Hey hey,
Last week, we looked at how social media apps copy each other.
This week, we’re talking about Snapchat.
Even though other apps have copied its best features—like Stories and filters—Snapchat is still popular with Gen Z.
Why? What makes people keep using it?
Let’s break it down.
Snapchat’s Moment of Truth
Snapchat launched Stories, filters, and Bitmojis before anyone else.
But over time, Instagram and TikTok copied these features—and grabbed more attention.
Snapchat tried new things like Snap Map and AI chat, but they didn’t take off.
Even so, Gen Z hasn’t left.
Today, Snapchat has 453 million daily users. Most of them are aged 13 to 24.
Here’s What We Know
Streaks are still a big deal. Some users have sent snaps every day for over 1,000 days.
Snapchat’s short video feature, Spotlight, is growing—but it’s still smaller than TikTok.
Instagram and TikTok copied Stories and filters from Snapchat.
Share this post with Snap lovers!
Think Like a PM
Why do you think Gen Z is so loyal to Snapchat?
What is Snapchat doing so well that other apps might miss?
Drop your thoughts in the comments & get featured next week!
Thoughts From The JAPM Team
Last week, we looked into how social platforms clone features, and our thoughts are:
It isn’t just about chasing cool new ideas.
It’s about keeping users from getting bored or worse, leaving.
When apps start feeling the same, it’s usually a sign that growth is slowing and attention is getting harder to win.
Adding similar features can be a fast way to patch gaps... but it’s a risky game. Copy too much, and you lose what made you special.
Move too slow, and users jump to something fresher.
As PMs, we would focus on doubling down on what each app already does best and blending new ideas in ways that feel natural, not forced.
Instead of copying features 1:1, platforms could:
Build lighter versions that match their style (e.g., Instagram making Notes feel more visual, not just plain text).
Test with smaller groups first to see if the feature fits user behavior.
Reward existing habits instead of trying to create new ones.
It’s not about copying faster. It’s about copying smarter.
See you in the comments.—Sid