If you’ve ever wondered “Do people even use Snapchat anymore?” — buckle up, because the answer might shock you. While Instagram and TikTok hog the spotlight, Snapchat is quietly pulling billions of eyeballs every month. And marketers who’ve cracked the code are laughing all the way to the bank. But let’s get real: if you’re here, you’re probably asking the million-dollar question — why advertise on Snapchat when there are so many other flashy platforms out there?

Spoiler alert: The short answer is because Snapchat still owns one of the most loyal, highly engaged, and purchase-ready audiences in the game. The long answer? Well, that’s what this blog is about. So grab your iced coffee, mute your notifications, and let’s dive into why this yellow ghost app might be your next secret weapon for brand growth.

Snapchat in 2025: Still Relevant or Washed Up?

First, let’s bust a myth: Snapchat is not dead. In fact, it’s thriving. As of this year, the platform has over 400 million daily active users globally. That’s not just people lurking — that’s people opening the app 30+ times a day. If you’re marketing to Gen Z or Millennials (and honestly, who isn’t?), Snapchat’s user base is basically your dream audience:

• 71% of Snapchat users are under 34 years old.

• They spend an average of 30 minutes per day on the app.

• And most importantly — they’re not just scrolling; they’re actively sharing, snapping, and chatting.

So before you roll your eyes and dismiss it as “just for teens sending streaks,” remember this: Snapchat’s audience is aging up. Think college students, young professionals, and first-time parents. Translation? A goldmine for brands selling everything from sneakers to SaaS.

Why Advertise on Snapchat: The Vibes Are Different

Let’s be honest. Instagram is polished. TikTok is chaotic. Facebook is… your uncle posting minion memes. But Snapchat? It’s raw, personal, and unfiltered. And that’s exactly why its ads hit different.

Snapchat ads blend seamlessly into what users are already doing — snapping and chatting with friends. Instead of feeling intrusive, ads appear like fun, native content: vertical videos, AR filters, and interactive lenses. People aren’t just watching; they’re engaging.

Here’s why that matters:

• Users are actually paying attention. Full-screen vertical format means zero distractions.

• Ads feel personal. They’re delivered based on location, interests, and even what users are snapping about.

• It’s not saturated. Unlike Meta ads (where CPMs are skyrocketing), Snapchat’s ad costs remain refreshingly reasonable.

In short, Snapchat advertising feels less like shouting into the void and more like whispering directly into your audience’s ear.Breaking Down Snapchat’s Ad Formats (and Why They Work)

When you think of Snapchat ads, don’t just picture boring banner ads. This platform is a playground for creative marketers. Here are the main formats and why they’re absolute game-changers:

1. Snap Ads (Single Image or Video Ads)

These are full-screen vertical videos up to 3 minutes long (though most brands keep them under 10 seconds). They appear between Stories and Discover content, making them prime real estate.

• Perfect for quick promos, product reveals, or driving traffic.

• Swipe-up feature lets users instantly visit your site, app, or store page.

2. Collection Ads

Imagine a mini shopping catalog inside Snapchat. Collection ads let you showcase multiple products users can tap to explore.

• Great for e-commerce or seasonal drops.

• Creates an instant “shop the look” vibe.

3. Story Ads

Your ad becomes a branded story in the Discover tab. It’s like having your own exclusive content hub.

• Ideal for storytelling campaigns or product launches.

• Users who tap are genuinely interested — hello, high intent leads.

4. AR Lenses & Filters

This is Snapchat’s flex. Augmented reality (AR) lenses let users play with your brand — think trying on sunglasses, testing lipstick shades, or dancing with branded animations.

• 250+ million users engage with AR on Snapchat every day.

• It’s hands-on, fun, and insanely shareable.

5. Dynamic Ads

AI-powered ads that auto-generate creative based on your product catalog.

• Saves you time.

• Ensures users see the exact product they’re likely to buy.

Audience Targeting: Snapchat’s Secret Weapon

You can have the best creative in the world, but if it’s not reaching the right people, it’s useless. Thankfully, Snapchat’s targeting is chef’s kiss.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Location-based targeting: Hyper-local ads (think: “50% off coffee, two blocks away”).

