The first major inclusive celebrations of the year are slowly rolling in, and Snapchat is among the first to lay down its plans by outlining how it’ll celebrate Black History Month, which includes themed Spotlight challenges, new AR filters, and a new collab to ensure that it’s meeting optimal representation across its various features.

Going Black

Let’s first take a look at Spotlight – Snap’s launching a new set of Black History Month Spotlight Challenges that’ll see over $40,000 awarded to various creators who’ll participate in specific projects aligned with the event. Snap’s Black History Month challenges will be updated weekly throughout February, and will touch on several key themes:

  • February 1 – 7 – Share what #BlackExcellence means to you.

  • February 8 – 14 – Show us what a day in the life at your HBCU looks like with #LifeAtMyHBCU!

  • February 15- 21 – Use a location tag for your favorite local #BlackOwnedBusiness and tell us why you support them!

  • February 18-24 – Educate Spotlight on the most interesting #BlackHistoryMonthFacts.

Spotlight, which is mainly Snap’s version of the TikTok format, has become quite a popular addition, with the company reporting that the total time spent watching Spotlight content, just this week, has grown by more than 100% YoY. It may be another TikTok clone, but that just goes to show that the format really does work. As such, it’s a good way for Snap to promote its Black History Month initiatives.

Snapchat’s also launching a range of themed Lenses, created by Black artists. The Lenses will focus on three main elements, particularly: 

  • Rare and Untold Stories – Sharing overlooked facts about the Black experience and history.

  • Revisiting History and the Promise of Tomorrow – Recognizing how far we’ve come by spotlighting significant accomplishments and ideals for the future.

  • Diaspora – Discussing Black history as it applies to the diaspora, celebrating our differences and coming together in shared lineage.

Lastly, Snapchat’s partnering up with the Beauty in INclusivity Association (BIIA) to ensure that there’s an optimal mix of diversity and representation in the app.

The Wrap

Black History Month is an important time to recognize the past, go into reflection on the various injustices that continue to plague our current societal structures, and consider how we can all contribute to improving them from here on out. Snapchat hopes to contribute to this broader movement, one innovative step at a time.

Sources

http://bit.ly/3DCaS0R