How To Grow On Snapchat

Snapchat has quickly become one of the more exciting platforms for creators and brands, especially with its updated monetisation program.

Combine that with the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future in the US, it’s no wonder so many creators are shifting their focus to Snapchat to build a more reliable and diversified income stream.

We will go through the following ideas:

• Why Snapchat is Worth Your Time
• Make Your Stories Interactive and Exciting
• Grow Your Audience with Spotlight & Public Stories
• Boost Engagement with AR Lenses & Filters
• Promote Your Snapcode Everywhere
• Collaborate with Influencers
• Run a Cross-Platform Giveaway

Snapchat has long been seen as a social app for chatting rather than a serious platform for creators. Unlike Instagram and TikTok, it wasn’t known for making money... until now.

With its new monetisation model, Snapchat allows creators to earn ad revenue from both Spotlight (its short-form content hub) and Public snapchat Stories (which offer ongoing audience engagement). This shift moves away from the old luck-based model, where only viral content was rewarded, and instead prioritises consistency and engagement.

For creators and businesses looking to build a sustainable presence, now is the time to take Snapchat seriously.

In this post, we’ll share proven strategies to grow your Snapchat audience, whether you’re starting fresh or bringing followers over from other platforms.

You need to keep people interested and provide value so they keep coming back for more and subscribe to you.

Some fantastic ways to do this are...

Interactive content performs best on Snapchat. Use features like polls, Q&As, and casual quizzes to spark conversation and invite replies. You can also turn your Stories into simple games. You cans hide clues across snaps and reward the first person to respond with the right answer.

These formats keep followers engaged and boost your story completion rate, which helps with visibility in Snapchat’s algorithm.

A consistent format keeps your audience coming back. Create a regular content series that’s exclusive to Snapchat, like “Monday Quick Tips,” “Behind-the-Scenes Fridays,” or “Snapchat-Only Deals.”

Repetition builds familiarity, and followers will start to anticipate your updates.

Snapchat’s disappearing content is ideal for exclusive, short-term promotions. Use Stories to announce flash sales, early product drops, or limited-time discount codes.

Promote these offers across your other channels (like Instagram or email) to drive traffic and convert new followers into buyers.

Spotlight is Snapchat’s version of TikTok: a short-form, viral video feed designed to help you get discovered. It shows your content to people based on their interests, even if they don’t follow you yet, making it a powerful tool for reaching new audiences.

Public Stories, on the other hand, are more about nurturing those new followers. These are tied to your profile and visible to anyone who taps through to check you out. Use them to share regular updates, behind-the-scenes content, and keep people engaged over time.

By combining Spotlight for reach and Public Stories for retention, you can grow your Snapchat following and expand your reach.

Your Snapcode is a simple but powerful tool for growing your following.

If you have a physical store or event, display your Snapcode on signage, packaging, and marketing materials.

If you’re growing online, add it to your website, email signature, social media bios, and Linktree. This is an awesome way to promote your snapchat account.

Snapchat’s AR features are a huge opportunity for organic growth. Create branded AR lenses or geofilters that users can interact with and share. Whether you design a filter for a location, event, or product launch, this type of content spreads easily through user-generated snaps.

Snapchat also promotes lenses through the Lens Explorer and offers Sponsored AR Lenses to help you reach a wider audience.

For businesses, geofilters and location-based filters are a great way to connect with nearby audiences. Create custom geofilters for your store or event, encouraging visitors to use them in their snaps.

Partnering with influencers is one of the fastest ways to grow on Snapchat.

Influencers can:

• Feature your brand in their Stories.
• Use your branded filters or lenses.
• Host a Snapchat takeover, introducing their audience to your account.

One of the best ways to grow your Snapchat audience is with a cross-platform giveaway, and Gleam makes it easy.

Here’s how it works:

• Require Snapchat follows as an entry action.

• Use viral mechanics: Offer bonus entries for sharing the giveaway or tagging friends.

• Promote everywhere: Announce it across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and email.

• Track results: Gleam’s analytics show new followers gained and engagement generated.

A well-run giveaway drives traffic, boosts engagement, and helps grow your Snapchat presence fast.

To get started, customise the template below and launch your giveaway:

By combining things like Spotlight, Public Stories, AR Lenses, and giveaways, you can grow your Snapchat audience and actually build something that lasts. But don’t be afraid to take it further.

Make sure your Snapchat profile feels on-brand and up to date. Use real-time Snapchat Stories to share great content that keeps people watching. Improve your engagement rate with interactive posts, and once you’ve got some traction, test out Snapchat ads to push things further.

Promote your Snapchat account across your other social media platforms. Add your Snapcode or QR code to emails, product packaging, or anywhere else your audience is active. Cross-promote consistently and make it easy for people to find and follow you.

Save your best snaps to your camera roll so you can reuse them across your social media accounts. Tailor your promotional content for different target audiences, and always include a clear call to action so people know what to do next.

Snapchat isn’t just for messaging anymore. It’s a space to share, grow, and stay connected with the people who care about what you’re doing.