Share
Are Geofilters the new Hashtag?
Snapchat Geofilters are not a new phenomenon like Pokemon Go, they have been around since 2014. However, digital marketers understand how important Snapchat is and the opportunity that custom geofilters have on social media engagement.
On any given day, Snapchat reaches 41% of all 18 to 34 year-olds in the United States.
Gone are the days when a hashtag was clever way to increase awareness. These days in addition to a hashtag, you need a customized Snapchat Geofilter to make the most impact on social media.
Related Chatter: Social Snapshot: Snapchat & Vine
Leveraging locations
Geofilters are location-based overlays (hence the term “geo”) that users can unlock and apply to their Snaps in addition to the already existing filters. Tech savvy individuals and industries across the globe are getting more skilled at using Snapchat to leverage locations, and it shows. You can’t go to a landmark like the CN Tower, a sporting event, music festival or even a wedding these days without discovering a custom filter to add to your photos and/or videos.
Related Chatter: Proximity Marketing Plays
Custom overlay play
Creating a custom geofilter is a great way to promote an event, celebrate a milestone or share community pride. The process requires advanced planning and preparation, but once Snapchat approves the design any Snapchat user in the location you specify will be able to see the geofilter and can use it in their Snaps.
In the US, a single National Sponsored Geofilter typically reaches 40% to 60% of daily Snapchatters.
Mad Tips:
- Be sure your Geofilter meets the specs. We suggest uploading a 1080 wide x 1920 tall web-optimized .PNG.
- Show some personality. Be creative and unique to that users will want to share your Geofilter with their friends.
- Keep it simple and leave out URLs, hashtags and social media handles. This type of contact information is not allowed.
- Think of the user and where they likely to Snap. Popular locations include public parks, historic sites, eclectic neighbourhoods, venues, beaches and tourist attractions.
- Stay authentic and use 100 percent original art
- Make sure your overlay can be used as a filter for both day and night
- Make sure to draw the geofence around the correct location that you wish to filter to access
- Copy is key. Make sure you write a good description before you submit your Geofilter
There are different types of Geofilters; Personal Geofilters are used to celebrate milestones such as birthdays or anniversaries. There is no branding, business marks/names, or logos, and you can’t promote a product or service.
If you want to promote a business or a brand you need to create a Business Geofilter, and it will need to meet the Business guidelines.
Let us know if you would like to learn more about Snapchat, or are interested in personalizing a Geofilter for your next event or celebration.
If you enjoyed this article, check out our other Snapchat articles:
