Snapchat Update
Big tech opposes YouTube exemption from Australia's ban on social media for children
YouTube stands to be exempted from the ban set to take effect by the end of the year as it is considered a key educational tool and is the only service allowed for children as part of a family account with parental supervision rights. But Meta said a young person with a YouTube account experiences the features outlined by the government to justify the ban, including algorithmic content recommendations, social interaction features and exposure to harmful content.
Microsoft to shut Skype 14 years after it bought the iconic internet calling and chat service for $8.5 billion: 10 things you need to know
Microsoft will shut down Skype soon, following years of falling usage due to competition from apps such as WhatsApp and Zoom. Microsoft will instead focus on Teams, a collaboration platform widely utilized in the business sector. Ex-Skype staff will be redeployed to other parts of Microsoft.
Is Meta launching Instagram Reels as a separate app to replace TikTok?
In 2018, Meta introduced Lasso as a rival to TikTok, but the app struggled to attract users and was discontinued after two years.
Australian children able to bypass age limit set by social media platforms, report shows
In November, Australia approved a social media ban for children under 16, setting a benchmark for jurisdictions around the world. The ban is set to take effect at the end of 2025. Social media companies largely do not allow those under 13 to access their platforms.
As Bira struggled due to name change, here are other brands who faced heat in similar manner
B9 Beverages, owner of Bira beer, suffered a significant decline in sales and increased losses in FY24 due to regulatory issues following a name change. Similarly, Mahindra faced legal challenges from IndiGo over trademark infringement, while Tata Motors and Snapdeal experienced branding troubles affecting their business operations.
Highest number of lenses published on Snapchat come from India: Snap CTO
Snap claims to have claims to has more than 375,000 creators worldwide in augmented reality (AR) ecosystem that have built over 4 million AR lenses.
Step up your sock game: Bold, quirky socks are in, and indie brands are leading the way
Kapil Garg’s company, Thela Gaadi, launched in 2021, provides quirky socks to revamp boring formal attire. The global trend in novelty socks has fueled a growing market in India, driven by millennial and Gen Z consumers. Major brands, including Soxytoes and Hexafun, are now flourishing with unique designs and quality materials, spurring a rise in consumer interest.
From AIB roast to Ranveer Allahbadia's viral comment: Times when comedians found themselves in courtrooms
YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia faced backlash over inappropriate comments on parents and sex, leading to FIRs against him and others. The Supreme Court granted him temporary protection from arrest. This incident highlights the recurring controversies around Indian comedians, including AIB, Kunal Kamra, and Vir Das, who have faced legal actions and public outrage for their content.
Snap CEO Evan Spiegel mocks Mark Zuckerberg, says he’s ‘VP Product’ at Meta and not its CEO; here's the reason he cited
Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel recently took a humorous step by changing his LinkedIn title to 'VP Product @ Meta' in a bid to mock the Mark Zuckerberg-led company's habit of reportedly cloning features of other social media applications
Apple iPhone 16e launch price: Features, specs, launch date, availability & everything you need to know!
Apple iPhone 16e is here, bringing top-tier features at an affordable price! Powered by the A18 chip, it boasts Apple Intelligence, a stunning 48MP fusion camera, and advanced satellite connectivity. Apple aims to make premium technology more accessible, blending performance and innovation seamlessly. The iPhone 16e is set to launch soon, with pre-orders starting February 21. Whether you're looking for speed, AI-driven features, or a pro-level camera, this device has it all.
India's AR developer community has grown by more than 50%: Snap's Pulkit Trivedi
During his opening address, Snap cofounder and CTO Bobby Murphy emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering creativity and self-expression through AR innovation in India.
Snap beats profit estimates on strength in advertising platform
The company, In recent years, have invested in artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to automate ad placements and create personalized ads. This has enabled Snap to attract small- and mid-sized advertisers, who have become the largest drivers of the company's ad revenue growth in 2024.
Snap elevates Asia Pacific president Ajit Mohan to chief business officer
As chief business officer, Ajit Mohan will oversee the growth of the social networking platform Snap's advertising business globally and lead the revenue product and business operations teams to ensure better alignment across teams serving its advertising partners. Mohan was also a member of Snap's executive team while serving as president of the Asia Pacific region.
Despite Australia's strict social media ban for minors, a YouTube exemption poses risks
The initial ban was meant to include YouTube but after hearing from company executives and children's content creators who use the site, the government granted an exemption. The landmark legislation passed in November sets some of the world's most stringent social media limits.
