Snapchat has also decided to compete with TikTok with its new feature. The company has released a new section ‘Spotlight’ for vertical video content from users. Spotlight won’t disappear from the platform until the creator decides to delete them.
To encourage users to use the Spotlight feature and publish content on it, the company will distribute more than USD 1 million every day to Snapchat users who create top Snaps on the Spotlight. This reward will be distributed through the end of 2020. Earning will be based on total number of unique views a Snap gets per day.
Spotlight is being launched in 11 countries, including the US, UK, France, Germany, and Australia. The will have a dedicated tab for Spotlight in the app. Videos can be up to 60 seconds long and shouldn’t contain a watermark. That means you cannot upload your viral TikToks on Snapchat.
Spotlight is similar to what you have seen on Tiktok and Reels, but there’s no public comments section. It will also let you keep your profile private while posting the content. In such content, no name will be attached to the content. There will also be no way to message the creator. Users can opt to have a public profile but they must be over 18. This will help them in building a following.
TikTok has a strong hole on young user base who are primary users of Tiktok. But TikTok is not just limited to teens and people from all age-group are actively using the app. Spotlight feature seems the same but creators have a chance to earn big. Most of the popular creators who make videos on TikTok, Reels or on YouTube are already active on Snapchat. So, I don’t think Snapchat will have problem in getting initial users. It will be interesting to see how many of users continue posting Spotlight when Snapchat stop distributing money to top creators.
