Observed Signal · Dec 23, 2022 · Product Launch · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Snapchat+: New Christmas Features
Snapchat+ subscribers are set to receive three new features announced for the holiday season. The paid tier, launched earlier this year, had already surpassed one million users within six weeks of launch. The new features include a gifting option to send a Snapchat+ subscription to a friend for the holidays; personalization options such as customizable app icons and a redesigned camera button; and chat wallpapers to personalize the chat experience. The gifting feature enables fans to gift Snapchat+ to others, with announcements shared via Snapchat's official posts. The changes align with ongoing experiments in paid features for social apps. The article notes these features were revealed as a Christmas surprise, expanding the value proposition of Snapchat+ beyond badges and viewer insights.
Moderate industry relevance: Snapchat+ feature updates; not from major platforms, but relevant to paid social/app monetization.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Snapchat+ had 1M users within six weeks of launch
- Three new features announced for Snapchat+ during Christmas: gifting, app icon/camera button customization, and chat wallpapers
- Gifting lets users buy Snapchat+ as a gift for a friend
- Announcement date referenced: December 20, 2022
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Snap Exec: Much AI-Generated Content Is Just Crap
In an interview at DMEXCO 2026, Jan Müller, Senior Sales Manager for Largest Customers DACH at Snap, discussed the platform's stance on AI-generated content. Snap has stopped recommending wholly AI-generated videos in Snapchat's Spotlight feed to combat what is often referred to as 'AI slop'. Müller acknowledged that while some AI-generated content is good, much of it is low quality. He also touched on the importance of authenticity and the mix of brand and performance advertisers on the platform.
Snap Exec Urges Brands to Embrace Private Chats
In a guest commentary on Meedia, Jan Müller, Senior Sales Manager Largest Customers DACH at Snap Inc., argues that brands must shift focus from reach to relevance in private communication channels. Citing Snap's 'The Great Brand Reset' study with Mindscope, he highlights that 56% of German respondents share content with a small, specific group, and 61% prefer private interactions with brands via DMs, stories, or chatbots. He emphasizes that chats are not just for customer service but offer potential for brand engagement, especially with Gen Z. He advocates for creating content that provides practical value, using camera and AR for try-before-buy experiences, and being relevant in moments of decision-making. The commentary provides no new product launches or company announcements.
California governor vetoes bill banning 'pervert glasses' secret recording
California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 1130, which would have made it illegal to secretly record people using wearable recording devices like smart glasses. Newsom argued the bill defined wearable recording devices too broadly, potentially causing unintended consequences, and that existing state laws already provide adequate protections. The bill aimed to address privacy concerns amid the rise of always-listening devices from companies like Meta and Snap, which have seen significant sales. If enacted, California would have been the first state to regulate smart glasses, with fines or prison time for violators. The decision comes as other countries, like Norway, are considering similar bans. Critics have dubbed such devices 'pervert glasses' following incidents of harassment. The veto means no new specific regulations for these wearables in California yet.
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