Snapchat Spotlight is a platform within Snapchat that allows users to share public videos that have the opportunity to go viral and be seen by millions of Snapchatters. Videos posted to Spotlight have the chance to earn money if they are engaging and entertaining to the Snapchat community. Spotlight aims to incentivize creativity among Snapchat users by rewarding them for creating fun, interesting content.
What is Snapchat Spotlight?
Snapchat Spotlight is a public feed of the most entertaining Snaps submitted by the Snapchat community. It features short-form vertical videos up to 60 seconds in length. Spotlight lives within the Snapchat app and uses an algorithm to showcase the most engaging Snaps to the widest Snapchat audience. The algorithm rewards factors like engagement and overall entertainment value.
Spotlight was introduced by Snapchat in November 2020 as a way to compete with short-form video apps like TikTok. It gives Snapchat a place to highlight its most viral and popular content. For users, it provides a chance to reach a huge audience and potentially earn money if their content performs well.
How does Snapchat Spotlight work?
Here is an overview of how Spotlight works:
- Users upload Snaps directly to the Spotlight feed within Snapchat. They can upload videos up to 60 seconds long.
- Videos are immediately eligible to go viral. There is no follower requirement and no need to be an influencer.
- An algorithm determines which Snaps are highlighted and featured prominently in Spotlight. It analyzes factors like total watch time, number of unique views, completion rates and more.
- The best performing Snaps appear at the top of Spotlight for 24 hours. After 24 hours they get cycled down to make room for new viral content.
- Snaps with the highest engagement and views in Spotlight can earn money for the creator. Snapchat shares revenue generated from ads displayed alongside Spotlight videos.
Overall, Spotlight aims to surface the most entertaining Snaps to the most Snapchatters. It rewards engagement through an incentive model where creators earn money when their content performs well. The algorithm scans all submissions to Spotlight and picks out the most impressive Snaps to showcase.
What types of content do well on Spotlight?
Any type of engaging, interesting Snap has the potential to go viral on Spotlight. Here are some examples of content that tends to perform well:
- Comedy sketches and funny prank videos
- Talent videos showcasing skills like singing, dancing, art, and more
- Creative life hacks and DIY tricks
- Unique perspectives of daily life and current events
- Funny commentary about pop culture and memes
- Interesting facts and educational content
- Cute animal videos
Generally lighthearted, positive content that entertains people tends to get a good response on Spotlight. Videos that tell an interesting story or showcase an impressive talent also grab attention. The key is creating Snaps with mass appeal that make people want to watch and engage.
How do you post to Snapchat Spotlight?
Posting to Spotlight is easy and accessible to all Snapchat users. Simply follow these steps:
- Open the Snapchat app and tap on the “+” icon to create a new Snap.
- Record or upload a video up to 60 seconds long.
- Tap “Send To” and select “Spotlight” to post the Snap.
- Add a title and any context to describe your video.
- Tap “Send Snap” to publish it to Spotlight.
Once your Snap is live in Spotlight, it will have the chance to earn views and go viral depending on how engaging it is. Sit back and see how your creation performs!
How does Snapchat determine Spotlight payouts?
If your Snap gets significant engagement on Spotlight, you may be eligible to earn money from a monthly creator fund. Here are some key details on how Snapchat determines payouts:
- Payout amounts are based on unique video views and overall engagement.
- Snapchat analyzes metrics like views, watch time and completion rate to gauge engagement.
- The specific calculation formulas are kept private to maintain fairness and prevent gaming the system.
- Payout minimums change depending on engagement each month. There is no fixed minimum.
- Earnings are confirmed after the 28th of each month based on performance.
- Payouts are made via direct deposit to a linked bank account.
In general, Snapchat incentivizes creators by sharing the ad revenue generated from Spotlight content. The better your Snaps perform, the more money you can earn.
Key tips for creating successful Spotlight Snaps
Here are some top tips for making engaging Spotlight content that can help you get views and potentially earn money:
- Hook viewers immediately – use an eye-catching intro within the first 5 seconds.
- Use captions to enhance the storytelling and add context.
- Make videos vertically in 9:16 aspect ratio to optimize for mobile.
- Consider viral trends and hashtags but give them a unique spin.
- Post consistently to build an audience and following.
- Use dynamic edits and effects to make quality cinematic content.
- Encourage watch time with a compelling narrative arc or surprises.
- Be authentic and tap into your unique personality and skills.
Common questions about Snapchat Spotlight
Is there a limit to how many Snaps I can post to Spotlight?
No, there is no limit to how many Snaps you can post to Spotlight. You can submit as many videos as you want. Of course, quality matters more than quantity when it comes to getting views.
Can I delete a Snap from Spotlight?
Yes, you can remove a Snap from Spotlight at any time. Simply go to your Spotlight submission history and tap to delete any Snaps you no longer want featured there.
How old do I have to be to submit to Spotlight?
You must be 16 years or older to post Snaps to Spotlight. Spotlight follows the same age policies as the rest of Snapchat.
When do Spotlight creators get paid?
If you earn money from Spotlight, you will receive payment by direct deposit on the 28th of each month. Payments are based on performance in the previous month.
Does Spotlight pay creators outside the United States?
Yes, Snapchat Spotlight is a global program open to creators worldwide. However, to receive payment you must have a bank account that can accept USD direct deposit.
Conclusion
Snapchat Spotlight opens up the opportunity for any Snapchat user to have their content go viral and potentially earn cash rewards. By incentivizing creativity and engagement, it aims to cultivate the next generation of digital creators and entertainers. While discovery is difficult, those able to consistently produce quality Snaps that delight the Snapchat audience can gain momentum and followers over time. Overall, Spotlight adds a new dimension to Snapchat as both an entertainment platform and economic opportunity for creators around the world.