Snapchat is making some big changes starting on October 1st that users should be aware of. The popular social media app known for its disappearing messages and filters will be rolling out a new interface and some key features. Understanding what these changes are and how they will impact the Snapchat experience can help users better navigate the app going forward.
New Home and Discover Pages
One of the most noticeable changes coming to Snapchat is an updated homepage design. The new Home page will have a more personalized feel and will display content based on users’ interactions within the app. For example, Snapchat may show content from close friends higher up on the Home page while content from inactive connections will be moved lower down.
The Discover page is also being overhauled. This is the page where users view content from Snapchat’s media partners, celebrities, brands and creators. The new design will supposedly make it easier for Snapchatters to explore content they care about and discover new creators to follow.
New Navigation
Along with UI changes, Snapchat is also streamlining the app’s navigation. There will now be five tabs at the bottom of the app: Home, Chat, Camera, Map and Profile. This is meant to simplify navigation so users can quickly access the key areas they need.
Some notable navigation changes include:
- Chat and Camera remain as important standalone tabs
- Map includes an updated design along with enhanced social and location features
- Profile houses the Friends and Snapcodes pages previously under the ghost icon
Having core areas of the app just one tap away aims to improve the Snapchat flow.
New Action Bar
With the new interface comes a new Action Bar at the top of the app. This provides easy access to key features like:
- Lenses
- Spotlight
- Story posting
- Profile customization
The Action Bar remains visible as users navigate the app, allowing them to open lenses, share content, edit their profile and more at any time.
Separate Subscription Offerings
One significant business move Snapchat is making involves splitting Snapchat+ and Snapchat Premium into two standalone subscription offerings.
Snapchat+ will be focused on providing exclusive features for power users at $3.99/month. This includes:
- New Snapchat badges
- Custom icons
- Displaying who rewatched Stories
- Pinning a friend as a #1 BFF
Snapchat Premium will be focused on exclusive content at $4.99/month, such as:
- Exclusive Stories
- Snapchat’s new Instafllter feature
- Premium creative tools
- Priority Story replies
Segmenting these paid offerings allows Snapchat to provide more value for specific sets of users. Those wanting exclusive features can subscribe to Snapchat+ while those wanting premium content can use Snapchat Premium.
Enhanced Games Experience
Gaming has always been a key part of Snapchat. Now the app is doubling down on social gaming with a standalone games tab and improved games capabilities. Users can look forward to a full-screen gaming UI, the ability to easily play games with friends, new social features around gaming and easier game discoverability.
This could help Snapchat better compete with gaming-focused social apps while also catering to users who gravitate towards social gaming.
Other Feature Updates
Along with the major changes highlighted so far, Snapchat is packing its fall refresh with lots of helpful feature updates including:
- Family Center parental controls
- Dual Camera for recording from two lenses at once
- Director Mode for easily creating video Stories
- Shared Stories for friends to contribute to public Stories
- Screenshop for outfit recommendations from catalogue images
- Gifting for supporting creators through gifts and tips
These smaller feature drops demonstrate Snapchat’s focus on thoughtful innovation that caters to real user needs. Rather than flashy gimmicks, they aim to give Snapchatters superpowers to express themselves and have more fun connecting with friends.
Motivations Behind the Changes
Understanding why Snapchat is making such sweeping changes provides helpful context. There are likely a few key motivations driving this product overhaul:
Staying Relevant
Snapchat knows it needs to stay innovative to keep up with ever-changing social media trends. As platforms like TikTok disrupt social norms, Snapchat needs to double down on what makes it special – authentic human connection, intimacy and spontaneity. The interface and feature revamp shows it’s still focused on its app’s core strengths.
Improving monetization
While Snapchat has a strong and engaged user base, the company still struggles turning a profit compared to rivals like Meta. Improving Snapchat’s gaming capabilities, subscriptions offerings and ads business could significantly boost monetization. The October changes seem designed to incrementally improve in these areas.
Catering to shifting user behavior
Snapchat user preferences are constantly evolving. Newer users may find the app more confusing without TikTok-like navigation. Veterans may want more ways to customize their experience. Updating the interface, navigation and feature set allows Snapchat to better cater to both new and existing users.
| Motivation | How Snapchat’s changes address it |
|---|---|
| Staying Relevant | New features focused on creativity tools, social gaming, etc. show Snapchat is evolving with fresh trends |
| Improving Monetization | Standalone subscriptions, gaming features and profile customization provide more monetization surface area |
| Catering to User Behavior | Simplified navigation, personalized homepage, and new profiles cater to shifting preferences |
Conclusion
October 1st marks the start of a new era for Snapchat. The app is getting a vital rejuvenation through updated navigation, new features and advanced capabilities. For users, this means an improved and more personalized Snapchat experience that will hopefully feel more inviting to existing and new users alike.
Of course, only time will tell if these sweeping changes hit the mark for Snapchat. But they demonstrate the app’s continued commitment to evolution and staying ahead of the curve amidst the crowded social media landscape. As Snapchat rolls out its bold new vision, users are encouraged to test out all the new features and capabilities at their fingertips.