When it comes to social media advertising, Snapchat often feels like the underdog in a room full of standouts.
In general, platforms like TikTok and Instagram tend to hog the spotlight with their flashy trends and influencer-driven content. Meanwhile, Snapchat is sitting in the corner, quietly but powerfully delivering big results for brands that know how to use it.
If you haven’t yet explored Snapchat for your business, you’re missing out on a platform with immense potential. After all, where else can you directly reach over 900 million monthly active users, most of whom are Millennials and Gen Z?
Snapchat advertising isn’t just “another social media ad.” Nor is it a passing fad. It’s immersive. It’s engaging. It’s cost-effective.
And most importantly, it’s a game-changer for brands looking to stand out. Let’s talk about why (and how) you can make the most of Snapchat to connect with a highly engaged audience.
Why Advertise on Snapchat?
Wondering why Snapchat is worth its salt for you, as an advertiser? Let’s take a closer look.
1. Snapchat Is Where Gen Z and Millennials Stay Connected
Here’s the thing about Snapchatters: unlike users on other platforms, they’re not endlessly scrolling through a feed. They’re snapping. They’re chatting. They’re actively engaging in real-time. And with 75% of 13-34-year-olds in over 20 countries using Snapchat, it’s clear this is the space to connect with the younger crowd.
It’s not just about numbers, though. Snapchat’s ephemeral nature (think 24-hour Stories and snaps that vanish after being viewed) gives it a unique vibe. It’s casual, authentic, and, above all, fun. Unlike other polished platforms, Snapchat encourages creativity and off-the-cuff content, which resonates deeply with younger audiences who value realness over perfection.
Pro tip? If your brand’s target demographic includes Millennials or Gen Z, Snapchat ads give you the opportunity to meet them where they’re most active, on a platform they trust to stay connected authentically.
2. Unique Ad Formats That Captivate
Another reason to tap into ads on Snapchat is that the platform’s ad game is anything but cookie-cutter.
Here’s a glimpse into its standout options:
- Single Image/Video Ads: These are full-screen visuals that grab attention instantly. Perfect for short and snappy (pun intended) messages.
- Story Ads: Appearing in the Discover feed, these are ideal for longer narratives or showcasing multiple products.
- Collection Ads: These allow you to display multiple tappable products, letting users shop directly from your ad.
- Commercials: Commercials are non-skippable ads that make sure your brand's message is seen loud and clear.
But the real winner, out of all of these, is Snapchat’s newest feature: the Augmented Reality (AR) Lenses.
If you’ve ever tried on virtual sunglasses or played an interactive branded game on Snapchat, you’re familiar with this feature. These ads aren’t just ads, but full-on experiences. And with over 250 million Snapchat users engaging with AR daily, it’s safe to say users love it.
3. Competitive Pricing and Ad Credits
Budget-conscious advertisers, rejoice. Snapchat has one of the lowest entry barriers for advertising. You can start running campaigns with as little as $5 a day.
On top of that, Snapchat often offers ad credits like “Spend $350, Get $375,” which basically translates to free money for your marketing endeavors. This makes it an ideal platform for small businesses and startups who are interested in testing the waters of digital advertising without dumping their entire marketing budgets.
How Snapchat Ads Drive Results
Next, let’s talk about how ads on Snapchat work, and why they’re so impactful in driving real results:
1. Build Brand Awareness
Snapchat’s full-screen ads are the definition of “hard to ignore.” Story Ads and AR Lenses are perfect for memorable campaigns, whether you’re launching a product or boosting your brand’s visibility.
Take Gucci, for example. They’ve used Snapchat Lenses to allow users to “try on” shoes virtually, a campaign that not only wowed Snapchatters but boosted engagement dramatically.
2. Drive Consideration and Engagement
From interactive “Swipe Up” options to Snap Pixel tracking, Snapchat offers a big, wide world of engagement tools. Snap Pixel enables brands to measure campaign effectiveness and even retarget users who showed interest but didn’t convert immediately.
