What is Spotlight on Snapchat and how to use it

We have recently seen social media platforms shift from long-form videos to shorter or quicker videos. That’s why Snapchat started Spotlight, and Instagram introduced Reels. But if you really want to know what Spotlight is on Snapchat, keep reading. 

Snapchat Spotlight has been introduced in competition with TikTok videos. This step mainly tries to capture the attention of younger audiences who prefer getting information and entertainment as quickly as possible.

Having been informative and fun for all, Spotlight may also be a point of worry for parents. They may not be sure how to handle their kids’ addiction to such apps. This article will discuss the major aspects of this Snapchat feature and the most probable solution for parental concerns as well. 

What is Spotlight on Snapchat?

Snapchat Spotlight is a feature that was introduced in 2020, allowing users to interact using short videos instead of only Snapchat messages and stories. Designed somewhat like TikTok and Instagram Reels, users can showcase their creations on Spotlight to a wide audience through an algorithm-driven feed featuring popular and relevant videos. It also enables them to participate in trends, apply music, add effects, and much more to the videos, thus making it an alluring means of creative expression.

Spotlight Snapchat features

Spotlight offers a wide range of features and benefits. These features appeal to its users, especially younger audiences, including:

1. Viral potential: Videos have the chance to go viral through an algorithm-based feed, gaining wide visibility and engagement.
2. Monetization opportunities: Snapchat incentivizes popular content by providing payments based on video performance and engagement.
3. Creative tools: Users can utilize Snapchat’s filters, music library, and effects to make engaging videos.
4. Privacy settings: Unlike other social media platforms, Spotlight does not display the public likes or comment counts, focusing more on video quality and creativity.

These features make Spotlight a fun and unique platform for creative content sharing.

Is Snapchat Spotlight like TikTok?

Yes, you can see that the format of their videos and the intended purpose are the same. However, there are some differences too. 

Let’s discuss the main differences between Snapchat Spotlight and TikTok:

• Privacy and interaction: Spotlight is more private, without public likes, comments, or view counts. Users can’t see those unless they follow or know the creator. TikTok has a more interactive environment where viewers can like, comment, and see who created each video, fostering community and interaction.

• Engagement metrics: Engagement (likes and views) on Snapchat Spotlight is private, encouraging focus on content quality rather than popularity. Engagement metrics on TikTok are public, which can drive more competition and influence.

• Content discovery: Snapchat Spotlight lacks a dedicated feed for specific trends or hashtags, which can make it harder for users to discover niche content. Features like trending hashtags, challenges, and a “For You” page on TikTok make content discovery easier and drive more trend-based content.

• Audience focus: Snapchat Spotlight primarily targets existing Snapchat users, integrating the feature into the app without needing a separate experience. Dedicated entirely to video content, TikTok has a broader audience reach as a standalone entertainment platform.

What are the rules for Snapchat Spotlight?

By utilizing Spotlight, users hereby agree to be subject to the following rules and eligibilities: age restrictions, content restrictions, and community standards. 

Let’s break down the most common rules below: 

• Age requirement: Users must be above 13 years old to be published on Snapchat Spotlight. This may be older in certain countries as this could be required by local law. As long as users remain below 18 years of age, they will only submit with parental permission for consideration in programs under Spotlight and will be in compliance with all applicable local laws. 

• Content restrictions: The posts on Spotlight shall follow the Snapchat community guidelines. Videos with nudity, sexual content, or graphic violence are forbidden. Content that encourages hate, racism, or any kind of abusive behavior is forbidden. No videos that may encourage dangerous stunts, illegal activities, or self-harm are allowed. Content must be suitable for a general audience.

• Copyrights: Videos should be originally created and not violate copyright. Reposting from other platforms or using watermarked videos from TikTok itself is against the rules.

• Other requirements: The videos should be shot in mobile vertical format. The length of the videos can go up to 60 seconds. Snapchat also encourages the use of in-app sounds, though users can also create their own original audio.

How to use and manage Spotlight Snaps?

Let’s walk you through the step-by-step guide to create and send a Spotlight Snap.

Step 1. Open your Snapchat app and tap the “Play” button. It will open the Snapchat Spotlight. You can swipe up and down to see the next and previous videos, respectively.

Step 2. Tap the “+” icon on the top right side.

Step 3. You will see two options for uploading a video from your phone or creating a new Snap.

Step 4. Now, you can use all on-screen options to enrich your Snap.

Step 5. Then, tap “Add a Sound” from the top or use “Templates” at the bottom. 

Step 6. Or, you can tap the round “Record” button and tap it again to stop the Snap. For a Spotlight video, you need to capture the video for at least 5 seconds.

Step 7. Tap the “Send to” button on the lower right side. Then, choose the “Spotlight” option. 

Step 8. You can add descriptions of your choice in the box below and tap the “Send” button on the lower right of the app’s interface. Now, share your Snaps with your contacts or upload them to your “New Story.”

How to check the status of your Spotlight submissions?

You can check the status of your Snapchat Spotlight after your submission by doing the following steps: 

Step 1. Find and tap your Spotlight on the top left of your Snapchat app. 

Step 2. Scroll down to see “Spotlight & Snap Map”. It shows all your Spotlight videos. 

