Snapchat is one popular service that gains popularity among targeted users. But among its advantages above others, it was having one particular but irritating issue. And that is the difficulty to get new followers.
On January 2017, it addresses that issue by launching Universal Search for Android and iOS users. The feature essentially makes the search bar persistent across every screen of the app, and providing a way for users to get new followers, and to help others find each other.
Previously, Snapchat users had to gain followers by sharing their username, or Snapcode, outside the service. Other may hope for influencers to help them, or add everyone in hoping they will follow them back. But none of the methods are clearly straightforward.
With the new search, users can use the new "quick chat" menu with icons representing the friends they chat with the most. They also see a row of cards where they can jump straight in to their profile; tap a friend's auto-suggest card or just use the search result; chat with other users directly, or can tap their Story thumbnail to instantly see it fullscreen.
Tapping and holding other user's card will show their mini profile.
Other that those, the new Search can also be used to find specific editions of Discover channels or Our Stories.
The Universal Search can also be a great opportunity for brands, businesses and influencers that are hoping to build their audience.
Furthermore, the feature also comes in new revenue opportunities. For example, Snapchat can potentially allow advertisers to pay for sponsored placement on its search result. Or as a suggestion the the feature's interface.
The feature is indeed a welcomed feature. What it really does, is to imptove experience and also engagement by addressing criticisms it was having in the past. Snapchat has been criticized for lacking suggestions or recommended user list, a feature that has long been on Twitter, for example.
The update also overhauls Our Story to let users post to it whenever they want, wherever they are. Previously, users have had to contribute posts to geographical areas or specific topics. With the update, users can simply add a snap to Our Story and Snap's content team will surface it as appropriate. Users can still suggest an Our Story snap for a particular topic if they like.
