Snapchat, known for its ephemeral and interactive messaging platform, is making bold strides into the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) with the introduction of Snapchat+. While the social media giant’s initial AI venture, “My AI,” was met with mixed reviews, the company seems undeterred and is now set to redefine the user experience with its latest offering.
In April, Snapchat introduced “My AI,” an AI chatbot that took residence at the top of Snapchat chats. However, this move was met with criticism as users found themselves unable to remove the chatbot from their app interface, irrespective of their interest in its functionalities. Additionally, concerns were raised about the chatbot allegedly providing inaccurate information regarding users’ locations, causing a stir in the Snapchat community.
Despite the initial setbacks, eight months down the line, My AI persists within the Snapchat ecosystem. Rather than retreating, Snapchat is intensifying its focus on AI capabilities. The company recently declared its plans to launch a dedicated AI image generator for Snapchat+ subscribers, marking a significant step forward in the integration of AI into the platform.
The AI image generator in Snapchat+ follows a similar premise to those seen in other platforms like Meta’s latest release. By tapping into the new AI button on Snapchat, users can instruct the bot to generate images based on their prompts, ranging from simple to intricate. These AI-generated images can then be shared with friends just like regular snaps, adding an element of surprise as recipients open what they expect to be a typical photo only to encounter an AI-created spectacle. While users previously had the option to generate AI images for their My AI chat wallpaper, the new image generator in Snapchat+ takes this capability to a whole new level.
However, Snapchat+ doesn’t stop at revolutionizing image creation with AI. A new “Extend” option has been introduced for snaps, enabling users to salvage photos taken too close to their subjects. Leveraging AI, Snapchat cleverly expands the photo, filling in the gaps with generative images. This feature not only enhances the creative potential of users but also addresses a common issue faced by mobile photographers.
Snapchat’s AI selfie feature, Dreams, has also undergone a collaborative makeover in Snapchat+. Users can now include their friends in AI-generated selfies, fostering a communal aspect to the platform’s AI capabilities. As an added incentive, users will receive a complimentary eight-pack of AI selfies each month.
The catch? These innovative features are exclusively available to Snapchat+ subscribers, the platform’s premium tier. For a monthly fee of $3.99 or an annual subscription priced at $29.99, users gain access to the enhanced AI image generator, the Extend option for snaps, and collaborative Dreams selfies.
The question now arises: Will these new features be enough to entice users into paying for Snapchat+? The decision may hinge on individual preferences and experiences. While the allure of advanced AI functionalities is undeniable, some users may remain skeptical, especially given concerns over the app’s recent spate of spammy notifications.
As Snapchat continues to evolve, balancing user satisfaction with its revenue model becomes a crucial consideration. The success of Snapchat+ may well depend on the platform’s ability to offer a seamless and enjoyable experience, coupled with meaningful AI integrations that justify the subscription cost. For now, users will be watching closely to see if Snapchat’s latest foray into AI proves to be a game-changer or another interesting experiment in the ever-evolving landscape of social media.
