Social media giant Snapchat Inc. has announced that it will be debuting 'Snapchat for Web,' a new feature that will allow its users to send snaps and chat with friends from their desktop computers. The new feature is being rolled out exclusively for Snapchat+ subscribers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia.
The new web application aims to replicate the Snapchat mobile experience, transferring all of the platform's main features to the web. For example, Snapchat for Web will provide users the ability to send messages and snaps, as well as video chat and call, just like the mobile app. However, the web platform will not feature Snapchat's' Lenses,' the app's popular augmented reality tool.
Web-Based Snapchat Apps
Snap Inc. Announces the Launch of 'Snapchat for Web'
Trend Themes
1. Web-based Social Media - There is a trend towards creating web-based versions of popular social media apps as a way to expand their reach and accessibility.
2. Desktop Video Chat - As more people work remotely, there is an increasing need for desktop video chat tools that can replicate the mobile experience.
3. Augmented Reality Experiences - While Snapchat for Web does not currently include Lenses, there is a trend towards integrating augmented reality experiences into web-based platforms.
Industry Implications
1. Social Media - The launch of Snapchat for Web signals a need for social media platforms to expand their reach beyond mobile devices and into the desktop space.
2. Remote Work - The rise of desktop video chat tools is disrupting traditional ways of working and creating opportunities for new tools and platforms to emerge.
3. Augmented Reality - With the increasing popularity of augmented reality experiences, there is a disruptive innovation opportunity for platforms that can seamlessly integrate AR into web-based applications.