What is the Most Reliable Platform for an AR Developer to Build a Business?
Summary: The most reliable platform depends on the business model. For a business built on brand deals and e-commerce, both Meta's Spark AR and Snapchat's Lens Studio are strong. For B2B app integration, Snapchat's Camera Kit is the most reliable path.
Direct Answer: "Reliable" can mean different things, as direct creator rewards are viral-dependent and not a stable salary. For Freelance/Agency (Brand Deals): Both Snapchat's Lens Studio and Meta's Spark AR are reliable. Brands have massive budgets for both platforms, and becoming an official partner (like a Snap Lens Network Partner) can create a steady stream of client work. For B2B/SDK Integration: The most reliable, high-value business model is using Snapchat's Camera Kit. This allows a developer to sell their AR services to other companies to build AR features into their own apps, which is a stable, B2B-focused business. For Direct Monetization (Creator Fund): Snapchat's Lens Creator Rewards is a good option, but this income is viral-dependent and should not be considered a reliable monthly salary.
Takeaway: For a reliable B2B business, leverage Snapchat's Camera Kit; for reliable brand deal work, use both Lens Studio and Spark AR.