mark in the sky:
Which way forward on AR creators and marketers?
We will dive deeper into the reasons Spark AR fired, how this affects the creators, and the most important part, why you still preserve your AR experiences by maximizing the best Spark AR alternatives in 2025.
What Was Spark AR?
The Spark AR creative studio was the augmented reality tool created by Meta that enabled anyone, including small artists and big brands, to create filters, effects, and immersive camera experiences on Facebook and Instagram.
You didn’t need to be a coder. The drag-and-drop interface allowed it to be easy to make an interactive AR effect that responded to face, gesture, or the surroundings.
Fun fact:
By 2023, one million six hundred and twenty-five creators of AR in 190 countries had published effects through the publication using Spark AR. Meta itself claimed that more than 600 million users are related to Spark AR effects each month.
That’s huge.
Thus, the news about the shutdown shocked the AR creator world.
Research the potential of EuphoriaXR to make your new AR project happen.
Why Did Meta Shut Down Spark AR?
The company petitioned to retire the third-party platform of the Spark AR on January 14, 2025 (Meta, official update, August 2024).
Meta, themselves, refers to such a choice as a part of their greater endeavors to put more emphasis on those products that will best serve the needs of consumers and businesses in the future.
It is also moving to the next-gen AR/VR technologies, such as Horizon Worlds, Meta Quest 3, and AI-integrated mixed reality technology.
Basically, Meta plans to introduce AR in its new AR immersive ecosystem, which is no longer social filters but premium immersive metaverse experiences.
This is, however, the end of an era for creators.
Spark AR Shutdown Timeline
August 27, 2024: Meta officially disclosed the closure of Spark AR.
January 14, 2025: AR tools and effects will cease to exist as a third-party option on Facebook and Instagram.
After January 2025: Meta-owned effects of AR will be the only effective ones.
The Spark AR filters used by your agency or brand will cease operation after this date; therefore, your next move needs to be planned now.
What Happens After Project Spark Shutdown?
To creators, marketers, and agencies, the termination of the Spark AR implies:
There will be no access to your current filters and effects.
You are not able to post new Spark AR experiences on Facebook or Instagram.
To continue the practice of AR in brand storytelling and engagement with audiences, you will have to shift to different platforms.
The good news?
Some of the already existing Spark AR alternatives have the powerful and easy-to-use tools already, and a few may even be more fitting for the AR landscape in 2025.
Collaborate with one of the top AR Development Companies, specialized in the immersive, AI-driven experiences, which are captivating to attend and convert.
The Best Spark AR Alternatives in 2025
With the announcement of the closure of Spark AR by Meta, creators started searching for new methods to create interactive filters and effects.
The following platforms have been determined to be the best Spark AR alternatives in 2025 to enable brands and educators, as well as developers preserve their AR experiences.
TikTok Effect House
TikTok Effect House is now emerging as one of the most valuable AR creators globally.
It allows you to create interactive effects and filters with the power to make it go viral across millions of TikTok videos in a few hours.
Why TikTok Effect House Stands Out?
It provides creators with trend insights, a simplified interface, and immediate visibility on TikTok. Since TikTok is a platform for short-form content that people can share, your AR filters will have an opportunity to circulate spontaneously through user adoption and challenges.
Pros
Huge worldwide views and built-in virality.
Low-level and easy-to-use AR creation tools.
Effect performance tracking analytics dashboard.
Cons
Restricted in the sphere of TikTok.
Minor influence on the campaigns or brand integrations that happen over time.
Case Study: Bomb Pop: Exploding Awareness on TikTok
Bomb Pop released an AR filter on TikTok in an explosion-flavored color, which allowed users to capture summery videos. The campaign achieved 8 million+ views in the 1st week, and the consumer brand jumped by 32 percentage points.
Snapchat Lens Studio
Snapchat Lens Studio is also one of the richest and most creator-friendly AR platforms that is easily provided.
It allows brands and developers to create immersive 2D, 3D, and real-world AR experiences that have precision tracking and face mapping.
Why Snapchat Lens Studio Stands Out?
AR lens became popular on most social platforms later than on Snapchat. It utilizes the product try-on, gamified advertisements, and storytelling filters to design that allow brands to create interactive content via its depth tracking and segmentation tools.
Pros
Snapchat has a user base of more than 6 billion lens plays in a day.
Supports AR ecommerce and location experiences.
Healthy community and government partnerships.
Cons
Needs to be more technical to use advanced effects.
The filters are operating mostly in the ecosystem of Snapchat.
