When it first appeared in the social media sphere in 2011, Snapchat made a huge splash. The platform was designed for video and photo sharing and marketed as a new type of camera. However, what sets it apart is that it includes built-in filters and visual effects that users can use to spice up their snaps. To top, the platform lets you send each “Snap” to whomever you choose or add it to your Story, a collection of 24-hour-only content. With these entertaining and intriguing features, the platform took off right away. Furthermore, more than 5 billion snaps per day were sent as of the fourth quarter of 2020. (Snapchat 2021). Its innovative features inspired those of other, more well-known social media platforms. Think about when Facebook and Instagram introduced the My Day and Story features. Despite its rivalry with other networks, Snapchat is still among the most widely used social media sites today, especially among younger users. Here are the Snapchat updates,
1. Snapchat For Web
The launch of web.snapchat.com on July 18 is among the most significant updates to Snapchat in 2022. Snapchat users now have the option to put down their phones and use the browser on their laptop to carry on conversations with friends via voice, video call, or even chat. Over 100 million Snapchat users use voice, or video calling every month, according to Snapchat. Users can converse more easily on Snapchat on the web thanks to Chat Reactions and Chat Reply. Snapchat will also make sure that the augmented reality shopping experience can be completed using a computer by preparing to launch Shopping Lenses, which support in-app purchases in the future.
2. Shared Story
A new feature called Shared Story an updated version of Custom Stories was released on May 25. In the past, Custom Stories allowed Snapchat users to create a story and invite friends to view and participate. However, only the original creator could add people. Even those who have already been added to the Snapchat story can add friends through Shared Stories. With plans to roll out Shopping Lenses, which allow for in-app purchases in the future, Snapchat will also ensure that the AR shopping experience can be completed on a computer. After 24 hours, all Snaps posted to a shared story are automatically removed. Automatic language detection is one of the improved security features.
3. Remix Stories
Remixing stories is a new feature that will be added to Snapchat Stories. The Remix feature, made famous by TikTok, which is currently banned in India, has gained much traction on social media sites. Instagram recently debuted the feature for Reels, its short-form video platform. It appears that Snapchat will soon introduce a comparable quality as well.
4. Increasing Presence Of Advertisements
Social media is currently a successful sales and marketing platform. Brands are actively investing in social media marketing and sales. Snapchat has launched various advertising features for companies to meet the enormous demand for social selling. For instance, they have the AR Lens, which enables brands to add animations and interactive triggers to their snaps. Their advertisements become more exciting and memorable as a result. Three days after its debut, the Cartoon Lens generated a billion impressions thanks to its popularity with users (Snap Inc. 2021). The Snapchat Story Ads are yet another intriguing feature. These are transient ads that appear in the Discover feed.
5. Snapchat+
Snapchat unveiled its paid app Snapchat+ on June 29. The new feature is a collection of unique qualities rather than a brand-new platform. According to Snapchat, the subscription will enable us to prioritize support while delivering new Snapchat features to some of the most passionate members of our community. Anyone with a Snapchat profile can tap to switch to Snapchat+ from that profile. However, only the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE currently have access to the feature. According to the company, the list will eventually include more nations.
6. Director Mode
Since Snapchat users are creators, they enjoy accessing practical tools that give them the freedom to produce engaging videos. Snapchat introduced the Director mode at the Snap Partner Summit (SPS) 2022, which took place on April 28. The business stated that iOS users would receive the feature first. A roll-out of Android devices will come after it. Within the Snapchat app, the mode introduces a new camera and editing tools. These include dual camera functionality, which enables the front and rear cameras to be used simultaneously and enables 360-degree perspectives to be captured. Other features include editing multiple photos simultaneously with Quick Edit and changing the background using the Green Screen mode.
7. Send YouTube Links
The capability to share YouTube videos with friends directly through the Snapchat Camera is one of the most intriguing updates to the Snapchat app. The social media site claims that while the Camera and Snapchat Creative Tools are in use, it is the first time that YouTube links can be shared over Snapchat Stories. The YouTube app or a browser can be used to access YouTube stickers that are formed using the feature. A user only needs to click the Snapchat icon to access the camera mode after tapping Share on a YouTube video. The YouTube video sticker can be used to create a Snap, which is then shareable after receiving additional creative touches. It is a feature that significantly reduces time spent copying, which is a hassle, pasting, and then sharing links is done.
8. Username Modification
Snapchat now offers the option for users to modify their usernames. The feature, which was declared on February 23, is crucial for users because not everyone wants to use the same username throughout their life. Snapchat users need to click on Username and tap the Change Username option that appears beneath the username box. The next step is to enter a new username. Users would not be able to change their username more frequently than once yearly, though. Additionally, they won’t be able to choose a username already in use or one they may have previously used. It implies that the previous username cannot be used again.
9. Mid-Roll Ads In Snap Star Stories
Later in 2022, Snapchat is expected to roll out one of its newest features. The function, referred to as mid-roll ads, is intended to help creators get more money from the platform by assisting them. How do mid-roll ads function? Snap Stars will be able to post advertisements in their public stories and share in the profits. Snapchat claims that Stories encourage greater engagement, which translates into more profitable advertising for Snap Stars Stories. Given that Snap Stars are essentially celebrities on the social network, it is also a distinctive way for advertisers to broaden their reach among Snap chatters through a high-value placement.
10. New Shopping Lenses
Snapchat unveiled a new type of Shopping Lens on January 26 after learning how much its users enjoy shopping. Users of the latest Snapchat update can now quickly browse various products using augmented reality in one location. The seller offers all information, including the price and specifics about size. The first companies to use the MAC Cosmetics and Ulta Beauty feature to demonstrate the Lens’s capability to users at the time of its launch. The Lenses feature lets users see how a product improves its appearance before placing an order.
