Snapchat is no longer about filters and chats. A new study by Snapchat, Publicis Media, and NRG shows that the platform is quietly becoming one of the most influential shopping spaces online.
According to the report, 78% of Snapchat users discover new products on social media first, 1.6 times more than non-Snapchatters. The results reveal a significant shift in consumer behavior towards shopping driven by social discovery, AR technologies, and creator influence.
Social Shopping Meets the $1.1 Trillion Tech Boom
The global electronics market is expected to grow to $1.1 trillion by 2029, and social media has a significant impact on how that growth is being defined. The study showed that 83% of Snapchat users are purchasing more because it's become easier for them to shop online, while 92% enjoy doing everything, from browsing to payment, in the same app.
Nowadays, most digital shopping journeys begin on social platforms rather than search engines. A short story, a tagged product, or a shared link can generate instant curiosity. On Snapchat, creators tend to share short clips about new gadgets or discount offers, and official brand accounts share AR previews or quick purchase links.
This is evident not only in purchasing but also in real-money gaming. That same link-driven behavior is how crypto casino no kyc operators surface in feeds without direct gambling ads. Instead of “play now” pushes, they point to third-party reviews or comparison pages.
Those review pages typically cover no-document sign-ups, withdrawal methods and timing, bonus rules, game libraries, and security claims, plus geo-restrictions and responsible gambling links. The effect is straightforward: operators rely on external write-ups to do the explaining, while users decide whether to click through
Social Platforms Spark the Path to Purchase
Social media has become the launching point for most electronics purchases. Viral reviews and creator content are common substitutes for conventional advertising.
Some of the key aspects of the study are as follows:
- 83% of Snapchatters turn to social platforms for deals and promotions.
- 76% interact directly with brands before making a purchase.
- 60% buy directly from posts or ads.
- 63% make purchases because friends or family recommend them.
These habits indicate how buying has become a part of daily social interaction. A recommendation in a chat, or a quick try-on of AR, is sufficient to get someone from interested to checkout.
From Scrolls to Sales
Snapchatters are 2.9 times more likely to purchase electronics through social apps than non-Snapchatters. What begins as browsing often quickly turns into an actual purchase.
Even after checkout, engagement doesn’t stop.
Snapchatters are 2.1 times more likely to share their new gadgets, creating real product buzz. Each post, snap, or story becomes another purchase cycle, driven entirely by peer influence.
Creators as the New Retail Advisors
Creators now play an important role in consumer purchasing decisions. The study found that 75% of Snapchatters trust creator recommendations as much as advice from friends and family, and 81% follow creators specifically for electronics inspiration.
This trust gives brands a direct path to their audiences. A brief, honest product video can have a greater impact than a paid campaign.
Brand takeaway: Look for creators who know their niche and speak authentically to their followers. Audiences crave authenticity, not polished pitches.
Augmented Reality Turns Shopping into Reality
Snapchat's AR technology is one of its greatest selling tools. It allows users to try, test, and visualize products without visiting a store.
- 72% of users say AR ads are more likely to grab their attention than traditional ads.
- Seventy-five percent say AR helps them make confident decisions by visualizing products.
From seeing how a smartwatch fits to previewing a TV on the wall, AR eliminates uncertainty. It makes discovery a hands-on experience for shoppers and provides the same confidence as an in-person demo.
The New Currency of Influence
Influence has become marketable capital. The new buying process is short, emotional, and visual. People explore, chat, and make decisions without changing tabs.
Brands that are successful on Snapchat understand three things:
- Discovery comes from friends and creators, not ads.
- Transparency and relatability build trust.
- Engagement is authentic when it feels natural in sales.
It’s a complete redefinition of digital marketing; it’s not just about persuasion; it’s about participation.
Where Brands Go from Here
Snapchat's research sends a clear message: The future of e-commerce is social, fast, and visual. Traditional ads are dying out, and real-time interaction is taking over.
Brands that invest in authentic creator partnerships, build AR experiences that increase buyer confidence, and create social storytelling that fits seamlessly into everyday conversation will attract the next generation of shoppers.
