
We've all heard that "Video killed the radio star." But when it comes to Snapchat, it's more like, "Video revolutionized the social media game." With over 265 million daily active users, Snapchat is no mere playground for frivolous selfies and dog-face filters.
Today, it's a legitimate marketing tool, especially for businesses looking to engage younger audiences. Roughly 60% of Snapchat users are between 13 and 24, so if that's your target demographic, you've come to the right place.
What Makes Snapchat Video Marketing So Appealing?
Well, let's start with the basics. Snapchat videos, also known as Snaps, are short (up to 60 seconds), vertical, and disappear after 24 hours.
This combination of brevity, format, and ephemerality creates a sense of urgency and compels users to watch and engage with content in real-time.
Engaging Younger Audiences with Your Brand
Snapchat offers a unique, fast-paced, and highly engaging way to interact with friends, influencers, and, yes, even brands. If you want to tap into this vibrant and youthful market, buckle up and take the following steps.
Be Yourself
Now that you're on board with Snapchat video marketing, it's time to get creative. And by creative, we mean unabashedly, unapologetically YOU. Snapchat is all about authenticity, precisely what your audience craves.
So, let your brand’s personality shine through in every Snap you create. Whether it's behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business, product demos, or interactive Q&As, your viewers want to feel like they're part of your story.
Use Snap Ads
Snapchat offers a variety of ad formats, but its crown jewel is the Snap Ad. Snap Ads are fullscreen, vertical video ads that can be up to three minutes long (but shorter is usually better).
These ads play between user-generated Stories or within Discover content, making them a seamless part of the user experience. They can include attachments like app installs, URLs, or long-form video content.
And, with Snapchat's self-serve ad platform, you can create and launch a Snap Ad campaign (as long as you’ve adhered to the Snapchat video ad specs) in no time. But, like any marketing campaign, success on Snapchat requires a solid strategy.
So it is important to define your objectives. Are you looking to raise brand awareness, drive sales, or grow your social following? Then, hone in on your target audience. Use Snapchat's audience targeting options to reach users based on demographics, interests, and behaviors.
Get Creative With Ad Formats
Explore sponsored Lenses, Geofilters, and Snap Ads to reach a wider audience. Create authentic, vertical Snaps that capitalize on the urgency of ephemeral content. But wait, there's more! Snapchat video marketing isn't just about creating Snaps.
It's also about leveraging the platform's unique ad formats, like sponsored Lenses and Geofilters, to reach an even wider audience. These branded, interactive experiences encourage user engagement and drive word-of-mouth marketing as users share their Snaps with friends.
Partner with Influencers
Collaborate with Snap Stars to tap into their loyal following and increase your brand visibility. Of course, no Snapchat video marketing article would be complete without a nod to influencer marketing.
With Snapchat influencers or Snap Stars, you can partner with content creators who have already cultivated a loyal following. By collaborating on branded content or sponsoring their Stories, you can tap into their audience and boost your brand visibility.
Moving with the Trend Is the Key to Success
As you embark on your Snapchat video marketing journey, remember that the key to success lies in staying current and adapting to the ever-changing social media landscape.
Snapchat is continuously rolling out new features and updates, so keeping your finger on the pulse of the latest trends and best practices is essential. Here are a few more tips to help you stay ahead of the curve in your marketing:
Create Exclusive Content
Offer Snapchat users content that they won't find on your other social media channels. This can include limited-time promotions, exclusive product launches, or behind-the-scenes access. By providing unique content, you'll give users a reason to follow and engage with your brand on Snapchat.
Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC)
Encourage your followers to share their Snaps featuring your brand or products. You can repost their content to your own Stories, giving them a shoutout and showing appreciation for their support. This fosters a sense of community and provides authentic content to share with your audience.
Experiment with Storytelling
Snapchat Stories offer a unique way to tell a narrative in a series of Snaps. Create a compelling storyline that will keep viewers engaged and eager to see what happens next. This can be anything from a day in an employee's life to a sneak peek at an upcoming product release.
Host Snapchat Takeovers
Partner with influencers, industry experts, or even your employees to host a Snapchat takeover. During a takeover, the guest will temporarily control your account, sharing their perspective and insights. This can bring fresh content to your channel and expose your brand to new audiences.
Don't Forget About Analytics
Regularly review your Snapchat analytics to see which content resonates with your audience. Look at metrics like views, completion rates, and engagement to gauge the success of your campaigns. Use these insights to optimize your content strategy and make data-driven decisions.
Wrapping Up
And remember, the key to success on Snapchat, as with any marketing platform, is to stay authentic to your brand. By harnessing the power of Snapchat video marketing, you can create memorable, interactive experiences that resonate with younger audiences.
And in a world where attention spans are shorter than ever, these bite-sized, engaging moments will help your brand stand out. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to get Snapping and engage the next generation of consumers.
The good news is that with creativity, strategy, and a keen understanding of your audience, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of Snapchat video marketing. And who knows? Maybe your brand will share the next viral video on the platform. Happy Snapping!