Report: Snapchat will push content outside its own app
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Snapchat is developing a new feature called "Stories Everywhere," that will push its user-generated "Stories" (strings of photos and videos) outside of the app, Cheddar's Alex Heath scoops.
Why it matters: Snapchat is hoping that expanding access to its content will increase its user base and maybe its bottom line. The company could make money from licensing its content off-platform down the line, Heath reports. Snap's revenues have been a disappointment to Wall Street since going public with high expectations in March.
Our thought bubble: Unlike other tech rivals, Snapchat uses editorial judgement to verify the content created on its platform. Because it's proprietary and vetted, Snapchat is better positioned to monetize that content off of its app. Other user-generated content apps, like Facebook and Twitter, make posts embeddable off-platform, but there is little authority in what gets published, decreasing the value.
Other highlights from Cheddar's story:
- Snap Inc. has hired Rahul Chopra, the former Senior Vice President and Global Head of Video at News Corp and Storyful CEO, to spearhead the project. It's also restructured and expanded its content division.
- Chopra will be responsible for finding a way to make Snapchat's content easier to share on other platforms, whether via a web player or another mechanism.
- Snap has also contemplated allowing other apps to access its feeds of user-generated videos, Cheddar reports.
