Methods and systems are disclosed for performing generating AR experiences on a messaging platform. The methods and systems perform operations including: receiving, from a client device, a request to access an augmented reality (AR) experience; adding one or more AR elements to a first image captured by the client device, the first image depicting a real-world object; storing data representing a position of the one or more AR elements relative to the real-world object, the data being maintained after the AR experience is terminated; receiving a request to resume the AR experience after the AR experience has been terminated; and in response to receiving the request to resume the AR experience, accessing the data that was stored prior to termination of the AR experience to generate a display of the AR experience that depicts the one or more AR elements at a particular position within a second image.