• Interest-based targeting: From gamers to sneakerheads, you can niche down.

• Custom Audiences: Upload customer lists or retarget website visitors.

• Lookalike Audiences: Expand your reach to people similar to your best customers.

Combine these with Snapchat’s pixel tracking and you’ve got data-rich insights for scaling campaigns without wasting cash.

Cost of Advertising on Snapchat: Cheaper Than You Think

One of the biggest misconceptions is that Snapchat ads are expensive. Reality check: they’re actually budget-friendly, especially compared to Facebook or TikTok.

• CPM (Cost Per Thousand Impressions): Often as low as $2–$3.

• CPC (Cost Per Click): Typically ranges between $0.30–$1.

• Minimum daily spend? Just $5.

This makes Snapchat ideal for both big brands and scrappy startups. You can test, iterate, and scale without burning through your budget in a week.

Why Advertise on Snapchat: The Data Doesn’t Lie

Okay, time for receipts. Brands running Snapchat ads aren’t just vibing; they’re seeing real results:

• E-commerce brands report 2–3x higher ROI compared to other platforms.

• App installs skyrocket thanks to seamless deep-linking.

• Foot traffic campaigns (think local restaurants or stores) see measurable lifts via location tracking.

Even major players like Nike, Taco Bell, and Sephora still pour big bucks into Snapchat — because it works. And if it works for them, why wouldn’t it work for you?

Snapchat vs. TikTok vs. Instagram Ads: Who Wins?

You’re probably thinking: “Cool, but how does Snapchat stack up against the big dogs?” Fair question. Here’s the tea:

• TikTok: Amazing for virality, but unpredictable and trend-heavy.

• Instagram: Great reach, but competition is fierce and CPMs are climbing.

• Snapchat: Hyper-targeted, lower costs, high engagement, and less ad fatigue.

Basically, Snapchat may not always win the hype battle, but it definitely wins the efficiency war — especially if you’re chasing conversions.

How to Crush Snapchat Ads Without Losing Your Mind

Ready to test the waters? Here’s a no-fluff roadmap to get started:

1. Set Clear Goals
   Do you want awareness? Installs? Sales? Be specific, because Snapchat’s ad objectives vary.

2. Know Your Audience
   Snapchat skews young — but don’t assume. Use their insights tool to confirm your target demo is active.

3. Create Vertical-First Content
   No lazy repurposing from YouTube. Shoot content specifically for vertical viewing — bold text, fast pacing, and clear CTAs.

4. Leverage AR (If Possible)
   AR isn’t just a gimmick. It drives interaction and memorability like nothing else.

5. Test Small, Scale Fast
   Start with $20–$50/day, analyze performance, then pour gas on what’s working.

Why Advertise on Snapchat in 2025? Here’s the Final Word

If you’ve read this far, you’re either convinced or still skeptical. So let’s make it simple:

• Your audience is there. Gen Z and Millennials practically live on Snapchat.

• The ads work. Native, engaging, and ridiculously cost-effective.

• The competition is low. While everyone fights over TikTok and Instagram, Snapchat’s quietly printing money for advertisers.

So, why advertise on Snapchat? Because ignoring it means leaving money (and attention) on the table. If you’re serious about connecting with a hyper-engaged audience in a way that feels natural and personal — this is your move.

Pro Tip: Don’t Sleep on Creative

Snapchat is not the place for boring stock footage or cringey sales copy. Go bold. Go fun. Make it feel like content they would post — not something their parents would. And whatever you do, test relentlessly. The best-performing ads are often the ones you least expect.

TL;DR

Snapchat might not dominate headlines anymore, but it dominates where it counts: attention. It’s cost-effective, hyper-targeted, and uniquely engaging. If you’ve been sleeping on it, now’s the time to wake up. Your competitors haven’t figured this out yet — but when they do, ad costs will climb. Beat them to it.

So next time someone asks you why advertise on Snapchat, you’ll know the answer: because it works. Period.