Snap has announced the launch date for this year's Snapchat Recap, a popular feature that allows users to see their most-used filters, music tracks, and Snap creations from the past year. Alongside this announcement, the company also released their "2024 in a Snap" report, which reveals some of the top trends on the platform in 2024. From popular music lenses to the most shared music tracks, users can now relive their year on Snapchat and see what was trending in 2024.
The Australian Senate has passed a landmark legislation that will make it illegal for children under 16 to create social media accounts on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat. The government has agreed to pass the bill, despite concerns from critics that the ban may harm vulnerable children who rely on social media for support. The bill also includes privacy protections to prevent platforms from requiring government-issued identification or digital identification through government systems. While the House of Representatives still needs to approve amendments made in the Senate, the ban is expected to be enforced within a year, with hefty fines for platforms that fail to comply.
Recently, the Mumbai police have found evidence linking the accused in the murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique to the use of Snapchat. The app, known for its temporary messages and photos, is popular among the younger generation and allows gang members to communicate without leaving a trace. This discovery sheds light on the evolving methods of gang communication and the challenges it poses for law enforcement.
Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced the closure of its third-party augmented reality studio, Meta Spark, which has been used by creators to design AR effects. The decision comes as the company shifts its focus and resources towards AI products and the development of the metaverse. With the shutdown of Meta Spark, all third-party AR effects created through the studio will be removed from Facebook and Instagram, while Meta's own AR effects will continue to be available. This news has caused disappointment among creators, with some speculating on alternative platforms like Snapchat Lens Studio.
Snapchat lovers using Android devices can now capture their favorite moments on the app with just a simple voice command. Thanks to a new update, Google Assistant now has the ability to take screenshots on Snapchat. Android users can say "Hey Google, take a screenshot" while viewing the snap, making it easier than ever to save and share memories on the popular social media platform.
The latest Q2 earnings report from Snap Inc. reveals its continued success, with an increase in daily active users and monthly users, as well as significant growth in revenue, particularly in new markets. The platform is investing in AI tools and AR effects to drive engagement and improve ad performance, while also expanding its advertising offerings to attract more U.S. advertisers. With its increasing user base and enhancements to its Conversions API and AR Extensions, Snapchat shows no signs of slowing down.
Snapchat has introduced various AR features, designed in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee, for the 2024 Olympics. These include AR Lenses, official highlights, and filters, all powered by Snap's AR Camera Kit technology. With over 180 million monthly users engaging with sports content on Snapchat, this partnership could enhance fan engagement and offer immersive digital experiences for the Games. Additionally, scannable AR elements and Team USA athlete Bitmojis add to the interactive experience for users.
Popular Telugu actress Sonal Chauhan recently faced a hacking incident that led her to issue a warning to her followers on social media. Her Snapchat account was hacked, and the hacker sent out false messages to her contacts, pretending to be the actress. Sonal's team was able to regain control of the account, but she cautioned fans to ignore any suspicious messages. In addition to the hacking incident, Sonal also spoke out against trolling on social media after an edited clip from one of her interviews was circulated and made viral. The actress is currently focusing on opportunities in Bollywood but has made a mark in Tollywood with her bold and talented performances.
With a goal of creating a more immersive and personalized user experience, Snap Inc. plans to increase investments in artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. This move comes after the company's CEO acknowledged falling behind in this area, which has reflected in its business performance. The new investments will also cater to the company's advertising partners, as Snap aims to show the right ads to the right users at the right time, while ensuring privacy and improved performance.
During the 2024 IAB NewFronts event, Snapchat announced the launch of new augmented reality (AR) and machine learning (ML) tools, providing brands and advertisers with better capabilities to engage users on the platform. With its investment in ML and automation, Snapchat has reduced the time required for creating AR try-on assets for brands, empowering them to transform their 2D product catalogs into immersive experiences quicker. The company also shared its upcoming launch of the 'Snap Sports Network', a sports channel featuring offbeat sports and hosted by Snap Stars. Additionally, Snapchat is expanding its collaboration with Live Nation to showcase exclusive content from concerts on a new Snap Nation Public Profile.