5 Ways to Turn Your Snaps Into Extra Cash

Introduction:

Snapchat has exploded in popularity over the last few years, especially among younger demographics. The image and video sharing app now has over [number] daily active users. Snapchat's fun filters and disappearing message format make it a unique social media platform.

While Snapchat doesn't have direct monetization options like YouTube or Instagram, there are still plenty of creative ways to make money on Snapchat. The platform provides opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, driving traffic, and selling products or services. From small "snaps" to public stories, Snapchat can help you earn. 

This article will explore some of the top ways influencers, brands, businesses, and creators are monetizing their Snapchat presence. Whether you want to sell Snapchat art, promote your company, or make money with ads, we'll cover multiple strategies. Read on to learn how to turn your Snapchat account into a profitable side hustle or business.

Sell Sponsored Lenses & Filters

One way to make money on Snapchat is by creating sponsored lenses and filters. Snapchat allows official partners to create special lenses and filters for brands. These are interactive augmented reality experiences that Snapchat users can access. 

To become an official Snapchat partner that can develop lenses and filters, you need to apply through Snapchat's Lens Studio or Filter Studio. These tools allow you to conceptualize, design, and submit lenses and filters for approval.

The earning potential for sponsored lenses and filters varies based on the brand partnership and campaign, but can be lucrative. According to some reports, sponsored lenses can cost advertisers between $450,000 to $750,000 for one day of exposure. The most popular ones that go viral can reach millions of views. With each view earning you money as the creator, this translates to big revenue.

If you have the technical skills and creative capabilities to develop engaging AR experiences in Lens Studio and Filter Studio, applying to create branded lenses and filters can become a steady source of income on Snapchat.

Get Brand Sponsorships

One of the most lucrative ways to make money on Snapchat is by partnering with brands as an influencer. The first step is building a sizeable Snapchat following in the tens or hundreds of thousands. This demonstrates to brands that you can reach and engage a large audience. 

Once you've grown your audience, start identifying brands that align with your content and persona. For example, if you post fashion and beauty content, relevant brands would include apparel companies, makeup brands, skincare companies, etc. 

Reach out to these brands explaining who you are, your Snapchat stats, and any previous brand partnerships. Offer to create sponsored Snapchat posts, Stories, filters, lenses or other creative ideas tailored to their target audience. Provide examples of branded content you've made in the past.

If a brand expresses interest, negotiate a deal. Common influencer packages include:

- Single Sponsored Snap: $500-$5,000

- 1-Day Snapchat Takeover: $1,000-$10,000  

- 1-Week Sponsorship with multiple Snaps: $5,000-$50,000

Make sure to sign an official contract detailing what content will be created, usage rights, payment terms, etc. Partnerships with big brands can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousands per post.

By leveraging Snapchat's engaged younger demographic and creative content formats, there is huge potential to monetize your following through brand sponsorships. Just focus on growing your audience and consistently producing quality content.

Sell Products via Snapchat

Snapchat can be a great platform for selling products, whether physical goods or digital downloads. The key is driving traffic from your Snapchat presence to your online store. 

You can showcase products on your Snapchat story or in Snap ads. Give your followers a special discount code or link to shop featured items. Show behind-the-scenes shots of your products being made or real people using them. 

Link your Snapchat account to your online store. Add links to products in your Snapchat bio or mention your website URL. Make it easy for viewers to find and buy your products.

Run Snapchat ads promoting your store. Target Snapchat users who may be interested in your products based on interests and demographics. Drive traffic directly to your online shop with a shop now call-to-action. 

Collaborate with influencers to promote your products to their followers. Offer an affiliate commission or free products in exchange for sponsored Snaps. This expands your reach and taps into their engaged audience.

The key is giving followers a compelling reason to shop your products, whether it's an exclusive discount, influencer endorsement, or behind-the-scenes look at your brand. Use Snapchat creatively to convert viewers into paying customers.

Monetize a Snapchat Story

Snapchat's Stories feature allows you to post photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. You can leverage this content to make money by turning your Snapchat Story into a "premium" account that fans pay a monthly fee to access. 

To monetize your Snapchat Story, you first need to build up a sizable following and create content worth paying for. Post frequently to establish yourself as an influencer and engage with viewers by responding to messages and comments. 

Once you have an engaged following, you can promote your Snapchat Story as a premium account. Let fans know that for a small monthly fee (e.g. $5), they can subscribe and gain exclusive access to your Story. 

As a premium account, you can then provide subscribers-only content that isn't available to your free followers. For example, you can:

- Give subscribers daily behind-the-scenes access to your life.

- Send exclusive pictures and videos directly to subscribers.

- Go live just for paid subscribers.

- Respond to every message sent by a subscriber.

Additional paid benefits could include:

- Access to an exclusive Snapchat group where you chat with subscribers.

- Shoutouts from you in Snapchat videos.

- Personalized video messages.

Posting premium teasers on your free Snapchat Story is a great way to entice fans to subscribe. You can promote the exclusive content subscribers get and suggest they subscribe to see more.

When fans pay to subscribe to your Snapchat Story, you'll want to consistently delivervalue with your exclusive content. Post daily stories and interact regularly with subscribers so they feel the monthly fee is worthwhile.

Monetizing your Snapchat Story takes effort but allows you to earn recurring revenue from fans. As long as you consistently engage subscribers with exclusive, entertaining content, it can become a lucrative income stream.

 Create Sponsored Snap Ads

Snapchat introduced Sponsored Ads in 2015 as a way for brands to advertise to Snapchat's young demographic. Since then, Snap Ads have become an increasingly popular part of many companies' marketing strategies. 

There are several ad formats available on Snapchat:

- Snap Ads - Full screen video ads that can be skippable after 3 seconds. Prices start around $50 CPM.