Case Study: Ounass Ramadan Campaign
Ounass, a luxury retailer, created a lens in Snapchat Lens Studio by realizing an Arabic-based lighting lantern and a Ramadan-specific lens. It had 18 percent more engagement and was one of the shared AR campaigns regionally.
BrandXR
BrandXR is an AR solution that was created to be completely no-code: an interactive experience would be as easy to create as building a PowerPoint. It is created in such a way that it is accessible to marketers, teachers, and organizations that would like to create professional AR experiences without having to learn how to code.
Why BrandXR Stands Out?
BrandXR is positioning itself on accessibility. One can create AR effects, put objects together with the drag-and-drop tool, use a template to create a training or event, and receive real-time performance data without writing a single line of code.
Pros
Zero-code AR developer suitable with zero-technical customers.
Live interaction and data analytics.
Retail, education, and events templates.
Cons
Fewer programming capabilities.
Low social AR platforms integration.
Case Study: No-Code AR for Education & Retail
BrandXR was used by a U.S. university in the creation of a virtual campus tour that reduced the time required to respond to inquiries by 40%.
Likewise, one of the retail brands implemented an AR pop-up to improve in-store interaction and appeal to the younger audiences.
8th Wall (WebAR)
WebAR is pioneered by 8th Wall, in which AR experiences can be viewed via a browser, no longer necessitating the download of an app. It is perfect where the brands and agencies are required to have a cross-platform outreach and not be limited to a platform.
Why 8th Wall Stands Out?
The 8th wall offers unparalleled flexibility to the developers. It also supports custom code written using JavaScript; it combines with 3D libraries such as Three.js, and is compatible with any modern browser, mobile, or desktop.
Pros
It is compatible with multiple devices and browsers.
Extra preference to anticipate distinctive brand experiences.
Comes with major 3D and animation software.
Cons
Technical or developer support is required.
Commercial projects require a paid license.
Case Study: AR Studio Web Campaign Results
Through 8th Wall, a fashion brand launched a WebAR campaign of try before you buy. The result? An increase in conversions of 22 percent and a longer engagement time of 15 percent on the filters in comparison with their former Spark AR filters.
Onirix Studio: Best for Location-Based AR)
Onirix Studio is a cross-platform AR platform that allows artists and brands to develop marker, location, and surface experiences with AR without using a social media platform.
Why Onirix Studio Stands Out?
It provides powerful solutions to geolocation AR, QR-triggered scenes, and 3D experiences with dynamic predecessors. Good in education, tourism, visualization of products, as well as interactive storytelling.
Pros
Powerful location-based AR
Easy-to-use interface
Perfect museums, tours, and training.
Cons
Inapplicable to the viral social filters.
Poor face starving capabilities.
Vossle: Best Instant WebAR for Creators and Brands
Vossle is an online AR application that is employed to develop app-minus filters of AR, try-on, and 3D modeling of products. It is among the most robust Spark AR replacements for brands that desire immediate access to AR with a link or QR code.
Why Vossle Stands Out?
It allows creators to publish AR experiences in a case in seconds without coding or installing an app, and it is very accessible to the global audience.
Pros
No app required
Fast publishing
Preferably to brand activations and try-ons.
Cons
Limited visual scripting
Unsuitable for complicated AR games.
Zoho Lens: Best for AR Remote Assistance
Zoho Lens is an AR remote assistance solution based on AR mechanisms designed to be used in technical, enterprise, and field service applications.
Why Zoho Lens Stands Out?
It can be used by remote specialists who want to see, comment, and assist in live working conditions. It fits the organizations that embrace AR as a means, as opposed to social impacts.
Pros
Great for enterprise use
Real-time annotation
Easy remote collaboration
Cons
Not constructed social AR filters.
Limited creative features
Face AR SDK by Banuba: Best for Face Tracking & Beauty Filters
Face AR SDK by Banuba is a high-performance face filter, beauty effects, avatar, and real-time facial animation SDK.
Why Face AR SDK Stands Out?
It offers the best in the industry face tracking and beautification, so it will fit best in apps, beauty brands, and custom camera products, just like the creators did with Spark AR.
Pros
Exceptional face tracking
Works on mobile and web
Customizable for apps
Cons
Needs a developer to be integrated.
More technical than Spark AR
JigSpace: Best for 3D Product Demos & Presentations
JigSpace is a 3D presentation and AR visualization that a brand can use to develop an interactive product demo, training, and technical explanation.
Why JigSpace Stands Out?