Social media personality racks up Snapchat views with Palisades fire coverage
Social media platforms like Snapchat play a critical role in how younger adults get information, according to Pew Research. The organization found that about one-third of U.S. adults regularly get their news from Facebook and Google's YouTube, while Instagram, TikTok, X and Snapchat help fill out the news diet, particularly among younger people.
Social media companies yet to take a final call on mechanics of parental consent
The DPDP Rules require verifiable parental consent for processing children's data, creating challenges for social media companies. While large companies like Google and Meta may have existing parent and child data, smaller players face difficulties establishing consent mechanisms. This could unintentionally favor larger companies by creating a data moat. Companies are exploring various consent methods, including third-party tokenisation and leveraging existing platforms like DigiLocker or APAAR ID, but challenges remain in terms of scalability and friction for users.
Count down as the Tok Tiks: Can a TikTok ban really solve America’s bigger problems?
The ongoing TikTok ban debate in the US highlights the clash between national security concerns and the interests of domestic tech giants. The US government accuses TikTok of being a tool for Chinese surveillance and manipulation, but the real issue may be deeper: social media's harmful effects on users, particularly children. Despite government action, studies show users recognize the addictive, harmful nature of platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Facebook, X, YouTube to do more against online hate speech, EU says
Other firms that have agreed with the voluntary code set up in May 2016 are Dailymotion, Instagram, Jeuxvideo.com, LinkedIn, Microsoft hosted consumer services, Snapchat, Rakuten Viber, TikTok and Twitch. The DSA requires tech companies to do more to fight illegal and harmful content on their platforms.
Families sue TikTok in France over teen suicides they say are linked to harmful content
Families are suing TikTok, claiming the platform pushed harmful content that contributed to their children's suicides. They argue the app's algorithm promotes dangerous material, exacerbating teens' mental health issues. TikTok denies these allegations, citing its content moderation policies. The lawsuit aims to hold TikTok accountable for its role in these tragic events.
US FTC refers complaint about Snapchat use of AI chatbot to Justice Department
The consumer protection agency provided no further detail on the alleged harm from the My AI chatbot, but said publicising the transfer of the complaint to the DOJ was in the public interest.
FMCG’s ecommerce push; Govt targets financial fraud
Happy Friday! Consumer firms are betting big on their own ecommerce platforms. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Trump ends work from home for federal employees: Can President fire workers who resist return to office mandates?
Donald Trump inauguration: US President Donald Trump on Monday freezing the hiring of federal workers and mandating a full-time return to in-office work for government employees. The hiring freeze applies to all positions in the executive branch except for the military and other categories like national security, public safety and immigration enforcement, per the order. But can US President fire workers who resist return to office mandates?
A possible TikTok ban is just days away: What are available alternatives?
TikTok, which has been a cultural phenomenon, could be banned on Jan. 19 under a law that forces the platform to cut ties with its China-based parent company, ByteDance, or shut down its U.S. operation.
Tiktok ban in US starting Sunday? Here's what will happen to your app, and if there are any alternatives for you
With a potential TikTok ban looming, various alternative social media apps like Xiaohongshu, Lemon8, Instagram, and YouTube may benefit. The Supreme Court's decision on the fate of TikTok is pending, and ByteDance's future in the U.S. market is uncertain.
Government to hold wider, focussed consultation with industry bodies on DPDP rules: Ashwini Vaishnaw
The government will conduct extensive consultations with industry bodies on the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules 2025, incorporating feedback from various sectors. The meeting emphasized the need to understand the full framework and considered the possibility of relaxing compliance requirements for digital firms.
When will TikTok be banned in US and can users save their data? Here’s what you can do
The potential TikTok ban highlights broader concerns about data privacy and national security, with ByteDance’s ownership at the center of the debate.
Spencer Pratt's wife Heidi Montag breaks down following Palisade fires that torched their home, says she has only ‘two pairs of jeans and two shirts’ left with her
Los Angeles wildfire has engulfed the most affluent parts of the city -- Pacific Palisades.
Recruiter by day, fake US model by night: How a Delhi MBA graduate duped over 700 women on Bumble and Snapchat
A 23-year-old man named Tushar Singh Bisht has been arrested in East Delhi for defrauding over 700 women on dating apps. He posed as a US model to gain trust and later extorted victims using intimate content. The police apprehended him after a raid, recovering evidence of his crimes.
Who are the A-list celebrities caught up in the Los Angeles Pacific Palisades wildfires? Here's the list
The Los Angeles wildfires have ravaged Pacific Palisades, affecting A-list celebrities. Many people have evacuated their homes, expressing gratitude to first responders and providing updates on their safety.
