With more than 360 million active users a month, Snapchat quickly rose to fame. Today, statistics show that 41% of teenagers in the U.S. chose Snapchat over any other social media platform. In the UK, the number of users can easily exceed 37.5% of the population. But, despite the high user base, Snapchat still can’t compete with Instagram and Facebook.  In fact, their future highly depends on building up the AR (augmented reality) platform. The CEO Evan Spiegel announced that AR will be a key component for Snap’s future, not only for bringing in more revenue but for improving the user interface as well.  Here is how Snapchat is using Augmented reality (AR) for its build-up strategy. 

Why Augmented Reality (AR)?

It is hardly a secret; all social media networks, including Snapchat, are focusing their efforts on increasing revenue. Since they are the core of digital marketing, they’ve been implementing new strategies to boost the product’s service and attract more customers. 
a couple of students interacting on mobile phones.
Snapchat is more innovative than ever. They’ve focused on creating new ways for interactive user experience. While AR hardware has yet to take off with the current market, Snapchat is among those selected few apps that managed to introduce a basic form of AR technology. 

Here Is How Snapchat Is Using Augmented Reality (AR) 

The app relies on AR for three main features: filters, lenses, and games. The social platform has integrated AR to give users the opportunity to project different elements from their smartphone camera to the real world.  Based on statistical analysis, for the first quarter of 2019, 190 million users spent around half an hour a day on the app. Snapchat noted that more than 75% of their entire community currently engages with AR content on a daily basis. Since the Lens Web Build tool’s release, more than 735,000 new creations have been released reaching billions of views. All of that is possible with AR technology. 

What Makes Snapchat’s AR So Popular?

The AR concept is relatively simple. Users can use filters to make a plain picture more sophisticated, funny, cute, or classy. The best thing is, they don’t need any designer experience or photo editing skills.  With the help of AR technology, the platform applies effects directly to their smartphone screen, allowing users to pose to get the perfect picture. For anyone who loves selfies and wants to create a fun picture, they can do it.  One of the most recent additions to the messaging app was the Snappables games. These games are on a whole new level. Users can play with motion, touch, or even facial expressions, all of which are registered by AR. People can challenge their friends to compete for a higher score and engage with one another.  Simply put, With AR, Snap inspires users to get creative, share their experience, and create fun new challenges to enjoy with friends. 

How Does AR Bring More Revenue?

The way how Snapchat is using Augmented reality (AR) is appealing to users. The more people use the app, the more views their Snap Ads get, which brings a solid income. For major companies and brands that are sponsoring AR campaigns, something as simple as a filter can bring more customers and increase interest, earning Snapchat millions in revenue.  At the moment, AR is creating a completely novel target market. For brands looking to invest in AR campaigns, this technology has a lot to offer. To keep up with demand, social networks, such as Snapchat, are already integrating AR for daily use. 

References

https://www.omnicoreagency.com/snapchat-statistics/ https://venturebeat.com/2020/03/12/snapchat-launches-lens-web-builder-to-simplify-ar-ad-creation/ https://www.statista.com/statistics/545967/snapchat-app-dau/ https://www.avrspot.com/snapchat-facebook-instagram-using-augmented-reality-business/