Snapchat is launching today a new platform of mini applications integrated into its social network. Called “Snap Minis”, these applications offer different functions within the main Snapchat application, with the aim of making users spend more time using the application.
Snap Minis are simple and lightweight HTML-created applications that can be quickly accessed by any Snapchat user. The company revealed the project last month, and is now rolling it out for users.
There are four mini apps that are now available on Snapchat: Headspace, Flashcards, Prediction Master, and Let’s Do It. Each of these apps offers unique features like meditation sessions, collaborative study with friends, and more. An upcoming app offered by Coachella will help users plan trips to the festival.
As pointed out TechCrunchSnapchat hopes to increase engagement with this update as competitors like Instagram and TikTok become increasingly popular. Snap Inc.’s social network currently has more than 229 million daily users.
By gaining access to these mini apps, Snap can potentially see an increase in user engagement, and developers can cater to a full set of new audiences.
While having mini apps inside another app is new to Snapchat, this is a common experience in Asian apps like WeChat, which allows users to multitask without leaving the app, like sending messages, buying products, and paying friends.
Apple is also working to offer mini apps for iPhone and iPad users. Developers can now create small versions of their apps with iOS 14 and App Clips, which can be easily accessed via messages, websites, NFC tags, or QR codes. App clips do not require users to download and install the full app to access certain features, such as ordering a product or paying for a service.
App Clips, however, will only be available starting this fall.
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