Snapchat has teamed up with McDonald's to launch a McDonaldland AR experience, transforming your real-world surroundings into a playful, immersive McDonald's universe. This isn't just a temporary gimmick — it combines AR filters, themed mini-games, and real-world scanning to create a marketing campaign with long-term appeal. Whether you're a die-hard Snapchat user, a McDonald's fan, or a marketer seeking inspiration, here's how you can explore every feature.
What is the Snapchat "McDonaldland" AR Experience?
Snapchat has teamed up with global fast-food giant McDonald's to launch an immersive "McDonaldland" augmented reality (AR) experience.
Through a series of custom Snapchat Lenses, users can overlay McDonaldland's colorful and nostalgic universe onto their real-world surroundings, turning everyday spaces into a playful McDonald's-themed wonderland.
This collaboration combines both digital interaction and in-store experiences, showcasing how AR can enhance customer engagement and brand storytelling.
Key Features of the McDonaldland AR Campaign
In-Store Exclusive AR Transformation
When you visit a McDonald’s store in the U.S. and open the dedicated Snapchat Lens, your surroundings will instantly transform into a McDonaldland environment.Multiple McDonaldland-Themed Mini Games
Grimace Island Dash
Fry Frenzy
Birdie's Dream Flight
These games are available directly inside the Snapchat app.Interactive McDonaldland Map
Your personal Bitmoji avatar appears on the McDonaldland digital map, allowing you to explore different locations and features.McDonaldland Meal with AR Collectibles
Special meals include souvenir kits that, when scanned using the Snapchat camera, unlock extra hidden AR elements.
How to Access and Use the Snapchat McDonaldland AR Lenses: Step-by-Step Tutorial
If you want to try this unique Snapchat AR experience, follow the simple steps below:
Step 1: Update Snapchat App and Enable Location Services
Make sure your Snapchat app is up to date and allow location permissions for the app to detect nearby McDonald's stores.
Step 2: Visit a Participating McDonald’s Store in the U.S.
This AR experience is geo-fenced and currently only available near select McDonald's locations across the United States.
Step 3: Open Snapchat and Find the McDonaldland Lens
Once near a McDonald's, open Snapchat and look for the McDonaldland AR lens in the Lens Carousel (the row of filters and lenses at the bottom of the screen).
You can also search "McDonaldland" in the Snapchat Lens Explorer if you don't see it automatically.
Step 4: Activate the Lens to Enter the AR World
Point your camera around your surroundings and watch Snapchat transform the scene into a vibrant McDonaldland, complete with characters and animations.
Step 5: Play McDonaldland-Themed Mini-Games
Interact with fun games like Grimace Island Dash (obstacle running), Fry Frenzy (catching fries), and Birdie's Dream Flight (virtual flying adventure) directly through the AR interface.
Step 6: Unlock Bonus Content by Scanning the McDonaldland Meal Souvenir Kit
If you purchase the special McDonaldland Meal, scan the souvenir kit with your Snapchat camera to reveal hidden AR experiences and collectible animations.
Who Will Love This Experience?
AR enthusiasts who want to try Snapchat's latest filters
Snapchat Lens users looking for interactive experiences
McDonald's fans who enjoy special meals and collectibles
Marketers studying AR-based brand activations
Why This Campaign Matters
A New Approach to AR Brand Marketing
McDonald's uses Snapchat's AR technology to blend physical and digital experiences, boosting engagement and customer retention.Appeal to Both Younger and Older Audiences
While targeting younger Snapchat users, the nostalgic McDonaldland theme also resonates with adults who remember the original characters.Cross-Platform Potential
The campaign may expand to Meta VR, web-based games, and other platforms, creating a multi-channel brand activation strategy.
Marketing Takeaways for Brands
Immersive, location-based AR can drive real-world visits and brand loyalty.
Gamification encourages users to spend more time engaging with your brand.
User-generated social sharing (AR selfies, gameplay clips) can extend campaign reach organically.
Final Thoughts
The Snapchat x McDonald's "McDonaldland" AR experience is more than just a fun collaboration — it's a case study in immersive, interactive brand activation.
Whether you're a marketer looking for inspiration or a user curious about AR technology, this campaign shows how augmented reality can connect brands with audiences in new and engaging ways.
Have you tried the Snapchat McDonaldland AR experience yet? What was your favorite game or feature?
