The Platform
Snapchat is a newer, more innovative social media platform. Available only as a mobile application, Snapchat allows you to send and receive short-lived images and videos with other users. The app combines both private messaging and public content. Users can send snaps directly to their connections, or they can post them publicly on their “story”, which strings together all your images and videos in a 24 hour period.
A user can only view a snap for a maximum of 10 seconds before it disappears. While you have the option to replay a snap one additional time, they are not stored or saved to your phone.
Snapchat has been wildly successful. So much, in fact, that Facebook—and its subsidiary Instagram—have added features to their own platforms that mimic Snapchat functions.
The Audience
Snapchat currently averages an abnormally impressive 100 million daily users, 76% of which are online shoppers. However, the age demographics are younger than any other platform. 7 out of 10 users are millennials. Nearly half the users (45%) are under the age of 25. Past that, 26% range between 25-34. Snapchat is also 70% female.
Should You Use It?
It varies greatly. On one hand, the engagement and popularity of the app certainly point towards yes. Snapchat grew as much in one year as Twitter did in 4. It’s also currently considered the country’s second-favorite network, and is better known than both Pinterest and LinkedIn.
Of course, a lot of this has to do with its popularity among younger millennials—which could be a drawback, depending on your business. Obviously, if you sell products geared towards younger buyers—especially younger women—then you absolutely need to be using Snapchat. However, B2B companies, certain service businesses, or those with an older audience may not find as much success with this platform as they would with others.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t research and explore any possibility. Many brands, especially news organizations like CNN and ESPN have found major success on Snapchat.
If you’d like to learn how your business can effectively use Snapchat, just contact WideNet today!