TikTok stars and marketers brace for app's disappearance this month
TikTok ban: Marketers are shifting dollars to Instagram and amending their contracts with social media stars so they aren't stuck paying for sponsored TikTok posts in the app's absence.
Snapchat Plus: What is it? Step-by-step guide to upgrade
Snapchat Plus have become the premium feature of Snapchat. Snapchat users need to follow a few steps to log in to Snapchat plus.
Snapchat is finally rolling out this much-awaited feature
Users can finally update their username on Snapchat, but the update comes with a catch.
Snapchat: How to check mutual friends. Here is step-by-step guide
Checking mutual friends on Snapchat is not a direct process and one needs to follow a few steps.
Snapchat astrological profile: How to study your signs and future?
Spirituality has now become a regular part of the Gen Z trend and one can easily create and access their respective astrological profiles on Snapchat and learn all they need to know about their astrological signs.
Snapchat announces safety measures for teenagers. What does this mean?
Snapchat has announced a number of safety features to safeguard teenagers and allay apprehensions from a number of sides.
Zerodha CEO Nikhil Kamath reveals he looks for business advice from 16-year-olds, says old men in power are 'out of touch'
Nikhil Kamath, Zerodha’s co-founder, advises businesses to draw inspiration from younger generations. In The Path series with LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky, he stressed understanding youth values, urging leaders to observe trends among teens to anticipate future needs rather than relying on insights from older generations.
Snapchat down: Users face issues as messages fail to deliver
Though Snapchat did not release official communication about what led to this outage, the Snapchat Support account on Twitter asked users to DM them to try and fix any issues they may be facing.
Snapchat Plus: Features, subscription, benefits
Snapchat Plus provides it users hassle-free access to exclusive, experimental, and pre-release features.
Snapchat to introduce revenue sharing ads in creators' stories: Report
It is being tested with a small group of creators in the US and will allow people to earn money from mid-roll ads that appear in the middle of Snapchat Stories.
Snapchat down? App users reporting errors since morning
Snapchat down: According to several users complaints on social media, Snapchat users are encountering errors like “Could not refresh,” “Failed to send,” “Could not send. Please try again.” The photo-sharing app started reporting issues on Down Detector, an app for reporting website outages, in morning. Most issues are related to the app not working.
Snapchat rolls out 'Family Center' feature that allows parents to see their teens' chat list, contacts
The feature will allow parents to directly report suspicious accounts on Snapchat.
Snapchat is moving closer to an ad strategy: Here's how brands are already using the platform
In a new report, BI Intelligence looks at the demographics of who's on Snapchat and which brands have launched early efforts on the platform.
Want to delete Snapchat account? A step-by-step guide
Snapchat is great for filters, but if you seem to have bored of it, here is how to delete it.
Snapchat superstars are inking deals directly with advertisers and making 6-figure salaries
Snapchat faces competition in its quest for advertising dollars. Snapchat stars are signing lucrative advertising deals with brands themselves.
Why Snapchat is 'the best mobile video platform'
Because Snapchat is mobile-only, it boasts some benefits over Facebook and YouTube, both of which must cater to desktop users in addition to their mobile bases.
Snap introduces web version of Snapchat app
Snap Inc said that the feature will be exclusive to Snapchat+ subscribers beginning July 18 and will start with subscribers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
After Telegram and Twitter, Snapchat working on a paid subscription feature; will allow users early access to updates
For Snapchat, it would be the first subscription product.
Snapchat for everyone, grateful to Indian users: App's spokesperson
Snapchat said it strongly deny allegations by a former employee, who has alleged that Spiegel had once shot down his suggestion to pursue growth in certain international markets.
Snapscore on Snapchat: Know how is it calculated, how to check
Snapchat is fun, but it is more with a good snapscore. But, what factors decide the snapscore and how to check your or your friend’s snapscore? Worry not, you will find every answer here.
Snapchat launches AI-Powered Chatbot "My AI" for Subscribers
Snapchat has launched a new chatbot called "My AI'' that runs on the latest version of OpenAI's GPT technology. The chatbot is currently available as an experimental feature for Snapchat+ subscribers and is pinned to the top of the Chat tab.
Snapchat's new video product is 'huge'
Snapchat launched a new feature called "Discover", which shows videos from a group of publishing partners, including ESPN, CNN, Yahoo, Vice, Comedy Central and more.
Snapchat launches its own 'My AI' chatbot powered by OpenAI's ChatGPT
In a way, Snapchat's My AI is a faster mobile-friendly version of ChatGPT.