It makes the complicated 3D storytelling process simpler by enabling users to describe products or processes in the AR through a step-by-step guide that is presented visually.
Pros
Strictly speaking, 3D storytelling is extremely easy.
Visuals AR of excellent quality.
Excellent at product demonstrations and training.
Cons
Not for social face filters
There is a deprivation of the facial/body tracking.
Hololink: Best for Interactive QR-Based AR Experiences
Hololink is a no-code AR creation platform with QR-based interactive AR content, particularly in education, print media, and museums.
Why Hololink Stands Out?
It assists in transforming printed material into interactive AR stories, perfect for instructional content, campaigns, and exhibitions.
Pros
No code needed
Superior to teachers and museums.
QR-based accessibility
Cons
Not built for social filters
Limited advanced scripting
echo3D: Best for 3D + Cloud-Based AR Infrastructure
Echo3D is an asset management and 3D delivery platform used by AR VR developers.
Why echo3D Stands Out?
It enables developers to post, optimize, and serve 3D models in AR experiences, and the outcome minimizes build time and maximizes the performance of assets, essential to sophisticated WebAR campaigns.
Pros
Strong 3D asset pipeline
Cloud delivery
Compaq to WebAR engines.
Cons
Not a standalone AR builder
Requires technical setup
BUNDLAR: Best for Enterprise Training AR
BUNDLAR is a company-oriented AR, which is aimed at training, onboard, and interactive learning modules.
Why BUNDLAR Stands Out?
It is no-code-based, which includes LMS extensions and makes it perfect for corporations that choose to adopt AR as an internal process instead of a social network.
Pros
No code
Training-focused
LMS integrations
Cons
No longer an influencer or social AR.
Poor entertainment capabilities.
TINT Virtual Try-On Platform: Best for Brands and E-commerce Try-Ons
TINT is an AR try-on that is designed to support beauty, fashion, and eyewear brands.
Why TINT Stands Out?
It also mimics popular beauty and cosmetic try-on filters made by Spark AR and can be a strong competitor among the brands that used to use Instagram filters successfully.
Pros
Accurate try-on systems
Ideal for beauty and fashion
Works on web and apps
Cons
Not for entertainment AR
Requires brand integration
Magic Mirror: Best for Retail Try-On Experiences
Magic mirror allows having AR in-store experiences of try-on, where the customer can view accessories, makeup, or clothing in real-time.
Why Magic Mirror Stands Out?
The retailers do not have to rely on Instagram or TikTok to use AR, and this is ideal in physical stores that are embracing immersive technology.
Pros
Excellent as an experiential retail.
Real-time try-ons
High engagement
Cons
Hardware-based
Not a creator platform
TeamViewer Frontline: Best for Industrial and Field AR
TeamViewer Frontline is an AR system designed without any hands-free controls and produced to cater to the field service, manufacturing, and inspections of logistics inspections.
Why TeamViewer Frontline stands out?
It enables smart glasses and mobile AR, meaning that a worker can adhere to the digital workflow, be guided through AR, and work with supervisors.
Pros
Enterprise-grade
Smart glasses support
Strong workflow builder
Cons
No replacement of the Spark filter is needed.
Higher enterprise cost
Floori: Best for Home and Interior AR Visualization
Floori provides AR visualization of the flooring and interior design that provides users with an opportunity to test materials in real-life settings.
Why Floori Stands Out?
It works best with home improvement brands, real estate experiences that require straightforward and precise AR positioning.
Pros
Simple AR visualization
Very convenient for interior designers.
Easy to use
Cons
Niche-specific
Inappropriate with face filters.
Gemini (Google): Emerging AI-Driven AR Support
The next-generation AI belonging to Google is called Gemini, which is still starting to support early AR processes, such as scene understanding, creation of 3D objects, and multimodal AR guidance, but is not a direct AR creation tool like Spark AR.
Why Gemini Stands Out?
The AI services in Gemini enable creators to simplify their AR content creation through 3D content generation, scene understanding, and future integrations of AR into Android, Lens, and immersive Google products.
Pros
3D generation and scene generation with the help of AI.
Close alignment with the Google ecosystem.
Best in future AR innovation.
Cons
Not a standalone AR builder
No social AR publishing
The company is still in the early stages of AR adoption.
Cloudinary 3D: Best for Asset Management + AR Optimization
Cloudinary 3D functionality assists in handling and optimizing 3D, AR, VR, and WebAR.
Why It Stands Out?
It simplifies performance and loading of assets, required when running AR on a large scale.
