Snap just launched AI Sponsored Snaps, a new ad format that places brand AI agents directly inside Snapchat's Chat inbox. Users can ask questions and get recommendations in real time without leaving the app, with credit bureau Experian signing on as the first alpha partner. With nearly a billion monthly users, Snap is betting the future of ads looks less like banners and more like texting a bot.
Snapchat just launched Imagine Lens, its first AI Lens powered by open text prompts. Instead of being locked into rigid preset filters, users can type whatever prompt they want to create or remix Snaps. It runs on a mix of Snap's internal and third-party models, but for now, it's exclusive to Platinum and Lens+ subscribers.
Snapchat just rolled out Sponsored AI Lenses, a new advertising format powered by Snap's proprietary generative AI. Instead of building complex 3D assets or VFX, brands can now transport users' selfies into up to 10 preset generative scenes. Early tests with Uber and Tinder show users spend significantly more time playing with these AI-driven ads than standard sponsored lenses.
Snap just launched its first AI Video Lenses powered by an in-house generative video model. Available to Snapchat Platinum subscribers at $15.99 a month, the initial trio can generate cuddling animals or dramatic zoom-outs directly into saved Snaps. Snap plans to drop more weekly as it builds out proprietary tech to take on TikTok and Instagram.
Snap just expanded its partnership with Google Cloud to power Snapchat's My AI chatbot with multimodal Gemini models. Users can now send photos and videos to get instant help like translating street signs or picking healthy menu items, which Google says has already driven a 2.5x jump in U.S. engagement.
Snapchat just rolled out an AI selfie feature that quietly opts you into having your likeness used in personalized ads by default. While Snap claims these ads are only visible to you and third-party advertisers can't access your data, users still have to dig into settings to turn the feature off.
Snapchat just updated its My AI chatbot with Google Lens-like visual smarts, letting users snap photos to translate foreign menus, identify plants, or decode complex parking signs. Snap is clearly pushing to transform My AI from a quirky novelty into a daily utility that keeps users inside the app.
Snap just announced its own AI video generator at the Snap Partner Summit, powered by its in-house foundational video models. Select creators can now generate clips from text prompts on the web, with image prompts coming soon. All generated videos include watermarks, but Snap hasn't shared any actual output examples yet.
Snapchat just rolled out a batch of generative AI perks for its $3.99/month Plus subscribers, letting them generate and send images directly from text prompts. The update also adds an AI photo extend feature that fills in backgrounds, alongside co-op Dreams selfies with friends. It is another push to monetize generative tools inside casual chat.
Snapchat is working on a new generative AI feature called "Dreams" that places you and your friends into fantastical AI-generated scenarios. Discovered by app researcher Steve Moser, the tool asks for clear multi-angle selfies, supports shared portraits via "Dreams with Friends," and hints at paid "Dream Packs." Snap declined to comment.
Snapchat just rolled out My AI Snaps for Snapchat+ subscribers, letting users snap photos to the chatbot and receive AI-generated images in return. Powered by ChatGPT and GPT-4, the feature turns AI chat into visual messaging, though camera roll support and web access remain limited for now.
Snap just rolled out its My AI chatbot to all Snapchatters globally, dropping the previous paid subscription requirement. Users can now pull the AI into group chats with an @ mention, design a custom Bitmoji for it, and ask for Snap Map and Lens recommendations. Snap also added age-aware safety controls to curb inappropriate responses.
Snap just launched My AI, an OpenAI-powered chatbot pinned straight to the top of Snapchat chat feeds for $3.99/month Snapchat+ subscribers. Marketed as a virtual friend rather than a productivity tool, Snap admitted upfront that the bot is prone to hallucinations and proactively apologized in advance for inevitable slip-ups.
