A while ago, no one thought it could be possible to send 10-second images or videos that would disappear without leaving a trace. Snapchat makes that possible. With 100 million users, according to Pew Research, it is the fastest growing app, and it has become a fundamental tool for the communications of companies and brands.

Snapchat, a new way to communicate

It is impossible to deny that technological development has, little by little, displaced the traditional business communication media. Apps are getting stronger by the day, so it is imperative to be at the forefront of the latest technologies and to benefit from them.

Snapchat offers a different way to communicate. Being able to reach a specific target with the most popular means and style: mobile devices, in their language: a quick and efficient messaging. But, how is Snapchat making a difference in the corporate world? It is simple: Snapchat uses time and storytelling as key factors; however, its success goes way beyond that. Unique moments of exclusive visualization generate unprecedented added value.
For instance, let us look at the case of McDonald’s. At the beginning of last year, the company launched “Choose lovin’”, probably one of the most popular campaigns among McDonald’s followers in Snapchat. They received messages with cartoons illustrating McDonald’s’ capacity to make love blossom, even between enemies. It was unique and noteworthy.

The website Inc., through its collaborators, posted the five ways in which Snapchat is changing corporate communication:

1.Sense of urgency

Snapchat’s content has a life span of one day, and then they “self-destruct”. Generating a sense of urgency and curiosity, which is a rare feature in a world that is filled with distractions.

2.Places more value on transparency and authenticity

Since Snapchat’s content has a specific life span, the user experiences less pressure to post the perfect image or video. Users feel free to be themselves: they communicate with authenticity. Likewise, companies may achieve ‘one-on-one’ communication, developing a closer bond with their employees.

3. Stronger storytelling Emerging generations (Millennials and Generation Z) are choosing to communicate using images over words. Most social networks show the most recent content in their feed, however, Snapchat shows the user’s content in chronological order, which gives a more pleasant feeling to the storytelling. Therefore, companies may establish a step-by-step, innovative communication with their employees, telling them what they should know, implement or do.

4. Simple, concise and efficient

The 10-second window to post content, forces users and brands to be concise and keep it simple. That is the key to communication nowadays: reach your employees, teams, coworkers, etc., by using their language in a way that is easy to understand and remember.

5. Increased communication via mobile videos and multimedia

The use of short sentences, drawings overlaying photos or videos, and via a mobile device, it is the way in which new generations communicate. Cisco predicts that almost three quarters of the world’s mobile data traffic will be on video by 2019. As more Millennials and Generation Z make their way into organizations, this type of communication will be the most efficient for them to transmit their messages. As in all social networks, the app must be understood; its contents must be adapted to the app and to its focus target. It is not just about being in the app, it is about knowing how to message through it. That is the key to make an impact and gain recognition. Remember, there is only one opportunity to generate impact and expectation.

If you are not a Snapchat user yet, access this post to know more about Snapchat and how it works.

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