Snapchat, the popular social media platform, launched two new nickname-themed augmented reality (AR) lenses for users in India. According to a recent study by Snapchat and YouGov, two out of three people believe that nicknames are an integral part of being Indian.
It also showed that Sonu, Babu, Macha, Shona, and Pinky are among India’s most popular nicknames. In the North, people often use Golu and Sunny, in the South they use Ammu and Macha, in the East people go by Shona and Mishti, and in the West by Pinky and Dada.
Snapchat and YouGov conducted research on Indian nickname culture and uncovered a national fascination with them including some interesting insights into the unique subculture of nicknaming.
This study inspired Snapchat’s two new Nickname-themed Augmented Reality (AR) Lens named ‘India’s Top Nicknames’ and ‘My Nickname’, the company said in a statement on Wednesday.
The AR Lens called ‘India’s Top Nicknames’ includes five bespoke designs featuring India’s favourite nicknames, while ‘My Nickname’ can be used by Snapchat users to create their very own nicknames.
The latest nickname lenses will be available in India from 21 June. To access the new AR lenses, users just need to search ‘IN’s Top Nicknames’ and ‘My Nickname IN’ in the lens carousel.
The custom nickname AR experience has been purpose-built to allow users to celebrate their nicknames proudly and share them with their friends and families, according to Snapchat.
The study also showed that more than 96 per cent of Indians have had at least one nickname in their lives.
"Nicknames are such an integral part of Indian lives and given to us by our real connections- friends or family," said Kanishk Khanna, Director, Media Partnerships- APAC, Snap.