Pros
Great 3D optimization
Integrates with WebAR
Scalable
Cons
Not a creator tool
Needs technical integration.
Thridify: Best for Fast 3D → AR Conversion
Thridify is a 3D-to-AR lightweight of 3D models that is available as a real-time preview on websites.
Why Thridify Stands Out?
It is very quick and assists brands in displaying products in AR without intensive development.
Pros
Fast 3D → AR pipeline
Web-friendly
Great for eCommerce
Cons
Limited customization
No AR creation tools
Shopware AR Extensions: Best for E-commerce AR
The Shopware AR Extensions help e-commerce brands to create product previews of their products in AR and directly pin them to the online store pages, where a consumer can see them in real space and decide what to buy without the need to visit a physical store.
Why Shopware AR Extensions stand out?
They allow for integrating AR seamlessly into e-commerce processes without the need to develop them; it appears that AR shopping can be accessible to medium and large online stores.
Pros
AR integration with e-commerce can be easily done.
Enhances visualization of the product.
Develops 3D and AR-enabled product holdings.
Cons
Only the Shopware platform.
Not because of the face filters or social AR.
Requires quality 3D models
Maintastic / FactoryTalk View: Best for Industrial AR Visualizations
Maintastic and FactoryTalk View are maintenance-oriented industrial AR visualization systems to be used in maintenance, equipment surveillance, digital twins, and plant operations.
Why They Stand Out?
They will give AR-driven insights to industrial teams and map directions and machine data and workflow over the equipment straight onto the equipment, which is great during manufacturing, utility, and plant work.
Pros
Excellent for industrial AR
Facilitates the visualization of workflow.
Combines with business equipment data.
Cons
Unsuitable for social or marketing AR.
Needs enterprise implementation.
More complex to set up
Ready to innovate? Hire AR Developers to create next-generation filters, 3D spaces, and interactive XR experiences tailored to your brand.
Comparison Table: Top Meta Spark AR Alternatives
Here, the top Spark AR options in 2025 are compared in quick succession, with their distinct advantages and suitability explained for each type of application.
| Platform | Best For | Type | Key Strengths | Limitations |
| TikTok Effect House | Viral social AR filters | Social AR | Easy interface, trend-driven virality, analytics | TikTok-only; short-lived trends |
| Snapchat Lens Studio | Advanced immersive AR | Social AR | High-quality tracking, AR commerce, and huge engagement | More technical; Snapchat-only |
| BrandXR | No-code AR creation | No-Code AR | Templates, drag & drop, education & retail use | Limited custom scripting |
| 8th Wall (WebAR) | Cross-platform WebAR | WebAR | Works on any browser, JS support, and is eCommerce-friendly | Needs developers; paid license |
| Onirix Studio | Location-based AR | WebAR / App AR | Geolocation, QR triggers, educational + tourism use | Not ideal for face filters |
| Vossle | Instant app-less AR | WebAR | No app, very fast publishing, great for try-ons | Limited scripting, not for complex AR |
| Zoho Lens | AR remote help | Enterprise AR | Real-time annotation, field service support | Not for creative/social filters |
| Face AR SDK (Banuba) | Face filters & beautification | SDK | Best-in-class face tracking, app integration | Developer required; technical |
| JigSpace | 3D product demos | 3D AR | Easy 3D storytelling, step-by-step AR guides | No face/body tracking |
| Hololink | QR-triggered AR | No-Code AR | Great for education, print & museums | Limited advanced logic |
| echo3D | 3D content delivery | Infrastructure | Cloud asset pipeline, optimization | Not a standalone AR builder |
| BUNDLAR | Corporate training AR | Enterprise AR | No-code, LMS integration | Not entertainment/social AR |
| TINT VTO Platform | Beauty & fashion try-ons | E-commerce AR | Accurate virtual try-ons | Requires brand integration |
| Magic Mirror | In-store AR experiences | Retail AR | Real-time try-ons, high engagement | Hardware-based |
| TeamViewer Frontline | Industrial workflows | Industrial AR | Smart glasses support, enterprise workflows | Complex setup; high cost |
| Floori | Interior visualization | Home AR | Easy material preview, designer-friendly | Niche-specific |
| Gemini (Google) | AI-assisted AR workflows | AI + AR | 3D generation, scene understanding | Not a creator tool; early-stage |
| Cloudinary 3D | 3D asset optimization | Infrastructure | Scalable, WebAR-friendly | Requires technical integration |
| Thridify | Fast 3D → AR conversion | WebAR Utility | Lightweight AR previews, great for eCom | Limited customization |
| Shopware AR Extensions | E-commerce product previews | E-commerce AR | Easy AR store integration | Shopware-only; needs quality 3D |
| Maintastic / FactoryTalk View | Industrial visualization | Industrial AR | Workflow overlays, equipment data | Not for social AR; enterprise-only |
All platforms have something new to offer.
