Snapchat 'My Places' Feature: Discover Local Spots on Snap Map
Snapchat Enhances Snap Map with 'My Places' Feature
As summer activities increase, Snapchat is introducing new functionality designed to help users discover local businesses and points of interest. The rollout of the My Places feature on Snap Map aims to connect users with a network of over 30 million establishments.
Key Features of My Places
Users are now able to save their preferred locations, share them with contacts, and receive tailored recommendations. This feature is intended to simplify the process of finding restaurants, shops, parks, and other nearby attractions.
The My Places section is organized into three distinct tabs:
- Visited: This tab displays locations where the user has previously checked in via Snapchat.
- Favorites: Here, users can save their most frequented and preferred spots.
- Popular: This tab introduces Snapchat’s first algorithmic recommendation system, offering personalized suggestions.
The Popular tab utilizes an algorithm that analyzes user location, previously tagged or saved places, and the visitation patterns of friends and other Snapchat users.
Differentiating Snap Map
This new feature sets Snap Map apart from traditional mapping services like Google Maps and Apple Maps. While those platforms focus on navigation, Snap Map emphasizes social discovery – revealing where friends enjoy spending their time.
Snapchat doesn’t intend to compete with navigation apps; instead, it focuses on providing a social layer to local exploration.
User Engagement and Growth
Recent surveys conducted by Snapchat indicate a heightened interest in “post-pandemic” activities among its user base. Notably, 44% of Snapchatters reportedly utilize Snap Map to locate interesting places nearby.
Snapchat has been expanding the functionality of Snap Map through partnerships. The Layers update, launched in May, allows companies to directly integrate data onto the map.
Collaborations with Ticketmaster and The Infatuation, a restaurant review site, already provide users with information on live events and highly-rated dining options.
Further integration of Layers into both Snap Map and My Places is planned for later in the year.
Strong Financial Performance
Snap recently reported its strongest quarterly performance in four years, with significant growth in both revenue and daily active users. The app experienced a 23% year-over-year increase in user activity.
