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2020 has become a good year to make a buck in the creative industry, and Snapchat is using the current landscape to forge a strong comeback in the social media arena.
Social distancing regulations imposed by Covid-19 continue to usher in a burgeoning DIY culture, and Snapchat is taking full advantage by bolstering its already impressive digital design arm with updates Spotlight and Voisey.
Aspiring artists in particular are forgoing conventional career steps like specialist colleges and their massive tuition fees in favour of going it alone with everyday digital applications.
While some maybe missing out academic opportunities, the upside is that lockdown is providing creatives with plenty of time to hone their craft, and if you know the places to look for creative briefs and agency commissions, thereโs decent profit to be made.
Once deemed a specialist industry thatโs generally tough to crack into, digital design can become a lucrative venture simply by getting to grips with accessible and free AR softwares instantly available on smartphones, like Facebookโs Spark AR or Snapchatโs Lens Studio. Building out an online community and professional portfolio has never been simpler too, thanks to social media.
Speaking of accessible and free software, the introduction of Snapchatโs Spotlight and Voisey features have just arrived in the same week. Once considered a simple messaging app, Snapchat could now be on course to become the social media HQ for digital designers and aspiring creatives looking to get noticed and potentially start earning in 2021.
Spotlight
Social media analytics show that 75% of Snapchatโs young user base has persisted with the platform purely for its swappable camera ability and AR filters, but Snapchat isnโt too keen on the fact that its content is constantly going viral on Instagram and TikTok.
Up steps Spotlight, Snapchatโs own music powered, vertical, short bite video feature which will showcase the communityโs creative talent from directly within the app. For users, the feed will be pretty reminiscent of TikTokโs โFor Youโ page, the crown jewels of the video-sharing app. Though under the surface, Snapโs philosophy is very different.
The default setting on Spotlight will stop your profile from being instantly visible to people viewing your post, which means people can dabble in short bite AR content creation without attracting unwanted attention, should they so wish.
Obviously if the name of the game is to go viral and gain lasting fame people probably wonโt consider this anonymity a good thing, but for those starting out it eliminates any sort of disadvantage in terms of getting views. Those mixing in famous social media circles will have to go through the same hurdles as first-time posters, and wonโt be able to coast via their hefty follower numbers whilst uploading mediocre content. All those with original ideas have the chance to excel from an even playing field.
To engender this feeling of quality over quantity, Snapchat will be sharing its revenue with Spotlightโs creatives too. Any video that receives upwards of 100,000 views a day will receive a chunk of Snapchatโs $1million dollar pot every 24 hours โ and uploads in the top 5 to 10 will make some serious money.
Itโs an interesting move from Snapchat and one that is sure to garner favour from creatives. While most in social tech are busy raking in all they can through their in-house talent, Snapchat is not only providing monetary opportunities, but is also rebuilding its once flourishing sense of community.
If you want to get in on the act now and try its features out you can find Spotlight on the home screen denoted by a play button.
