When planning a social media marketing strategy, most businesses think of TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram as the go-to platforms. These giants dominate the social media landscape, but there’s one platform that often gets overlooked, Snapchat.
Known for its short-lived content and a more personal approach, Snapchat is frequently dismissed as a casual app rather than a powerful marketing tool. However, with millions of daily active users and unique features that encourage creativity and authenticity, Snapchat offers businesses a fresh way to engage with audiences.
In this blog post, we will go over how businesses can embrace Snapchat and market themselves to a brand-new audience.
Outline:
What Is Snapchat and Why Should Businesses Use It?
Who Is the Target Audience on Snapchat?
When Is the Best Time to Post on Snapchat?
How Can Businesses Create Engaging Content on Snapchat?
What Is Snapchat and Why Should Businesses Use It?
Snapchat is a social media platform ideal for brands aiming to grow their audience and enhance their online presence. With 422 million daily active users, Snapchat is one of the largest social networks today, offering a significant opportunity for businesses to increase brand awareness.
The platform is especially popular among younger demographics, making it a perfect channel for targeting Millennials and Gen Z. But Snapchat isn't just about the numbers, it also excels in content creation and engagement. The platform's creative tools, like filters, emoji stickers, and Bitmojis, allow brands to showcase a fun, authentic side.
Snapchat's focus on real-time, immersive content also resonates with its audience, providing a unique way to engage users. With diverse content formats, including Stories, Spotlight, Filters, and Snap Ads, Snapchat helps businesses keep their content fresh and engaging, making it a valuable asset in any digital marketing strategy.
Who Is the Target Audience on Snapchat?
As we said, Snapchat's audience is diverse but primarily consists of younger users, making it an ideal platform for brands targeting Gen Z and Millennials.
In 2024, Snapchat has 800 million monthly active users worldwide, with a significant portion of these users based in the Asia-Pacific region. However, user adoption is highest in North America, where more than 25% of the population uses Snapchat, and in Western Europe, with over 20%.
This audience is heavily skewed towards younger demographics: Gen Z makes up the majority of Snapchat's US users, followed by Millennials, Gen X, and then Baby Boomers. This makes Snapchat particularly attractive for advertisers looking to engage with a younger audience.
Compared to other major digital platforms, Snapchat boasts the highest share of Gen Z users in the United States, presenting a unique opportunity for brands targeting this specific demographic that doesn’t shy away from spending.
When Is the Best Time to Post on Snapchat?
To maximize engagement on Snapchat, timing your posts strategically is crucial. User activity on Snapchat is highest during the evenings and late nights, reflecting the platform's casual and spontaneous nature.
Most users are active between 7 PM and 10 PM, but Snapchat's predominantly younger audience, aged 18 to 25, tends to engage with content well into the night.
For the best results, aim to post between 9 PM and 1 AM, as this timeframe sees the highest engagement.
Additionally, mornings and late afternoons may offer opportunities for engagement, but, as always, understanding your specific audience's habits can help fine-tune your posting schedule.
How Can Businesses Create Engaging Content on Snapchat?
To create engaging content on Snapchat, businesses should tap into the platform's distinctive features and interactive tools. Here’s how to craft content that resonates with Snapchat’s audience:
Snapchat Stories
Leverage Stories to narrate a compelling sequence or spotlight specific aspects of your business. These 24-hour disappearing posts are ideal for unveiling new products, sharing behind-the-scenes content, promoting limited-time offers, or just giving your audience a quick update on your day or business.
If you looking for an in-depth blog post on how to leverage Stories, check out this one right here.
Snap Ads
Utilize Snap Ads to deliver brief, immersive video ads that appear between users’ Stories. These ads are effective for directing traffic to your website or app, raising awareness about your brand, or promoting your products and services.
Also, while we are on the topic of Ads, Snapchat has great monetization opportunities for creators like the Snapchat Spotlight Program and the Snap Stars Program.
Filters and Lenses
Develop custom filters and lenses to creatively represent your brand or support marketing campaigns. Encourage users to interact with and share Snaps featuring your branded filters or lenses to boost engagement and increase visibility.
Influencer Collaborations and Partnerships
Collaborate with influencers who align with your brand’s values and have a standing with your target audience. By featuring your products or services in their Snaps, influencers can help you reach new followers.
By strategically using these Snapchat features, businesses can create content that captivates users and strengthens their presence on the platform. Embracing Snapchat allows you to showcase your brand’s personality, drive traffic, and boost interaction with your content.
As you explore these options, remember that no matter what platforms you are on, you always need a capable and all-inclusive social media management tool, Nuelink if you want the best, that can help you manage and thrive across your channels.
