snapchat spotlight

What Is Snapchat Spotlight? A Beginner’s Guide

Snapchat has just introduced a new feature called Spotlight, accessible from a tab on the bottom of the app. It is going to be similar to TikTok and will allow users to generate and view 60 second videos, competing with Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts directly.

You can use Snapchat Planet’s Order proximity levels (like Sun or Mercury) with your BFF status to create unique, engaging themes for Spotlight content.

What is Snapchat Spotlight?

Snapchat Spotlight is the short answer from Snapchat for short video material, like, for example, TikTok and Instagram Reels. Launched in late 2020, it allows users to create and share short, vertical videos (up to 60 seconds) with a broader public audience.

Spotlight provides a platform for users to showcase their creativity, offering everyone the chance to go viral if they create content correctly. Unlike regular Snaps, which can be shared instantly without much curation, Spotlight videos are carefully curated, increasing the chances of engagement. This makes it an exciting space for both creators and brands.

Image showing Snapchat's Spotlight tab with a selection of viral short videos, highlighting the platform's feature for users to upload and discover content

These videos can go viral, reach millions of views, and even earn you real money if they perform well. Snapchat uses an algorithm to promote entertaining, high-quality content, regardless oof the creator’s follower count, meaning even new users have the opportunity to go viral overnight.

How to Use Snap Spotlight?

  • Make a Video: Open Snapchat and tap the camera. Make your video interesting using Snapchat editing tools, filters, or lenses to make it exciting.
  • Select ‘Spotlight’: Now that you’ve recorded your video, tap the “Send To” button. Among the options, select “Spotlight” so your video will be shown on the spotlight feed.
  • Caption and Hashtags: Add an interesting caption to the video along with relevant hashtags so that more users looking for such content will come across your video.
  • Publish: Tap the Send button to submit your Snap to Spotlight.​
snapchat spotlight create and viral

How to Download & Share ?

Here we are a step-by-step guide to download your own Spotlight Snaps on Snapchat:

  • Open Snapchat and Go to Your Profile:
    Open the Snapchat app and tap on your profile icon from the top-left side of the primary screen (Bitmoji in the top left).
  • Access Spotlight & Snap Map:
    Scroll to the bottom of the profile page and locate the Spotlight & Snap Map area. You can find here all videos in which you appeared, uploaded to Spotlight or posted on Snap Map.
  • Select the Video You want to download :
    Tap Spotlight & Snap Map. You will see a list of all the Spotlight videos you have submitted. Scroll down to select the video you wish to download onto your device.
  • Video Options: Once you select the video, tap the three dots in a row at the top right side of the screen. A menu is provided for when you open the selected video.
  • Save Snap
    Click on three dots (⋯) in the top-right corner to select Save Snap and Snapchat will automatically download the video.
  • Confirm Download:
    After saving, you can head over to the gallery of your device and check if the video is downloaded and ready for viewing or sharing outside Snapchat.

Share Your Spotlight Snaps

  1. Open Snapchat and tap the Play icon at the bottom to go to the Spotlight tab.
  2. Find the video you want to share.
  3. Tap the Share icon (arrow) on the right side of the screen.
  4. Choose how you’d like to share:
    • Snapchat Friends
    • Your Story
    • Copy Link
    • Other Apps (WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, etc.)

To Share Your Own Spotlight Snap:

  1. Go to your Profile.
  2. Open your Spotlight Snap from the Spotlight section.
  3. Tap the three dots (⋯) in the top-right corner.
  4. Choose Copy Link or Share Snap to share it on other platforms.

Benefits of Using Snapchat Spotlight

If you are interested in a means to increase your online influence, then Spotlight will surely be valuable to you. With its broad scope and algorithmic amplification, the new creator will gain entry into a vast audience, while  on the other hand, Snapchat’s reward system helps to attract a lot of creators.

Audience Reach: Spotlight also enables you to reach a wider audience although you do not have that much following.

Monetization Potential: Viral videos on Spotlight can earn money, making it a strong platform for content monetization.

Creative Freedom: Spotlight gives you the flexibility to be creative, using Snapchat’s variety of filters, music, and editing tools to make unique and engaging content.

How to Post on Snapchat Spotlight

In order to post a video, you do the following step:

  1. Open Snapchat
    Launch the app and record a new video or choose one from your Camera Roll.
  2. Edit Your Snap (optional)
    Add filters, music, text, or effects to make it more engaging.
  3. Tap ‘Send To’
    After editing, tap the Send To button at the bottom right.
  4. Select ‘Spotlight’
    From the list, choose Spotlight (it appears at the top).
  5. Add a Topic/Hashtag (optional)
    Add relevant topics to help Snapchat categorize your content better.
  6. Adjust Privacy (if available)
    • Turn on Allow Remixing (age 16+).
    • Enable Show on Profile (age 18+) if you want it on your public profile.
  7. Hit ‘Send’
    Your video will be submitted to Spotlight for review and potential featuring.

Tips:

  • Use vertical video (9:16).
  • Keep it fun, original, and under 60 seconds.
  • Follow Snapchat’s Spotlight Guidelines for best results.

Want a version of this in Hindi, or visual tutorial style? Just say the word!

YouTube video

How Snapchat Spotlight Algorithm Works?

Spotlight suggests content based on:

  • Likes and shares.
  • Watch time and skips.
  • Your interests.

The more you engage with the same videos (liking, sharing or watching them), the more Snapchat will show you similar content in your Spotlight feed.

Final Note

Snapchat Spotlight is a great tool for reaching a lot of people and going viral. Of course, in the process of doing that, you get some awesome rewards. You just use snapchat often or as an influencer who wants to be in top shape, Spotlight is sure to improve your Snapchat game. Let your creativity shine follow the trends and start posting.