Snapchat Launches Sponsored Snaps in India; AJIO Becomes First Brand Partner

Snapchat has introduced Sponsored Snaps in India, a new ad format that allows brands to send full-screen vertical video ads directly into users’ chat inboxes. Reliance Retail’s AJIO is the first Indian brand to adopt this format, leveraging Snapchat’s reach among Gen Z and Millennials for immersive storytelling and call-to-action campaigns.

What Are Sponsored Snaps?

Sponsored Snaps appear as unread messages in the Chat tab, offering users the option to open, reply, or click on embedded links. If left unopened, these ads disappear automatically. Introduced in the U.S. in October 2024, this format is designed to maximize engagement and visibility while maintaining user privacy by avoiding push notifications.

AJIO’s Role

AJIO is using Sponsored Snaps to promote its latest fashion collections. Arpan Biswas, Chief Marketing Officer at AJIO, highlighted the format’s ability to connect organically with digital-first consumers and foster deeper engagement with Snapchat’s active community.

Strategic Importance for Snapchat

India, with over 200 million monthly active users, is a key market for Snapchat’s growth. Neha Jolly Sawhney, Head of Ad Monetization for Snap India, emphasized that Sponsored Snaps align with Gen Z’s preference for visually rich content and offer brands an immersive way to interact with mobile-first audiences.

Future Prospects

Snapchat plans to enhance Sponsored Snaps with AI-driven features like personalized recommendations and direct transactions. This launch positions Snapchat as a strong competitor in India’s digital advertising space, challenging giants like Google and Meta.