Sometimes it's the craziest ideas that take off.
A social network where users send and read 140 character messages.
An app where users send the message "Yo" to one another.
And now we have Snapchat, an app that launched with a simple value proposition. Allow users to send pictures to each other that disappear after 10 seconds.
And now that idea has turned into a $10 billion company. But the product has evolved to become a more full-fledged social network.
It launched features like Discover and Stories, which major brands like General Electric, Acura, Coca-Cola, CNN and National Geographic are using to connect with their fans.
There are over 100 million people using it everyday. By comparison, Twitter has 320 million monthly active users. I'm speculating here, but I'd say it's daily active user count is close to Snapchat.
Its most active age demographic are the young adults between 18-24.
Now obviously Snapchat isn't for everyone. If you're a B2B marketer targeting high-level decision makers at corporations than Snapchat isn't your best bet.
But if you're selling to young consumers and looking for a new way to connect with them, Snapchat might be your new untapped outlet.
Today's infographic outlines the reach of Snapchat, what brands are using it, how they are using it, and some tips for brands that are new to the platform.
As is the case with all communication tools, it's important to avoid spamming your followers. The definition of spam differs for many people. For some it's sending too many snaps, sending too many promotional snaps, or a combination of both.
Be selective in who you choose to run your Snapchat (and all social media accounts). These people carry the loudspeaker and are the voice for your brand and have a direct line to your customers and evangelists. Be sure they know what your brand is about and that it's consistent with how you want it to be conveyed.
Snapchat is really becoming a trend in the online community these days. And this Infographic only shows why. I must admit, all I know about Snapchat is that, it's a popular trend to teenagers and they're having fun sending pictures to each other that disappear after 10 seconds. But now, it can be an effective tool for brand as well as part of their marketing campaign. Thanks for sharing this one.
This is right! Snapchat is popular among teens and if your product target market is that age group, Snapchat can really be the weapon you can use to capture the huge market. Snapchat has grown really fast and nice and hence we can use it in really a great way.
Snapchat today is the most used social media online. The people get carried away by posting their funny videos and stories. Using snapchat to advertise and promote your business will give you a possibility of customers since people are IN to this app. And yes, I agree with you, Pankaj Dhawan! Teens now a days are hooked to Snapchat that every happening, they'll post it to this app. And a very big possibility to have customers if your target market is the teens. Thank you for this post!
That's an important and indeed very useful piece of advice here. It's true that other social media platforms are taking off as compared to the major platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
I've got a few comments and questions for the group. Thank you for opening my eyes – my opinion on snapchat has changed due to this post. It is clearly a good means for B2C companies to reach – 18 to Twenty somethings. I'm curious though – how long until Snapchat finds more ways to capitalize on their aging user base without loosing them as customer?. There are many younger users who are simply trying to keep "streaks" of chat sessions going – with no apparent end in sight. Will they simply find something more interesting, or will Facebook attract users away from snapchat with new services?