Snapchat launches ChatGPT-powered AI chatbot for all users
Snapchat has announced new AI features for its camera, including Generative AI lenses. These lenses allow users to transform themselves and their surroundings into animated sci-fi scenes, such as the Cosmic Lens. The lenses are organized by an algorithm that considers each Snapchatter's unique preferences.
What e-mail leaks reveal about Snapchat's Facebook snub
According to an email written by Benchmark's Mitch Lasky, Mark Zuckerberg pulled Snapchat investor and early Facebook employee Matt Cohler aside & accused Snapchat of leaking it.
Snapchat's web version turns free for all worldwide. Check out what's new in it
The web version of the popular multi-media instant messaging app, Snapchat, is now free. Earlier in July, the web version was launched exclusively for paid subscribers.
Brands latch on to Snapchat lingo with Gen Z in mind
Although Instagram and YouTube remain the platforms of choice for mass digital advertising, Snapchat is increasingly becoming the social messaging app that brands are using to target Gen Z, or people in the age group of 12 to 27 years.
Snapchat brings paid subscription service to India amid layoffs, poor growth
Snapchat subscribers in India will receive a Snapchat+ badge for their profile with a Star designation.
Netizens mistakenly uninstall Snapdeal app instead of Snapchat
Many people downgraded and uninstalled ecommerce app Snapdeal instead of social networking app 'Snapchat' to mark their protest.
Snapchat to add wellness features to the app, will help users deal with stress, anxiety and emotional issues
Snapchat's 'Here For You' initiative is aimed at helping people suffering from stress.
Here's why Snapchat may be more enjoyable than Facebook
Researchers found that Snapchat interactions are associated with more positive emotions than Facebook and other social technologies.
Snapchat, notorious for not making money, may now finally make some
The messaging company recently announced that it will be opening the floodgates for advertisers who want to capture the attention of Snapchat's young users.
This Snapchat feature can save lives, says former footballer
Former footballer Fabrice Muamba has said that a newly-launched Snapchat feature in its Lenses section can save lives.
Snapchat rolls out My AI chatbot: How to use it during chats with friends
Snapchat has introduced its AI chatbot, My AI, to users across the globe. The new feature aims to improve conversations between friends on the platform, as the chatbot can answer trivia questions, offer gift suggestions and even provide weekend trip plans. Users can customise My AI by giving it a nickname and indicating likes and dislikes.
Batman lenses: Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel's new obsession
Spiegel shed light on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of the platform. He highlighted the challenges associated with generating 3D assets for augmented reality and the time-consuming nature of this process. To address this, Snapchat has made significant investments in AI to simplify the creation of 3D images and to develop more immersive AR lenses for creators.
Snapchat dual camera feature launched! How to use, key points
Snapchat has started a new feature for Snapchatters. The new service that allows them to capture both situations with a frontal camera and rear camera simultaneously.
Snapchat has poached staff from BuzzFeed and Twitter to run its first European office
Snapchat has poached execs from a number of rival digital media companies to staff its inaugural European office, based in London.
Filters, lenses, face swap - here's how Snapchat is charming millennials, and more
Snapchat has made a mark with its 10 seconds worth of snaps feature.
Snapchat launches Diwali AR lenses and emoji stickers
Snapchat has introduced plenty of AR lenses and stickers to commemorate Diwali, the festival of lights, and all users can bask in its glory.
TikTok, Snapchat growing in popularity among UK children: media regulator
The study found a slight increase in both apps' popularity in the past year, with TikTok now being used by 53% of children (up from 50%), and Snapchat by 46% (up from 42%).
Snap tests new subscription feature called Snapchat+
The subscription feature, which Snap said is being tested internally, was first revealed on Twitter by a user named Alessandro Paluzzi, a mobile developer and reserve engineer according to his Twitter bio.
Snap plans to take its India localisation strategy to the world
After ignoring the country in its early years, Snapchat’s parent is doubling down on the Indian market by rolling out localised versions of its offerings.
Google plans to take on Snapchat
Snapchat 'Discover' lets news partners distribute video, image and text collections that remain accessible for 24 hours.
Snapchat+ hits four million paid subscribers
Social media company Snap Inc said on Thursday its subscription service, Snapchat+, hit 4 million members since its launch last year in June.
Snapchat blocks fewer children from its app in Britain compared with TikTok, shows data
According to figures recently published by the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Young Children), Snapchat accounted for 43% of cases in which social media was used to distribute indecent images of children.
Facebook unveils new Snapchat clone, calls it Messenger Day
Messenger Day works like Snapchat Stories by letting you post photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours.