For instance, let’s say you’re running a promo for a new skincare line. If users swipe up to browse but don’t purchase, you can retarget them with a follow-up ad, perhaps a discount offer or customer testimonial. Snapchat advertising doesn’t just shout, as many ad campaigns do. Instead, it starts a conversation.
3. Boost Sales and App Installs
Ecommerce brands, this one’s for you. Snapchat’s direct integrations with platforms like Shopify create a seamless shop-and-buy experience.
From offering limited-time discounts on Collection Ads to promoting app downloads through precise targeting, Snapchat can directly drive tangible results.
Optimizing Your Snapchat Ad Campaign
Okay, so you’re sold on the idea of using Snapchat for your business. Now what? Here are some steps to follow to help you make the most of this innovative platform.
1. Know Your Target Audience
Snapchat’s user base skews heavily toward 13-34-year-olds. But you need to narrow your scope even further, because there’s a lot going on within this bracket.
Are you speaking to high schoolers, young professionals, or first-time parents? Success starts with tailoring your message accordingly. Gen Z loves playful, authentic messaging, while Millennials may respond better to valuable how-tos or life hacks.
2. Leverage Snapchat Ads Manager
If Snapchat Ads Manager feels intimidating, don’t worry. It’s user-friendly, even for beginners.
From setting up ad sets to tracking performance metrics like impressions and swipe-ups, the platform makes it easy to monitor your progress. To truly step up your game, pair your campaigns with Snap Pixel to track engagement and conversions across your website.
3. Experiment with Ad Formats
A golden rule of advertising? Test, optimize, repeat. Story Ads, AR Lenses, and Collection Ads each appeal to different audience behaviors. Trial and error are your best friends when discovering what resonates with your specific audience.
4. Measure and Refine
Snapchat provides real-time data, so don’t leave it sitting on the dashboard. Focus on metrics like conversions, swipe-ups, and click-through rates to refine your strategy. Never underestimate the power of continuous optimization.
Snapchat vs. Other Platforms
Curious how Snapchat stacks up to other advertising platforms? We’ll preface this by saying that you don’t have to choose just one (nor should you). There are lots of benefits to taking an omnichannel approach and running ads across multiple social media platforms.
With that said, understanding the differences between them all is key.
One of the most common comparisons is Snapchat vs. TikTok. While TikTok often grabs headlines, Snapchat offers something unique: real-time connection. TikTok might win in viral trends, but Snapchat’s AR features and authentic communication create deeper engagement.
Then, there’s Facebook, or Meta Ads. Facebook excels in comprehensive targeting, but Snapchat dominates when it comes to the coveted 13-34 demographic, as Facebook audiences tend to skew a bit older.
Plus, Snapchat’s full-screen ad experience often feels more immersive and less interruptive than the standard scroll-through feed on Facebook.
Tips for Success with Snapchat Advertising
Here are a few final tips for making the most of your Snapchat ads campaign:
Be Authentic and Creative
Snapchat is not the place for corporate jargon or overly polished ads. Keep it real. Use humor, bold designs, and storytelling that feels organic. Think about how your audience can engage with your brand, whether that’s through a lens, swipe-up action, or interactive ad.
Automate and Scale
Once you find a winning formula, scale your efforts with Snapchat’s automated tools. Dynamic Ads, for example, can automatically create personalized ads for users based on uploaded product catalogs.
Stay Ahead of Trends
Snapchat is constantly evolving. From its AR advancements to new ad offerings, staying on top of trends is key. Experiment with new features and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Ready to Drive Sales with Snapchat Ads?
Snapchat is more than just a messaging app. It’s a marketing powerhouse hiding in plain sight. With its unique audience, engaging ad formats, and cost-effective entry point, it’s time to stop overlooking this goldmine.
At Kinetic319, we specialize in helping businesses like yours tap into Snapchat’s potential. Whether you’re looking to reach a new audience, elevate brand awareness, or drive serious sales, we have the expertise to make it happen.
Let’s make your brand the next Snapchat success story. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation and see how Snapchat ads can transform your marketing strategy.