Tag: snap

bookmark_borderSnap’s Niche but Growing Role

Posted on by mikejsiegel

Snap isn’t hogging headlines like Meta or Apple, but it continues to innovate around augmented reality and youth-centric features. Their latest lens-based shopping experiences are bridging the gap between fun and function—letting users virtually try on clothes or accessories before purchasing.

A recent Adweek piece highlighted how Gen Z shoppers are turning to Snap for product discovery. That’s exactly the demographic many brands crave, and Snap’s ad platform makes it easier for them to reach that audience. It doesn’t command the scale of Instagram or TikTok, but Snap’s laser focus on AR sets it apart.

Financially, Snap’s been choppy, primarily due to inconsistent ad revenue growth and fierce competition. Still, the company’s daily active users keep ticking upward. For me, that’s a sign they’ve carved out a unique space in the social media landscape—something ephemeral, playful, and visually engaging that resonates with younger users.

I don’t expect Snap to become the next Meta. But I do think it’s poised to remain a strong niche player. If management continues refining its AR and e-commerce tools, Snap could see steadier revenue gains over the next few years. I’m holding on to my shares, viewing Snap as a smaller, riskier bet in my broader tech portfolio—one that could pay off nicely if AR commerce hits mainstream adoption.

bookmark_borderSnap’s Growing Ecosystem

Posted on by mikejsiegel

Snap Inc. has been quietly—and sometimes not so quietly—building an ecosystem that goes beyond just disappearing messages. Snap’s push into augmented reality is especially intriguing. They’re turning AR filters into a valuable e-commerce tool, letting users virtually try on products before buying.

The latest Bloomberg piece details how brands are leveraging Snap’s AR to market directly within the app. This is a win-win: Snap fosters user engagement and generates advertising revenue, while brands get innovative ways to showcase their products. Sure, competition from TikTok is fierce, but Snap’s approach feels more like a curated experience than a free-for-all feed.

Does Snap’s daily active user count rival Facebook’s? Not yet. But it doesn’t have to. Its user base skews younger and is highly engaged. Advertisers pay a premium to reach that audience, which is exactly why I’m still holding SNAP shares. The platform’s unique approach to AR is something I believe will pay off massively in the coming years.

I also see Snap as a potential acquisition target—though I suspect they’re aiming for independence. Their rapid feature rollouts, like Spotlight (a TikTok competitor), show they’re not afraid to evolve. If management continues to innovate while balancing user privacy and monetization, Snap could become an unexpected heavyweight in the social media space. As the holiday season approaches, I’m keen to see how AR-driven shopping campaigns play out.