Snapchat has made “Creative Kit” available to developers for their new short video feature called Spotlight.
Background
Snapchat launched Spotlight in November of 2020, which functions much like TikTok or Instagram Reels. Snapchatters who have a public profile can submit videos for consideration for Spotlight Content that are 60 seconds or less in length, have a 3:2 aspect ratio & are, preferably, made using Snapchat’s tools.
Snapchat Creative Kit allows users to share Lenses, AR Experiences, Filters, GIFs, videos, links, or captions from their Website or app directly to Snapchat’s camera or preview screen. Once the Content is shared to Snapchat, users can use any of Snapchat’s creative tools to edit the Content before sending it on to friends or stories. Snaps & Stories shared with Creative Kit link back to the developers’ content.
Who Qualifies
Any developer can apply to Snapchat for acceptance. Some of the things they consider include an apps’ Privacy Policy & the apps’ brand guidelines. Developers need to use a desktop computer to explore Snapchat’s integration documentation & a demo video of the app’s integration will be required before approval is given.
What Does This Feature Offer For Developers
Potentially, developers will be able to reach Snapchat’s 280 million strong community who use the app on a daily basis. The Snapchat Creative Kit is part of its broader range of tools for 3rd party apps known as Snap Kit, which provides various utilities to developers for iOS, Android & the Web, such as direct app-to-Snapchat login & camera access among others facilities. Creative Kit is focused on sharing Content from apps to Snapchat.
Partner Content developed by 3rd parties will be aggregated to dedicated App Pages, these pages will show developers how Snapchat users are engaging with their Content & apps. Also, these pages will be focused to drive organic traffic to apps enabling them to grow their install rate & their audience.
Ultimately, Snapchat is facilitating 3rd party app integration to bring a richer experience to its user community. Apps developed by Voisey & Powder are examples of this aim in action, with Powder classed as a breakout app, which lets players edit & share gaming videos on mobile.
Developers will also be able to use the Snapchat Topics API to track campaigns – Topics are used to identify & categorize content on Spotlight. Developers will be able to set up to 3 optional #Topics for each post that is shared to Spotlight to increase engagement & track usage.
All in all, these new features should see improved app engagement for developers who tap into the Snapchat app with forethought & innovation.
