Snapchat just announced some new features to enhance in-app engagement, while it’s also now making its web-based platform available to all users, which had previously been a Snapchat+ exclusive. Despite numerous cost-cutting measures, it seems that Snap is now starting to incorporate smaller counter-initiatives to turn its challenging circumstances around.
Very Engaging
To start, Snap’s adding new Chat Shortcuts to make it easier for users to manage unread messages, as well as to reply to Stories. Based on official screenshots, the new chat shortcuts, in Light Blue at the top of the Chat Screen, will provide another way to filter your messages, and find key prompts.
As Snap explains:
“Our Shortcuts will also remind you if you owe a reply and show you when birthdays are coming up, so you never miss someone’s special day or leave a friend on read.”
It could be a handy way to stay on top of your chats, especially if you have a lot of conversations going at any given time. Snap’s also adding new Questions Stickers for Stories, similar to the same option already available in Instagram and other apps.
In line with the latest updates on iOS 16, Snapchat’s adding new Lock Screen Widgets, which will make it easier to receive notifications, and enter Snap chats directly from your home screen.
Lastly, Snap’s also making the desktop version of its app available to all users. Initially launched back in July to Snapchat+ users only, the platform’s web version enables users to send messages, conduct video chats, and voice calls – basically all the central connection elements of the app will now be available via your desktop PC. Snapchat for web also allows you to use selected Snap Lenses for video calls. The expanded availability will make it easier for people to keep in touch with their friends via Snap, in more ways, which could be particularly beneficial for the increasing cohort of people that are working from home.
The Wrap
As Snap’s audience gets older, it’s becoming a bigger consideration for Snap, and the expanded web version is, in some ways, an acknowledgment of this, as it looks to align with audience shifts. This is a good move for Snap, in the long run, seeing as how Snap’s primary reliance on younger audiences might eventually encounter a bottleneck. Appealing to various audience brackets is a good strategy as it can significantly improve longevity. Check out Snapchat for web here.
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