I’m excited about Snapchat, I think I have been since 2012 when I realised why it had won so many hearts. Snapchat has been the social network you use to say something when you’ve got nothing to say, it’s almost a little poke “Hey, I wanna interact with you but I’ve got nothing to say.”
In June 2015 I was standing in Time Square, New York when I noticed a massive set of billboards for Snapchat – it was clear this little social network was beginning to get it’s legs. Actually by last year it had it’s legs, it’s reported the social network now has more than 15% of US adults on board – 15% is regarded as the magical tipping point where social apps begin to mainstream. Celebrities, business leaders and everyone in between is using snapchat for it’s intimate connection potential with fans and customers. People love feeling part of your story. DJ Khaled gets some 1.7million views on his Snapchat stories… if you watch them you’ll be confused as to why, but he does and people love it.
In the last month Snapchat has begun using their Discover feature to start telling stories, such as the Black Lives Matter rally, it’s clear that at some point in 2016 Snapchat is going to be a platform where breaking news is shared, potentially journalists will bring it into it’s own during the US Presidential elections with curated stories reported raw, fast (to the point) and in real time.
That leaves you and I, innovators, dreamers and visionaries. We’re on the verge of an amazing new story telling social network taking it’s place during a time in history where what matters is your story and including people in it (if you don’t believe me spend some time having a look at Apple’s marketing strategy).
How can you use Snapchat to tell your story? Sure it’s a great place to share your day to day narrative but what about producing unique content for Snapchat? Today I made a banana smoothie – what a guy. I’m not a talented cook but I decided to snapchat the very basic steps (btw one too many bananas). If you’re good at whipping up quick snacks then get on Snapchat and have a story that people love watching as you inspire new creations (buzzfeed food and Tasty are already doing this so well on Facebook).
Just like Vine & YouTube Snapchat needs people with passion who have something to share in order to teach the world the creative ways it can be used, I already know people doing this with the Snaps they share with their friends – so be unafraid and try sharing with a wider audience. What can you share? What’s your talent that people would want to know about? Personal Trainer, Mike Vacanti is sharing his daily narrative and fitness tips, people are super hooked in.
What’s your thing you can share on Snapchat?
Remember the reason Snapchat is coming into it’s own now is because people like authenticity, here and now and raw, so don’t get caught up trying to be someone or something you’re not on Snapchat, it’s gotta just be you.
Join me on Snapchat – scotty.mcdonald
