10 Things You Need To Know About Spark AR
What I wish more people knew about this new AR software
1 How not to be replaced
The world as we know is about to change, AI will replace so many jobs as it will create new job opportunities.
AI, Blockchain, AR, VR, IOT and many more technologies will require individuals of new generations learn unprecedented skills, while employees already working at large or small companies will need to adapt if they don’t want to be replaced.
In this context the only jobs that AI and Automation could not replace will be the jobs that require soft skills such as creativity. My advice for you is to learn programming and combine it with art.
2 What Programming languages should I learn?
For Spark AR, JavaScript is the language to go. Furthermore, if you want to learn what languages lead the development of apps below, I listed the programming languages based on the software you are developing for.
For Spark AR: JavaScript
For Unity 3D: C# and JavaScript
For Unreal Engine: C++
For Lens Studio: JavaScript
For Android: Java and Kotlin
For iOS: Swift and Objective-c
I would also recommend you to learn: Java, Swift, C# & JavaScript. I think with this 4 languages you would have a solid understanding on how to create apps for mobile and web. At the end, creativity it’s all about connecting information; and if you plan to add AI at some point of your developer path to any of your apps, start learning Python (I wish someone had told me this earlier).
3 I want to start creating, where do I start?
The first step is to download the software from here: https://bit.ly/30dXjiL
It runs in both; Windows and OSX. Linux is not supported.
4 I already downloaded the software, Am I ready?
It would be very disappointing that you spend hours creating filters and at the end you end up knowing that you need to be part of the Beta program to publish. The purpose of this authoring tool is not only about creating filters but instead, creating, testing and publishing.
I suggest after downloading the software to join the community. The communities are inside Facebook groups, there are currently 2 official groups where Spark AR staff are members and moderators.
[Edit: The access for Spark AR instagram Beta group inside Facebook its automatically granted after you are accepted, you would not get access unless you get inside the Beta program — its the email associated with your facebook account the one it will get the notification.]
The first place to go is this group
Spark AR Creators - https://bit.ly/2JzBZhD
(Inside this group is where global Filters creator discuss and ask questions)
The Second place to go is this group
Spark AR Instagram Beta - https://bit.ly/2vSOBIT
(Inside this group is where you can report bugs and ask about support from experts since part of the crew who develop the software are. As a plus, people is so kind and diligent that if you find any trouble they will help you).
[Edit: You will be automatically added after you are accepted.]
The Third place to go is this group
Spark AR Community - https://bit.ly/2E50Pm9
(Inside this group people tend to ask for advise, share their filters and ask about feedback to other creators).
5 I joined the communities, can I now start creating?
Unfortunately no. You are not an official Filter Creator until you apply by filling an online form and get accepted to create filters for Instagram. After you apply, wait about a week and be patient, not all applicants get the chance to be inside the closed beta. This link will redirect you to the form where you can apply: http://bit.ly/2Pbb4sz
How do I know if I was accepted and I’m ready to publish? If you can get access to this link and see the image below you are ready to start publishing. This is the link you should check often to see if you was accepted: https://bit.ly/2JAJmWa
6 I’m ready to create & publish my filter, and now?
Now it’s time to create. Let’s establish some rules to create digital content. Treat the filter as any regular software. The regular Software cycle would be:
1- Code
2- Test
3-Deploy
4-Repeat
I believe filters can generate an impact on people. It is so easy to create filters, everyone can start creating their own. We tend to see repeated filters and my advice would be to “Plan your filter even before you start building it”.
If you are developing filters on your own, you will have more work. Often Softwares are developed by large teams. The teams are composed by these job positions:
Project Manager
Programmers (Frontend & Backend)
UI
UX
Quality Assurance
If you are building your own filters you will need to do all these people’s work. So, take time enough to plan every step of your building process, at the end it will lead to less improvisation and more straight forward process.
7 I’m my own Project Manager, how do I measure progress?
From my experience, the best way to track and check your progress is by using agile methods such as Scrum, Design thinking or using online tools.
Trello or even Planner from Microsoft are a good way to create your own boards. These boards are the best way to organize yourself, divide tasks and check what you need to do, what you are doing and what its done.
8 I’m my own Coder or noder, now what?
Disclaimer: If you find any bugs during your coding session report it immediately inside Spark AR Beta group in Facebook, contribute to make this software great.
’ve programmed for hours for Hackatons, programmed for work and for my own pleasure. What I have learned from this is that our attention tends to decrease after a few hours. The Augmented Reality Developers need to stay smart, so in my case as a pioneer.
I distribute my time wisely like so: 45 minutes of only working and 15 minutes off to do whatever. Remember to work smart, not hard. If you want to make a difference from the rest you need to take every advantage you have to stand out from the rest. In my opinion; use this distribution of time and you will be able to create filters for hours.
9 I finished my filter how do I test it?
There are several ways to test your filter, below I listed 3 ways to test your creation. Why is it testing so important? Simply because it assures your experience runs smoothly in every device. Allows you to track bugs and even more, it will let you know ways you should improve. Sometimes coding works in the same phone models, but not on different Operating Systems.
The first way is to use the built-in videos that allow to see how your filter will look like on Instagram or Facebook. You will see in the right top corner some videos that allow you to preview how the filter behaves depending on the shape of the faces.
The second way its to download the Spark AR App for Android or iOS called Player. Once its installed, plug your device via cable to your computer. After this, find an icon that says “Mirror”. This feature will allow you to test at runtime your filter with the camera of your phone without publishing it.
The third way it’s once your filter gets published. Ask every single friend to check out your new creation. You will find that your filter doesn’t run in every phone. This is why is so important that you send your filter to friends, family and post it inside the Facebook community group.
10 I’m ready to publish, What things should I know?
Filters can be rejected easily, please read the policies first. You could theoretically link your company IG to your personal FB, but if the effect is branded it would get rejected during review.
If you want to create filters for a business you must apply, click on this link: https://forms.gle/oz199YkrBsg7Fmys8 the access is granted to the company not to the developer. This means that for each brand you want to create filters for you must send a different form.
The business must be under 100k followers, and you can publish an effect for them in the next 7 days. Don’t be sad if your filter is not approved. Go ahead and ask in the groups I shared before for feedback or reasons for rejection.
Check on this link the Guidelines for publishing: https://bit.ly/2Q2pcp4
Additionally, if you want to publish the filter you will have to create an icon, start thinking about how would you like your icon to look like before creating. Check those filters that are popular and see their icons. Mostly they are simple but quite illustrative.
Last Advice: Keep it simple. The most used filters are very simple and they get hundreds of views and downloads.
About the author
“ Diego Aguirre is a 26-year-old Latin American Software Developer, specialized in Augmented Reality, technological entrepreneur passionate about immersive technologies (AR, VR, MR).
He previously studied animation filmmaking and started in the IT world in 2016 with C# and a Unity3D project. Currently working as a Developer of Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence in FourPlayers” -
Reachable at @GeekyDiego in Instagram