- Commercials - Unskippable 6 second video ads played between Shows. Prices around $20 CPM.

- Lenses - Sponsored AR lenses that users can play with. Pricing varies based on engagement.

- Filters - Sponsored filters and geofilters users can add to their snaps. Cost per filter varies.

- Story Ads - Ads that run within publisher Stories. Prices start around $40 CPM.

To run Snap Ads, you'll need to set up a Snapchat Ad account and go through their approval process. Make sure to have high quality creative assets ready before submitting your application. 

Best practices for running effective Snapchat ads include:

- Targeting a specific demographic based on age, interests, behaviors rather than going broad. Snap's audience is very segmented.

- Using video content rather than static images for higher engagement. Video ads see much higher swipe up rates.

- Experimenting with Snap's array of interactive ad formats like Lenses and Filters.

- Reshooting creative specifically for the vertical Snapchat video format.

- Keeping videos short, simple and fun. Quick hooks work well.

- Testing different bidding strategies and budgets to find the optimal balance. 

- Analyzing performance data frequently and making optimization tweaks.

By following Snapchat's ad guidelines and focusing on their highly engaged youth audience, Snap Ads can be an impactful marketing channel for brands.

Sell a Snapchat Takeover

Snapchat takeovers allow influencers to "take over" the Snapchat account of a business or brand for a set period of time. This gives influencers access to the brand's existing Snapchat follower base to promote products, experiences and events. 

Here are some tips on selling a Snapchat takeover:

 Collaborate with Relevant Influencers

Partner with influencers who create content relevant to the brand's target demographic. Make sure their content style aligns with the brand's messaging and vibe. Identify influencers with an engaged Snapchat community in your niche.

Set Competitive Rates 

Research industry standards for Snapchat takeover rates. The fee will depend on the influencer's follower count, engagement levels, and overall relevance to the brand. Typically rates range from $500 - $5,000+ per day. Price it competitively to get the best ROI.

Promote the Takeover

Have the influencer promote the takeover to their audience on Snapchat and other social platforms leading up to the event. Create an official Snapchat filter or lens for the takeover to build buzz. Repost takeover content across the brand's other social accounts. Encourage followers to engage with polls, contests and challenges.

Host a Paid Snapchat Event

Snapchat is a fun and engaging platform that's perfect for hosting virtual events, classes, or exclusive experiences. You can make money on Snapchat by charging a fee for users to join your event. 

Some ideas for paid Snapchat events:

- Host an online class or workshop. Teach a skill like cooking, drawing, or coding over Snapchat's video chat feature. Charge a fee for users to register and attend.

- Hold a virtual meet and greet. Fans will pay for the chance to video chat one-on-one with their favorite influencer, celebrity, or expert. 

- Organize a virtual concert or performance. Artists can perform live on Snapchat and charge for access.

- Curate an exclusive Q&A or interview. Host live Q&As with interesting guests and charge fans to send in questions and watch.

- Run a digital conference. A multi-day conference with various sessions could work great on Snapchat. Charge for passes.

- Arrange a gaming tournament. Gamers can battle opponents and spectators can watch the excitement unfold. Charge to play or view.

To build buzz and attendees for your paid event, promote it creatively on your other social media channels. Create intriguing event invites, discount codes, and teasers to maximize sign-ups. Leverage Snapchat's own marketing tools as well, like sponsored lenses and geofilters. 

With the right event format and promotion, you can absolutely generate revenue on Snapchat. Turn your knowledge, skills, and passions into paid virtual events fans won't want to miss.

Launch an AR Branded Lens

Augmented reality (AR) lenses allow Snapchatters to overlay digital effects and objects onto their Snaps. Brands are increasingly partnering with Snapchat influencers to create custom branded lenses that promote their products or services in a fun, interactive way. 

If you have a sizable Snapchat following, you may be able to partner with brands to create sponsored AR lenses. For example, a make-up brand could work with you to build a lens that allows users to virtually try on different lipsticks or eyeshadows. An energy drink brand could create a lens that makes users appear more energized and awake. The possibilities are endless!

When negotiating deals, make sure to agree upon metrics and earnings upfront. Most sponsored lenses pay influencers based on usage or views. The more people who engage with the lens, the more you'll earn. Be sure to specify the length of the sponsorship and usage goals. 

Promote the launch of the lens heavily across your other social channels. Create excitement and give very clear instructions for finding and using the lens. You may be required to promote it in your Snapchat story as well. Track usage closely during the sponsorship period and report back to the brand. With a compelling lens and solid promotion, you can earn thousands from a single branded AR campaign.

 Conclusion

Snapchat offers a variety of monetization opportunities for creators and influencers to earn money. In this post, we covered several methods including selling sponsored lenses and filters, getting brand sponsorships, selling products directly via Snapchat, monetizing your Snapchat story, creating sponsored Snap ads, selling Snapchat takeovers, hosting paid events, and launching AR branded lenses.

The key to monetizing Snapchat starts with building a large, engaged following on the platform. Snapchat's audience skews younger, so focus on creating viral, entertaining content that resonates with teens and young adults. Use Snapchat's interactive features like lenses, filters, Bitmoji, and more to stand out. 

Once you've built a sizable following, consider launching a public Snapchat story to expand your reach. This also provides a space to promote your content, engage with followers, and partner with brands. As you scale your audience, focus on your niche and unique value proposition to attract sponsorship opportunities. With persistence and consistency, Snapchat can become a revenue stream for content creators.

At its core, Snapchat is about creating fun, authentic experiences. Maintain this mindset as you build your channel and community. While monetization is possible, don't let it compromise the originality of your content. Find ways to monetize that align with your brand and enhance the experience for your followers. With strategic partnerships, quality content, and genuine engagement, you can turn Snapchat into a money-making opportunity.