Popular social media platform Snapchat has collaborated with Shopify to release its Shop and Cop channel. This is a dedicated shopping channel within the application that features limited-time deals as well as exclusive offers available on Shopify.

Finding and Filling the Channel

The channel is in the Discover section of Snapchat, and it will be curated by Snapchat itself. On the channel, you will find content and posts from social influencers. It also utilizes Shopify’s abilities to let shoppers actually stay within the application to claim those deals and make a purchase. In other words, there is no need to redirect to a retailer website.

Instagram May Be Doing the Same

There are reports that Instagram is also looking into creating a shopping application and is already in the development stage. Some experts feel that these reports may have spurred Snapchat on to create their in-app channel more quickly than planned. The rumors concerning Instagram indicate that the company is creating a separate app from its current one, while Snapchat chose to incorporate the shopping element into its existing application.

Follows the Use of Mobile for Shopping

This new release from Snapchat and Shopify comes when mobile shopping apps have continued to evolve, making it fit right in with the changing market. More mobile shopping applications now incorporate social media networks or elements of those platforms in addition to the deals they offer. There is also more and more personalization arising in shopping applications. As such, Shop and Cop from Snapchat seems to come at a time when the market will appreciate its addition.

Other Advances for Snapchat

This is not the only recent innovation from Snapchat or its only partnership, for that matter. Snapchat has partnered with retail giant Amazon for visual searches. Last month, the social media application created additionally shoppable ad options for advertisers. There is also recent news that a Snapchat-augmented reality lens is being tested by Disney and Levi Strauss to allow for virtually trying on clothes.

Sources:

https://www.retaildive.com/news/snapchat-unveils-in-app-shopping-channel-with-shopify/542784/

https://www.businessinsider.com/snapchat-shop-and-cop-shopping-channel-2018-11