Snapchat is Making Big Changes in Latest Update

Whether you're updating your business app for the first time or the thirtieth, messenger app Snapchat has shown that it's always possible to innovate and bring fresh new functionality to even an older app with its latest round of updates.

Snapchat had started to suffer in terms of user growth towards the back end of 2019 as other online platforms including the huge surge of TikTok sign ups continued to see increases. In danger of being left behind, Snapchat had to react to keep things ticking over and stay relevant. Judging by the announcement of their latest app updates, they’ve done just that.

New Look and Navigation

What’s a major update without a new look? More than just freshening things up though, the app has added a ton of navigation changes. The Snap Map in particular is going to improve on the existing dimensions for location-based Snapping.

They have also added a new Action Bar element, which Snap said is designed to provide "top-level navigation" from the moment you open the Snapchat mobile app. This changes to be contextual as well, which means the options here will change based on where you are, what you’re watching or doing at the time. This could be tough to get used to at first but should be a very slick addition.

Snap Map Places

The Snap Map, the big Snapchat feature which allows you to see location of popular snaps or those from friends and contacts has had a nice overhaul. The biggest edit here is the addition of Snap Places. The Snap Map will now highlight popular or highly tagged locations to make it even easier to find trending hot spots.

Part of this is new feature is Places Profiles, which will collaborate all of the associated Snap pictures and videos linked with the given location. Snap are also pulling in a business profile type feature list which involves sharing reviews from Trip Advisor and Foursquare as well as options to order food or book tables at restaurants.

Topics for Our Story

The Our Story feature now has an option to add a category to your posts, essentially helping break down and categorise global content. This update makes the app similar to Instagram in a few ways, but topics will act as an alternative to hashtags when it comes to discovery.

Promise of New AR Experiences

Not too much has been shared on this as yet, but Snapchat has promised greatly improved and varied AR options. We’re all hoping these are a lot more sophisticated than the entertaining but one dimensional AR spider on your face routine!