Snapchat is a popular social media platform that allows users to share photos, videos, and messages that disappear after being viewed. One of the key features of Snapchat is the ability to create visually engaging and customized full-screen ads that appear between stories and discover content. These Snapchat ads, known as Snap ads, can help brands reach Snapchat’s young audience in a fun and ephemeral way.
When creating a Snapchat ad, one of the most important elements is the headline. The headline appears at the top of the ad in large text and is often the first thing a user will see. Therefore, crafting a compelling and eye-catching headline is crucial for getting clicks and conversions on Snapchat ads. In this article, we will look at the key specs and best practices for creating effective Snapchat ad headlines.
Snapchat Headline Length
One of the most important specs to keep in mind for Snapchat headlines is the character limit. Snapchat headlines can be up to 34 characters long. This includes letters, numbers, spaces, and punctuation.
Here are some examples of 34 character Snapchat headlines:
- Escape to Paradise This Summer with 30% Off!
- Try Our Delicious Handcrafted Organic Ice Cream!
- Achieve Your Goals with Our Personal Training Plans
Going over 34 characters will result in your headline getting cut off or wrapped, which can make it less readable and impact its effectiveness. Using all 34 characters is ideal to maximize the impact of your headline.
Why the 34 Character Limit?
Snapchat has imposed a 34 character limit as their ads are designed for mobile devices. Reading long lines of text is difficult on small screens. The 34 character limit ensures headlines can fit on one line and are quick and easy to read on a smartphone. This results in higher engagement and clickthrough rates.
Headline Text Size and Formatting
In addition to length, the text size and formatting of Snapchat headlines also follow certain specs:
- Font size: 40px
- Font weight: Bold 700
- Font color: Customizable hex color code
- Text align: Centered
The large 40px bold text catches the viewer’s attention among other content on Snapchat. Centering the headline also gives it prominence and focus. The customizable font color allows brands to use their brand colors to stand out.
Example Headline Formatting
Here is an example of how a 34 character headline would look with the Snapchat font size, weight, alignment, and color:
Escape to Paradise This Summer with 30% Off!
Best Practices for Snapchat Headlines
When writing Snapchat ad headlines, keep these best practices in mind:
Be Brief, Clear and Specific
With only 34 characters, every word counts. Get right to the point with a brief, clear message tailored to your target audience. Avoid vague claims and unnecessary words. Specify your offer or value proposition clearly.
Use Numbers and Stats
Including numbers, stats, or percentages like “50% off” can capture attention quickly. But only use truthful claims that can be backed up.
Ask Questions
Posing an intriguing question encourages the viewer to click to find the answer. For example: “Want to Hear the Hottest New Album?”
Use Emotional Triggers
Evoke excitement, thrill, curiosity or other emotions based on your brand positioning. For example: “Satisfy Your Wanderlust in Europe”
Leverage Current Events and Trends
Tie your headline into popular real-time events, seasons, holidays and trends to make it timely and relevant.
Focus on Benefits
Rather than generic claims like “best quality”, highlight meaningful benefits like “Get Smooth, Healthy Hair”.
Target Your Audience
Use language tailored to your target demographics like teens or young adults. Adding emojis and internet slang can help connect.
Be Original and Unique
Steer clear of overused phrases and put a fresh spin on your headline. Surprise viewers with something outside the norm.
Test Different Options
Come up with a few different headline options and test them to see which performs best. The winning headline may be unexpected.
Snapchat Headline Examples
Here are some examples of real Snapchat ads with strong, effective headlines:
Spotify
This ad targets youth interested in music trends with a timely headline tied into popular artist Drake releasing a new album.
Fender
Fender’s playful headline taps into aspirations of learning guitar and emotional benefits of self-expression through music.
Terminix
Mentioning a concrete problem and solution makes this B2B ad relevant and direct for decision-makers.
Charlotte Tilbury
Using a numbered list in the short headline grabs attention and conveys the variety of makeup products available.
Formula 1
Capitalizing on the excitement of race day, this headline builds urgency to view F1 content.
Tips for Writing Snapchat Headlines
Follow these tips when drafting Snapchat ad headlines:
- Grab attention with emotional triggers or intrigue
- Highlight benefits and concrete details
- Use numbers, stats, or percentages if relevant
- Leverage trends and timely events
- Target language and interests to your audience
- Brainstorm a variety of headline options
- Say the most with 34 characters through clear, concise copy
Optimizing Your Snapchat Campaign
Your Snapchat headline is just one part of creating an effective ad. Here are some other tips for optimizing your full Snapchat campaign:
- Use high-quality, eye-catching creative images and video
- Personalize your ad copy to resonate with the Snapchat audience
- Link to a landing page for conversions outside of Snapchat
- Leverage Snapchat’s variety of ad formats including Commercials, Lenses, Filters and AR
- Set an objective like driving installs, store visits or purchases
- Take advantage of Snapchat’s tracking and analytics for insights
- Test different targeting strategies and audiences
- Optimize based on performance data throughout your campaign
Conclusion
Your Snapchat headline has a big role in your ad’s success. Keep it concise within 34 characters, make it stand out with bold formatting, and catch your audience’s interest. Combine your headline with high-quality creative, strategic targeting and optimizations for the best Snapchat campaign results. With these Snapchat headline specs and tips, you can craft compelling ads that convert.