At the annual partner summit event, SNAP launched many updates that will change the way the creator and brand use this service. Updates include several new shopping features, such as the service “said” augmented reality, as well as the features of the new “gifting” for the creator.
On the shopping side, SNAP exhibits a number of tools that will make it easier for users to shop in the application. The “Scan” feature of Snapchat, which has allowed the camera application to detect food labels and Amazon products, get new shopping capabilities. A feature called “screenshop” will recommend clothing items when you “scan” clothes.
The company also expands augmented reality features that allow users to “try” clothes, accessories, and makeup. Snapchat has experimented with this type of features, but the latest version allows users to control experiences trying with commands and voice movements. For example, you can ask to see separate items with different colors or patterns.
Elsewhere in the application, Snapchat added two new “Minis” applications – HTML5 who live in the application – which will allow new shopping experiences. One, for the eCommerce platform platform, it will allow users to browse and buy products. The other, from Ticketmaster, allows groups of friends to find upcoming shows and buy tickets together.
Updates come as Instagram, Tiktok, YouTube and others also pursue new shopping features. But while Instagram and Tiktok have seen adding shopping features to live videos, SNAP targets the social aspects of purchase. “We think that eCommerce is specifically a very interesting category for Minis, both now and in the future,” said Director of Product Snap will notify Engadget. “We are looking for a new minist experience that basically allows the type of new utility in Snapchat, which has nothing before.”
Snap also leaning to the creator-centric feature to help higher profile users make money from the platform. Until now, most of the snapchat monetization efforts centered around Spotlight, features like Tiktok who pay users for the most popular clips. The feature, introduced last year, has drawn 125 million users and will now be launched on the web.
But the creator also gets a new way to utilize their existing audience and make money from their followers on Snapchat with “gifting.” This feature allows users to buy stickers for Snap Stars. Creator will get a portion of the income from purchases and users will be able to start a conversation with Snap Star.
Snapchat also launched a new application only for its makers with Story Studio, a Mandiri application that provides advanced editing tools, as well as analytics about what trends on the platform.