Snapchat’s October product bundle introduces new ways for users to connect and express themselves, with Halloween-themed Lenses, Bitmoji costumes, and fresh stickers. These updates, aimed at enhancing in-app interactions, also bring quick camera access for iPhone users and a new Snap Map feature called Footsteps, which lets users track their adventures.
Details on New Features and Updates
Snap’s updates highlight the platform’s focus on creativity and seasonal engagement. With Halloween approaching, the new Lenses and Bitmoji costumes allow users to create festive Snaps. Lenses like “Clown” and “Halloween Costume” are powered by AI, adding a dynamic element for users to experiment with costumes directly through the app.
Bitmoji costumes also get a seasonal update, featuring characters from Mean Girls and Yellowstone through a partnership with Paramount. These costumes bring popular culture into the app, appealing to fans and enhancing user engagement. Furthermore, Bitmoji Stickers have been updated to include more Gen Z expressions, like “slay” and the heart symbol, which Snapchatters often use in their chats.
Footsteps on Snap Map
Another new feature, Footsteps, is designed to capture user activity on Snap Map. Exclusive to users, Footsteps provides a private view of their movements and travel history, which they can review over time. This feature gives a personalized way to reflect on past trips, making it appealing for Snapchat’s younger audience.
Enhanced Camera Controls
For iPhone users, Snap has improved camera access by integrating it with the Lock Screen for quick Snaps, providing easier functionality that allows for capturing moments without opening the app fully. This faster access, currently compatible with iPhone 16, adds convenience for Snap’s frequent users, many of whom rely on the app’s camera for quick, in-the-moment captures.
Key Takeaway for Marketing Managers
Snapchat’s October updates provide marketers with new engagement tools that capitalize on trends and seasonal events. Middle Eastern brands can use these Halloween-themed Lenses and Bitmoji options for timely campaigns, potentially encouraging user-generated content tied to festive events. The new Snap Map Footsteps feature also offers insights into consumer travel behavior, providing a unique data point for brands targeting mobile-first audiences. These tools offer regional marketers effective ways to tap into Snapchat’s immersive, interactive ecosystem to increase brand visibility and engagement.
