Snapchat+ Adds New Features, Including Gen AI Elements

Snap has announced its latest feature update for Snapchat+ subscribers, including new generative artificial intelligences (AI) elements, Bitmoji clothing and some new options to help spark more engagement.

First off, Snapchat’s adding two new generative AI features, in custom stickers, which are generated based on your message text, and movie poster simulations.

Custom stickers will be based on whatever you type. So if you write “let’s grab lunch,” the tool will generate an AI image that matches that message.

As per Snap:

“Just start typing in the chat bar and tap the sticker search button to see an AI generated sticker that includes your text!” 

Which seems a little creepy, in that Snap’s system is reading and analyzing the text of your message. But it could be another way to get people using its image generation features, by providing direct context as to how they can enhance your DMs.

Snapchat’s also adding a gen AI movie poster option, which will enable you to imagine yourself in a range of generic movie styles.

I’m not sure that AI features like this add a heap of value, as the whole point of social, for most people at least, is sharing your lived experiences. But it could be a fun option, that may catch on with the Snapchat community.

Snapchat’s also adding new Bitmoji style options:

“Give your Bitmoji a wardrobe refresh with even more styles to choose from, including new long skirts and dresses. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we’ll also offer new themed looks featuring a heart-shaped purse and a fun and fuzzy heart costume.”  

Bitmoji remains a steady focus for Snapchat, as it could provide the app with a way to link into the metaverse, by aligning users with their digital depictions. At some stage, that could see Snap look to integrate Bitmoji characters with Meta’s VR worlds, which could ensure that it remains relevant in that next stage.

Finally, Snapchat’s also adding a new feature called “Snap Modes” which aims to add “more tone, customization, and fun to the way you Snap with friends and family.”

“Now, subscribers can do things like send self-destructing Snaps for those ‘you had to be there’ moments that vanish if they are not viewed within a set time frame. (And look out for more Snap Mode options coming soon!)”

Also rolling out is a non-replayable Snap option, with more features to come, and these new options could provide more ways to enhance engagement through gamified messaging, adding more fun to the process.

Snapchat+ has been a solid success for Snap, with over 14 million Snapchat users now signed up to its add-on program. Audience numbers like this has ensured that it continues to add features that Snap users will be interested in, which has driven broader take-up of the option than other social subscription offerings.

These new features could also prove popular, and with Snap seeing a surge in Snapchat+ sign-ups over the holidays (likely due to its Snapchat+ gifting push), this could be an important update to keep these new subscribers engaged.