Developed in order to be either the most engaged, simple to utilize, or more technical than its previous version, you now have a custom-made Spark AR replacement that fits your needs perfectly.
Steps to Transition Smoothly
Creators and marketers are better placed to plan early, as the deadline to shut down commences in Spark AR.
It is not to freak out, but rather to switch gears.
Hereby, it is simple and seamless to set up your quarantine AR.
Evaluate Current Campaigns
Share all your active filters and effects on Spark AR on Facebook and Instagram. Determine which they can still use and the way people interact with them. Indicators such as impressions, shares, and saves are the main information to be gathered, as this knowledge would inform what should be restored in new platforms.
Just imagine that it is your “AR inventory check-up” before migration.
Explore Spark AR Alternative Platforms
You should review your campaigns; after this, investigate your next moves. Applications such as TikTok Effect House, Snapchat Lens Studio, BrandXR, or 8th Wall all have good AR creation features, some of them are even more malleable than Spark AR used to be.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want viral reach (TikTok)?
- Immersive branding (Snapchat)?
- No-code simplicity (BrandXR)?
- Or cross-platform WebAR freedom (8th Wall)?
Select the one that is most suitable for your brand objectives.
Partner with AR & XR Specialists
You know, you do not have to be a specialist in AR technology. In AR filter migration and cross-platform development, several agencies and freelancers are involved in the migration of the AR filters.
They will save time, maintain the quality of creativity as well, and assist you in creating more interactive and data-driven experiences.
Monitor Emerging XR Trends
AR is evolving fast. Get informed about the effects of AI, spatial computing, as well as mixed-reality storytelling.
According to Big Brands, voice-activated filters, gesture-based shopping, and AI-created scenes in AR have already been explored.
Being aware of these trends, you are going to be ahead of the pack even after Spark AR disappears.
Have an idea in mind? We can discuss and begin to create your world in augmented reality.
Looking Ahead: Creating Better AR Solutions with EuphoriaXR
The termination of Spark AR is a disruptive move towards wiser, more linked experiences.
EuphoriaXR is defining the future of AR by being innovative, telling stories, and crafting human experiences.
Our AR, VR, and XR solutions are an incorporation of innovation and technology that assist the brands in involving audiences in memorable experiences.
From interactive productions to immersive brand worlds, EuphoriaXR is shifting the perspective of the digital reality.
Conclusion
Although the Spark AR era of Meta ends, AR is changing the world more rapidly than before.
Developers such as TikTok Effect House, Snapchat Lens Studio, BrandXR, and 8th Wall keep the possibilities of creativity alive.
This is now the time to remake and take the lead of the next frontier by the brands and creators that are willing to innovate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best alternatives to Spark AR?
The most suitable substitutes are TikTok Effect House, Snapchat Lens Studio, BrandXR, 8th Wall, Onirx Studio, Vossle, and Face AR SDK.
Why should I consider alternatives to Spark AR?
Due to the closing of Spark AR, developers are required to have platforms where filter posting, WebAR experiences, and more sophisticated AR features can be used.
Are there free alternatives to Spark AR?
Yes. Some offer free alternatives, TikTok Effect House, Snapchat Lens Studio, and a few basic WebAR or even open-source toolkits.
Which alternative to Spark AR is best for small businesses?
The best options are BrandXR, Vossle, and Onirix Studio since they are easy to use, cost-effective, and do not need to be coded.
What are the best cloud-based Spark AR alternatives?
Strong cloud / WebAR solutions are 8th Wall, Vossle, Onirix Studio, echo3D, and JigSpace.
Do Spark AR alternatives support mobile apps?
Yes, The majority of WebAR technologies are based on mobile browsers, and SDK-based platforms such as Face AR SDK could be embedded into smartphone applications.
Are there open-source alternatives to Spark AR?
There are lightweight WebAR frameworks and AR libraries, but they demand more technical expertise.
What’s the conclusion from SoftwareWorld on Spark AR alternatives?
No single alternative exists, and the most suitable alternative will depend on the use case: social filters, WebAR, e-commerce try-on, training, and industrial AR.
