Method of generating invitation media overlays for private collections starts with processor receiving first media content item from first client device associated with first user. Processor receives from first client device a selection of invitation media overlay to be applied to media content item. Invitation media overlay is associated with private collection of media content items. Processor generates modified first media content item by overlaying invitation media overlay on first media content item. Processor generates the private collection of media content items including modified first media content item. Processor receives from first client device selection of second user associated with the second user and causes modified first media content item to be displayed by the second client device. Processor receives selection of invitation media overlay from second client device and causes the private collection of media content items to be displayed by second client device. Other embodiments are described herein.