Snapchat crosses 60 million users milestone in India, clocks over 150% growth in DAUs
Globally, Snapchat had 265 million daily active users in the December 2020 quarter. Over 5 billion 'snaps' were created daily on average by users on the platform.
Snapchat goes the TikTok way, comes up with a curated video feed similar to Instagram Reels
Spotlight is aimed at broadening the connections among Snapchat users.
Snapchat crosses over 750 million monthly active users
In a blogpost, the company said that at the current growth rate, "we see a path for Snapchat to reach over 1 billion people in the next two to three years."
Snapchat won't promote Donald Trump's posts after Twitter placed fact-check warnings on his tweets
Trump's account will remain active on Snapchat, and visible to people.
Snapchat under scrutiny from UK watchdog over underage users
Reuters reported exclusively in March that Snapchat owner Snap Inc had only removed a few dozen children aged under-13 from its platform in Britain last year, while UK media regulator Ofcom estimates it has thousands of underage users.
Snapchat expected to generate $50 million in revenue this year
The ephemeral messaging app, which has 100 million daily users, could make $200 million in revenue next year too, sources tell Re/code.
Madonna premieres ‘Living for Love’ music video on Snapchat
To access it, you’ll need to swipe to the right while you’re within Snapchat until you reach the Snapchat Discover page.
Snapchat crashes for millions, company says fixed the bug
The app experienced a massive issue as of Thursday evening, with more than 125,000 users reporting problems on website outage tracking platform Downdetector.
Snapchat stops boosting Trump posts for inciting 'racial violence'
"We are not currently promoting the President's content on Snapchat's Discover platform," Snapchat said in response to an AFP inquiry referencing the youth-focused social network's section for recommended content.
How to save all of your Snapchat stories to your phone
Besides just sending picture and video messages to your friends, the best feature of Snapchat is hands-down its Stories feature.
What Snapchat's IPO means for Indian tech startups
The latest development at Snapchat could signal a new trend in the Indian startup ecosystem where more and more companies that show potential despite dismal financial performance can hope to keep afloat.
Snapchat users now spend 25 to 30 minutes every day on the app
Snapchat's photos and videos are famous for disappearing after a few seconds, but its users are spending as much as a half-hour every day on the app.
Indians take to social media to snap at Snapchat, Evan Spiegel
“This app is only for rich people. I don’t want to expand into poor countries like India and Spain,” Spiegel is said to have remarked, according to a recent report.
Snapchat doubles down on India with new original series, games
Snapchat has witnessed nearly 150% year-on-year growth in its daily active users from India in the third quarter of 2020
Case study: How Swiggy received 11,000 plus new orders each month with Snapchat’s ad format
Swiggy has been using Snapchat’s ad platform for over a year now.
'Deleted videos on Facebook can be viewed using file browser'
Buzzfeed has found that videos sent via smartphone app Snapchat - which should disappear after a few seconds - can be preserved and reviewed.
12 questions you'll have to answer if you want to work at Snapchat
Unlike Google, who gives candidates impossible brainteaser interview questions, Snapchat's questions to potential hires are more straightforward.
ShareChat’s Moj partners with Snap for Snapchat Camera
The integration allows Moj to leverage Snap’s nine-year investment in the Snapchat Camera, thus enhancing user experience on the homegrown app.
WPP, Snapchat & Daily Mail form marketing agency Truffle Pig
The agency is seeking brands to sign up, and will use DailyMail.com, Elite Daily and Snapchat to test original content marketing.
Evan Spiegel says Facebook copying Snapchat's popular features is the most-fantastic feeling
Spiegel launched a stinging critique of FB, dismissing both its appeal and successful attempts to copy Snapchat’s most popular features.
Snapchat CEO allegedly said India “too poor” to consider expansion
According to a report in Variety Magazine, the comment was made by CEO Evan Spiegel during a meeting to discuss the growth of the app’s user base in 2015.
Snapchat rolls out subscription service in India at Rs 49 per month, set to offer exclusive features
The brand announced the service amid reports of massive losses and layoffs.
Everyone in tech is so 'serious all the time': Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel
Snapchat co-founder and CEO Evan Spiegel advocates fun at the workplace and doing things that are unusual, to take the pressure off being creative.
Snapchat launches tools for parents to monitor teens' contacts
Snapchat's new feature called Family Center is launching at a time when social media companies have been criticized over a lack protection for kids.
Snapchat beats revenue and user growth estimates, announces $500 million buyback
Daily active users of Snapchat grew 9% year-over-year to 443 million, beating analyst estimates of 441 million. Snapchat also invested in machine learning to improve its targeting of ads to users and also made it easier for small- and medium-sized businesses to advertise on the platform.
