Snapchat Spotlight: How It Works & How to Get Featured

Snapchat Spotlight is a new feature added to Snapchat and is similar to platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. In this feature, you can create 60-second videos and upload them for users around the world to watch. Through this feature, you can watch different types of videos, and if you like a video, you can like, comment on, or share it. Snapchat has recently upgraded this feature and also added a comments option, which allows users to interact more with each other.

You can use two methods to create and share videos on Snapchat Spotlight. One method is to create videos directly from the Snapchat app, and the other method is to upload videos from your mobile gallery. While uploading a video, you get the opportunity to add a video description, tags, and privacy settings. Snapchat also allows you to use music, filters, and lenses to make your videos more attractive.

What is Snapchat Spotlight?

Snapchat Spotlight is Snapchat’s answer to short-form video content. It is a feature that allows users to upload videos up to 60 seconds long, similar to TikTok and Instagram Reels. These videos appear on a new tab in the Snapchat app called “Spotlight.” It is an entertaining space where users can browse through short videos created by others, and if you are feeling creative, you can add your own videos for others to see.

Unlike Snapchat’s usual messaging and Snapping features, Spotlight is public-facing, meaning anyone on Snapchat (and even non-Snapchat users) can view the videos. This gives content creators an opportunity to reach a wider audience. When you create and upload a video, you might get featured on the Spotlight feed, where it could potentially go viral. 

The Evolution of Snapchat Spotlight

Initially, Snapchat Spotlight did not allow comments, making it a one-way form of content consumption. However, Snapchat has since upgraded this feature to include comments, making the experience more interactive. 

Users can now engage with the content by liking, commenting, and sharing it. This has helped bring Snapchat closer to its competitors like TikTok, which has always been known for its community interactions.

How Does Snapchat Spotlight Work?

Snapchat Spotlight works similarly to short-video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, with one key difference: Snapchat Spotlight is integrated directly into the Snapchat app. When you open the Snapchat app, you will notice a tab labeled “Spotlight” at the bottom of the screen. This is where you can view all the latest Spotlight videos.

Browsing Spotlight Videos

The videos in Snapchat Spotlight are displayed in a scrollable feed, similar to TikTok. You can swipe through the videos, watching them as you go. If you find a video you like, you can like it, comment on it, or share it with your Snapchat friends. 

The more you interact with videos, the more the algorithm will understand your preferences and begin showing you similar content. You can also search for specific creators or hashtags by clicking on the search icon at the top left of the Spotlight screen. This makes it easy to find the kind of content that interests you.

Uploading Videos to Snapchat Spotlight

If you want to share your own videos on Spotlight, there are two ways to do it: using the Snapchat app or uploading from your camera roll.

Using the Snapchat App

1. Open the Snapchat app and go to the Spotlight tab.
2. Click the create icon in the top right corner.
3. You’ll have two options: “Upload” or “Create.” Click on “Create” to record a new video directly in the app.
4. After recording your video, you will be prompted to add a description, tags, and other optional settings such as allowing comments, showing your snap on a public profile, or sharing anonymously.
5. Once you have adjusted everything to your liking, click the send icon, and your video will be uploaded to Spotlight for others to see.

Using Camera Roll

1. Open the Snapchat app and go to the Spotlight tab.
2. Click the create icon in the top right corner.
3. Choose “Upload” to select a video from your phone’s gallery.
4. After selecting the video, you will follow the same steps as with the Snapchat app: add a description, tags, and any privacy settings.
5. Once done, click the send icon, and your video will be uploaded to Spotlight.

Downloading and Sharing Spotlight Videos

One great feature of Snapchat Spotlight is that you can download and share the videos you enjoy. If you see a video you want to save, here is how you can do it:

1. Click on the three dots at the bottom right of the video.
2. Select “Send to.”
3. Scroll horizontally to find the “Share to” option.
4. Finally, click the download icon to save the video to your device’s gallery.

You can also share Spotlight videos directly with your friends on Snapchat. After clicking the three dots, you will be given an option to send the video to your Snapchat contacts.

Snapchat Spotlight Features

Snapchat Spotlight comes with several features to make your content creation process easier and more fun. Some of the key features include:

Snapchat Music Library

Snapchat has a built-in music library that allows you to add sounds and music to your Spotlight videos. You can choose from a wide variety of tracks to enhance your content, making it more entertaining and engaging for viewers.

Hashtags

Just like Instagram and TikTok, you can add hashtags to your Spotlight videos. Hashtags help categorize your content, making it easier for users to find your videos. If you are making a video on a specific topic or trend, using the right hashtags can help your video get discovered.

Filters and Lenses

Snapchat is known for its extensive collection of filters and lenses. When creating videos for Spotlight, you can use these to enhance your content and add a unique touch. Filters can change the look of your video, while lenses can add fun animations and effects.

Paid/Sponsored Content

For businesses or content creators looking to monetize their videos, Snapchat Spotlight allows you to upload sponsored content. This means you can upload videos that are part of an advertising campaign and get paid for them. 

Privacy Settings

Snapchat gives users full control over the visibility of their Spotlight content. You can choose to share your video anonymously, meaning your name and profile will not appear. You can also select whether you want your video to be public, on your profile, or just shared with specific friends.

How to Get More Views on Snapchat Spotlight

If you want your videos to gain more views on Snapchat Spotlight, here are a few tips:

1. Post Regularly: Consistency is key. The more videos you post, the higher the chances of getting noticed.
2. Promote Your Account: Share your Spotlight account on other social media platforms to reach a wider audience.
3. Create Niche Content: Find a niche that suits you and stick with it. Creating videos around a specific topic or theme can help you attract a dedicated following.

How Snapchat Decides Which Content to Feature on Spotlight

Snapchat’s algorithm determines which content gets featured on the Spotlight feed based on several factors. These include:

• Likes: Videos with more likes are more likely to be featured.
• Shares: If people share your video, it increases its visibility.
• Watch Time: Videos that keep viewers engaged for longer periods of time are more likely to appear in the Spotlight feed.
• User Interest: The more you interact with videos of a particular type, the more you will see similar videos in your feed.

Snapchat Spotlight uses these factors to show you content that matches your interests and preferences. If your videos perform well in these areas, they have a higher chance of being featured to a larger audience.

Final Thoughts

Snapchat Spotlight is a fantastic feature for anyone looking to create, share, and discover short-form video content. It gives you the opportunity to reach a wide audience, gain exposure, and potentially go viral. Whether you are using Snapchat Spotlight to showcase your creativity, share business content, or just have fun, there is no limit to what you can achieve with this powerful tool.

By understanding how Snapchat Spotlight works, using the available features, and engaging with your audience, you can make the most of this platform. So, go ahead, create your next viral video, and watch your creativity shine.