On top of its recent update to its ‘Scan function, with the addition of ‘Food Scan’, Snapchat is also looking to expand the utility of its Snap Map by introducing a new ‘Layers’ toggle option. The new feature allows users to change the focus of the map display.
Snapchat’s new ‘Layers’ toggle, which will appear on the top right of the Snap Map display, enables users to choose from various presentation options on the map. It gives the Snap Map a little more dynamism, and, in a way, allows users to input a little bit of creativity along with improving their local geographic familiarity.
No Cartographers Needed
Of the new options that ‘Layers’ offers, ‘Memories’ allows users to highlight their top Snap moments within the last 12 months, pegged to the places where such moments occurred. ‘Explore’ is another option, but this time it showcases different, public snaps from different places, giving you added insight as to what’s happening around the world; you might not even know it, but there could be a mini-concert of your favorite indie band happening just a few blocks away!
These new options, as mentioned earlier, makes the Snap Map more dynamic and interactive, allowing you to use it for various purposes. The added utility to Snap Map would mean that you also had a higher chance of more users engaging with the display to relive past experiences and learn more about their surroundings. The updated Map also makes it easier to connect with proximal contacts, as well as discover local businesses.
Of course Snap won’t stop there. The platform is also supposedly developing additional ‘Layers’ to add in. ‘Partnered Layers’ allows brands to sponsor certain map listings to help promote their business. Even in real life, maps sort of serve a discovery-related purpose, so taking that idea and applying it to digital space does make for a rather unique engagement experience. You don’t see many interactive maps online, so if Snapchat continues with its developments for Snap Map, then it stands to also make it a key element of the app one day.
Snapchat first announced ‘Layers’ at its Partner Summit back in May. Snap explained that companies will even be able to add their data directly to their Maps! With Maps now garnering around 250 million users, it’s a rather viable option to consider, especially if you’re currently still establishing your business.
The Wrap
We see here how Snapchat is progressively working on several of its strong elements so as to maintain relevance and its ‘cool factor’. It goes to show that, sometimes, simply reinventing the wheel can lead to the creation of totally new ideas, either that or approach old ones under a new perspective. What can be gleaned from Snap’s recent efforts is that adding a small touch of dynamism always brings more to the broader, expansive push of any social platform.
The new and improved Snap Map will hopefully bring everyone more insight once the updates are given time to set in and catch on. With the added utility, it’ll be easier to identify, analyze, and formulate corresponding strategies to both existing and emerging trends.
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