Step 3. Tap your Spotlight video to check all the information, like the number of views, likes, comments, and shares.

How to save or delete a Spotlight Snap?

You can save or delete your Spotlight Snap very easily. Just follow the steps mentioned below: 

Step 1. Open one Spotlight video you want to manage and tap the three horizontal dots. 

Step 2. You can tap “Delete” or “Save” from the options on the screen and allow confirmation if prompted.

How does Snapchat determine which content to show on Spotlight?

Snapchats use an algorithmic Spotlight to surface the most engaging and high-quality content to users with the goal of showcasing videos that are relevant, entertaining, and safe. Unlike traditional social feeds, Spotlight is optimized to deliver content from both creators you love and creators you don’t know yet. 

Here are the key factors that affect what content displays on Spotlight:

1. Engagement metrics

Snapchat measures several types of user engagement to assess the popularity of content. For example, the number of people who view a video, particularly down to the last second. How much time users spend on a video, which refers to the appeal of the video. Videos that keep viewers longer will more than likely be shown more.

2. User interaction and personalization

The algorithm considers what individual users tend to like. Snapchat considers video genres that a user normally watches, likes, or skips to recommend content in the future. Videos similar to those with which a user has interacted earlier are more likely to appear in his feed.

3. Content quality and originality

Snapchat gives importance to the originality and quality of the content. Well-shot, clear, and engaging videos are given priority. Snapchat does not reward watermarked videos from other platforms, such as TikTok. The algorithm prefers original, genuine content. Content that is relevant to an ongoing trend or theme performs better on Spotlight.

4. Consistency and creator credibility

The algorithm rewards regular posting with a good engagement history. Creators who are consistent in their posting and who have engaged more over time are expected to see more exposure to their content. Creators who have a history of posting great, engaging, and rule-abiding content are rewarded by the algorithm.

It’s all about helping Snapchat’s Spotlight algorithm make sure viewers see a variety of content that is interesting and agreeable to them. Pay more attention to originality-high-quality videos that strike a chord with users-and your chances for visibility and further success on the platform will increase.

What content is not allowed on Spotlight?

To keep the experience safe, engaging, and appropriate for all users within Snapchat Spotlight, some strict content guidelines have been put in place. 

Content not allowed on Snapchat includes:

• Nudity, sexual acts, or any sexually explicit material.
• Videos depicting graphic violence, injury, or gory content.
• Content that promotes hate, discrimination, bullying, or harassment against any individual or group.
• Stunts or activities that are potentially dangerous or illegal and that could encourage drug use or self-harm. 
• Content intended to spread misinformation or conspiracy theories. 
• The use of copyrighted material, music, or video from other platforms without permission. 
• No video with watermarks identifying other platforms, such as TikTok, will be allowed.
• Low-quality or misleading content specifically created to receive views without any substance.

What can parents do to balance fun of Spotlight and addiction for teens?

Snapchat Spotlight is a great way to let users show their creativity and share fun content with others. That’s what makes it so appealing to young people. With continually engaging videos popping up one after another, it isn’t hard for people to overindulge in excessive screen time or develop problematic social media dependence.

Here are some helpful tips for parents desiring to enable their teenagers to enjoy Spotlight responsibly and foster a healthy approach toward social media.

Setting time limits

Setting times for when social media can be accessed will prevent teens from spending too much time with apps such as Snapchat. Encourage breaks every 30-45 minutes in front of the screen so they can get up and do something else.

Online etiquette and content awareness

Discuss online etiquette and content awareness with your teen. Discuss with them the need to consume and share positive, relevant content, keeping in mind that the distributed content does not promote any dangerous behaviors or misleading information. Make sure to encourage respect in all online interactions, with warnings against involvement in destructive activities, such as cyberbullying and hate speech.

Promote healthy offline-online balance

Encourage teens to consider other hobbies and activities beyond social media. Make them find out about other interests such as sports, music, or art. This will help provide diverse activities beyond the digital world. Establish device-free areas in the home where phones are not allowed to foster face-to-face family time over dinner, etc.

Regular check-in and encourage open communication

Be open and respectful when sharing social media experiences with your children. By knowing what kind of content your teen is interested in, you’ll be able to tell if they are looking at appropriate material. Let them know it is safe to talk with you about social media without judgment. This is going to make them more open to coming to you if there is an issue.

Use parental control tools

Parental control tools allow you to establish digital rules without having to always look over your shoulder. You can exercise parental controls to set screen time limits, block off access to some content types, and monitor app usage. One useful tool for that is FlashGet Kids. This app is a fully featured parental control that helps parents manage and monitor the digital activity of their kids across devices. It is designed for families and equips parents to create safe and balanced use of technology in managing screen time, content filtering, location tracking, and getting activity reports.

Conclusion

Snapchat Spotlight offers creative expression to a wide range of users. Whether it will also be healthy and well-rounded for teens depends on the extent of parental involvement in curbing some of the negative impacts it may bring. Parents may encourage responsible enjoyment of the Spotlight feature by following our strategies. 

Tools like FlashGet Kids make setting limits easier and build a protective digital ecosystem. Facilitate positive teen engagement with social media, where fun and responsibility are balanced, and a wholesome digital lifestyle is encouraged.

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