Snapping has evolved for brands—by engaging through chat, camera and creators, they can build an authentic presence and drive accelerated ROI.
This Ramadan, Snap has announced that it is enabling brands to engage with audiences in a more immersive way by leveraging the platform’s most beloved features, from the camera and chat to its community of creators.
Snapchat sees a surge in engagement during Ramadan, with GCC users opening the app more than 45 times a day in Saudi Arabia. The platform has become a hub for communal shopping, with users actively searching for Ramadan essentials across various categories. Shopping transforms into a social event, and brands have the opportunity to increase awareness, drive consideration and boost conversions. In markets like KSA, Snapchatters view an average of 10bn stories daily during Ramadan and interact with AR lenses over 220m times per day.
To help businesses integrate seamlessly into this dynamic ecosystem, Snapchat has launched Sponsored Snaps, a new ad placement tool that allows brands to engage with users in a way that mirrors natural Snapchat interactions. Introduced first in KSA and the UAE during Ramadan—when connection and reflection take centre stage—Sponsored Snaps enable brands to deliver full-screen vertical video messages directly into Snapchatters’ Chat inboxes. These messages maintain Snapchat’s user-first design, ensuring a clear distinction from personal chats, and are opt-in, allowing users to view, respond, or engage with embedded calls-to-action at their discretion.
Snapchat is also bringing back the Snap AR Ramadan Mall, which attracted 16m shoppers in 2024. The reimagined virtual shopping experience now blends the charm of traditional GCC marketplaces with modern shopping districts, offering users an interactive and engaging retail journey.
Additionally, Snapchat is introducing HAZAR FAZAR, an AR experience that brings GCC cultural stories to life through branded lenses that are unlocked via riddles and showcase distinctive characters.
Recognising the bond between Snapchatters and their favourite creators, the platform is offering brands multiple ways to collaborate with Snap Stars and influencers during Ramadan. Businesses can leverage creator partnerships through Creator Midrolls, the Creator Collab Studio, or by sponsoring and promoting creator content, ensuring they connect authentically with audiences during this special time.
Hala Zgeib, Head of Luxury MENA at Snap Inc. said: “Innovation, while staying true to the essence of the platform, has always been at the heart of Snapchat. We empower businesses to connect with our community’s inner circle, both online and offline, fostering authentic relationships and driving success across the region. This Ramadan marks an exciting chapter for Snap, as we enable brands to engage more meaningfully with their audience through Snaps, deepen resonance, and celebrate culture with initiatives like the Snap AR Ramadan Mall and HAZAR FAZAR, while also making it easier to collaborate with our creators.”
