Snapchat is expanding its capabilities for content creators with a new set of features aimed at simplifying video production, boosting visibility, and offering deeper performance insights.
Highlights
- In-App Video Editing Boost: New Timeline Editor allows creators to edit videos natively on Snapchat—no third-party apps needed.
- Template-Driven Content Creation: “Create a Video” tool transforms saved Memories into polished, music-backed compilations using visual templates.
- Upgraded Analytics Dashboard: Snapchat Insights now show return viewership, traffic sources, demographics, and engagement metrics to better inform strategy.
- Permanent Story Archiving: Creators can auto-save public Stories to profiles—marking a shift from Snapchat’s traditionally ephemeral design.
- Global Rollout (iOS First): New features are rolling out worldwide on iOS, with Android support on the way—ensuring broader access.
These updates is one of the steps in Snapchat’s transformation from a messaging-centric app into a broader creator platform, as it seeks to remain competitive with rivals like TikTok and Instagram.
Streamlined Editing with the New Timeline Editor
The most significant update is the introduction of the Timeline Editor, a native tool that enables users to edit videos directly within Snapchat using a chronological layout. This removes the need for third-party editing apps like CapCut or InShot.
- Rearrange video segments,
- Add Lenses and filters,
- Overlay music from the Sounds library, and
- Apply other creative elements in a single editing flow.
“Create a Video” Templates
To further support low-effort, high-quality content creation, Snapchat is launching a “Create a Video” feature. This tool allows users to transform saved Memories into polished video compilations by,
- Selecting past moments,
- Choosing a soundtrack, and
- Applying a visual template.
This feature, currently available globally on iOS, aligns with the growing trend of simplified content creation.
According to Social Media Today, Snapchat also includes pre-curated templates, making it easier for creators—especially newcomers—to produce engaging videos with minimal editing.
Enhanced Performance Analytics
Snapchat has upgraded its Insights dashboard, offering more granular performance data to help creators track and refine their content strategy. These analytics include,
- Return viewership over a 12-day window,
- Viewer retention and completion rates for Spotlight videos,
- Top-performing public Stories or Spotlight posts (past 28 days),
- Total and average view time,
- Traffic source breakdowns (Discover, Search, Chat, Profile, etc.),
- Audience demographics, including age and location,
- Engagement metrics such as screenshots, swipe-ups, and more.
Permanent Story Archiving
In a departure from its original design philosophy, Snapchat now allows creators to auto-save public Stories to their profiles. This change enables a more persistent presence on the platform and helps creators showcase standout content over time.
While this move might shift Snapchat away from its ephemeral roots, it also aligns with industry standards—where creators increasingly seek long-lasting content visibility to build their brand identity.
The new features—including the Timeline Editor and “Create a Video” tool—are rolling out globally on iOS, with Android support coming soon.
