As a marketer that uses Snapchat, you’ve likely noticed how other users have had their Snaps appear in the platform’s Live Stories feed. Live Stories is a constituent of Snapchat that broadcasts Snaps submitted by users from major cities across the globe during significant events. Posting a Snap to Live Stories is a great way to boost exposure for your business (should your Snap be chosen) at no cost to you.
That just leaves one question: How do you become one of the chosen ones?
Before diving right into the basic steps for submitting to Live Stories, you need to create a stellar Snap. Geographic, time, and temperature overlays tell Snapchat that you actually are where you say you are and make your Snap more relevant.
Also, make the subject matter in your Snap really count. So you wouldn’t want to Snap a selfie of yourself in bed. Are you representing your business or brand at an event? Show it, or have a crowd in the background. Or, better yet, if there’s a celebrity involved, get a selfie with them. Traveling to a popular city for business? Capture the Statue of Liberty in a creative shot at New York City.
Are you representing your business or brand at an event? Show it, or have a crowd in the background. Or, better yet, if there’s a celebrity involved, get a selfie with them. Traveling to a popular city for business? Capture the Statue of Liberty in a creative shot at New York City.
Another point to keep in mind is that video tends to attract more interest than a static image.
How to Submit to Live Stories
NOTE: The following steps are based on navigation for an iPhone’s. The steps may differ for Android devices.
Step 1: Turn on Location Services
Open “Settings” on your phone, scroll to “Apps,” and select “Snapchat.” Select “Location,” and toggle it to “While Using the App.”
Step 2: Turn on Location-Based Filters
Navigate to the Snapchat app and open “Settings.” Under “Additional Services,” select “Manage.” Change the “Filters” setting to on if it’s currently toggled to off.
Step 3: Submit to Our Story
After you’ve created your Snap, select the send button shaped like a blue arrow. Select “Our Story” as your recipient. Then wait and see if Snapchat approves your Snap for Live Stories. You’ll know if it was accepted by the number of views it receives.
Although being chosen for Snapchat’s Live Stories is great exposure for your business, it doesn’t link users to your business’ website or social media account. Snapchatters that seek to build their view count receive the bulk of the benefit from Live Stories. To optimize brand awareness, your business best benefits from using Snapchat’s Self-Serve Ad Manager, using the six types of ads Snapchat has to offer.
