Snapchat is launching a new feature named “Context Cards” that enhance the platform’s ‘swipe up’ feature, and provides deeper integration with third party apps and platforms.
According to an interesting interview, Evan Spiegel claims that “evolving really quickly is part of the job here.” This statement rings particularly true these days, as Instagram Stories have surpassed Snapchat in terms of active users, and there are even reports that influencers are fleeing the hyped platform.
So, Snapchat has been reacting, and has launched a series of updates in the last few months – most notably its AR art Lens and a new tool to manipulate and change the colour of the sky in Snaps. “Not too bad,” one may say. However, these changes are all part of part of the drill – and will eventually be copied by Facebook. The real deal, is to change the platform itself.
So, Snapchat is launching a new feature – named “Context Cards.” It’s nothing groundbreaking to be honest, but it’s something. Context Cards basically enhance the swipe up capability already present in the app. Users will be able to swipe up to some snaps and see more info or connect with other services such as Lyft, Uber, OpenTable or Resy (editors note: AirBnB works with Resy, too) . Does this go beyond Snapchat’s main premise? Perhaps.
But it provides deeper integration with third party apps and platforms, and these may turn out to be the life vest Snap Inc could need soon.
There are many among us who could claim so, however, let’s not forget that the app introduced links to its snaps, back in July, effectively stating that the image is not the medium anymore, and admitting that users want to discover content and information on their app. As such, sure, Snapchat only added an enhancement to its current modus operandi.
The answer is much more complex though. Ever since its IPO, and Facebook’s relentless race to practically copy the app, Evan Spiegel and Snap Inc. are steering the shift towards well-known paths (links to snaps and Context Cards), but also towards uncharted territories (read Selfie Drones), that could potentially liberate the company from the app’s demise.
Image courtesy of The Verge
You might also like
More from Snapchat
Snapchat Introduces Shared Stories
Snapchat shared stories will let users who have been added to custom stories invite their own friends to contribute. Custom Stories …
Snapchat Partners With Ticketmaster To Launch New Events Map Layer
The new Ticketmaster Snap Mini will allow Snapchat users to find nearby events on the map, and tap on them …
Snapchat Introduces New Personal Safety ‘Live Location’ Feature
Snapchat is introducing a new way to keep track of where your friends are by seeing their real-time location on …
Snapchat Will Finally Let You Change Your Silly Old Username
Snapchat will now let you change your old username without compromising aspects of your account, like friends list, Snap codes, …
Snapchat Is Introducing Mid-Roll Ads In Snap Star Stories
Snapchat has announced the beta test of mid-roll ads in Snap Star Stories, a new monetization feature for creators.
Snapchat Unveils New AR Catalog-Powered Shopping Lenses
Snapchat has improved its AR shopping Lens offering by adding new Shopping Lenses that display details about products.
Snapchat Introduces New Emoji Polls, Bitmoji Reactions, And More
Snapchat is updating its app with new tweaks to personalize the in-app experience and make it more fun and engaging.
Snapchat Opens AR Christmas Market With Six Major Retailers
The holiday market will feature AR experiences from Coca-Cola, Hollister, Prime Video, Under Armour, Verizon, and Walmart.
Snapchat Launches New Multi-Format Ad Delivery Option
Snapchat's new "Multiple Formats" delivery option will allow advertisers to combine multiple video ad formats into a single ad set.
