In an effort to bolster its premium subscription service and entice more paying users, Snapchat is rolling out exciting new features for Snapchat+ subscribers. The latest additions include AI-generated custom stickers and a new “Snap Modes” feature, which introduces self-destructing Snaps.
Custom AI-Generated Stickers: A New Way to Personalize Chats
Snapchat+ subscribers in the U.S. now have the ability to create and send custom AI-generated stickers that match their messages. The feature allows users to type in the chat bar and select the sticker search button, where they will find AI-generated stickers incorporating their text in creative and visually engaging ways.
This innovation builds upon a previous feature introduced in 2023, which enabled Snapchat+ users to generate AI images based on text prompts. With this latest update, the platform is doubling down on AI-powered customization, giving users a fun and interactive way to enhance their conversations.
While Snapchat’s AI-generated stickers are a unique offering, the company is not alone in integrating AI into sticker creation. Both Meta and Apple have recently introduced similar capabilities, reflecting a broader industry trend of leveraging generative AI to enrich user engagement.
Snapchat’s New Self-Destructing Snaps with “Snap Modes”
In addition to AI stickers, Snapchat+ is introducing “Snap Modes,” a feature that offers users more ways to interact with friends through disappearing Snaps. Initially, the feature will allow subscribers to send self-destructing Snaps that vanish if they are not viewed within a specified time frame.
While the company has not revealed full details about additional Snap Modes, Snapchat plans to expand the feature with more interaction options in the near future. Given Snapchat’s history of innovation in ephemeral messaging, this update aligns perfectly with the platform’s core identity and enhances the exclusivity of Snapchat+.
Snapchat’s Commitment to AI Innovation
The release of AI stickers comes just days after Snap unveiled an advanced AI text-to-image research model designed for mobile devices. This model is expected to power a range of AI-driven features, including AI Snaps and AI Bitmoji Backgrounds, in the coming months. However, Snap has clarified that the newly launched AI-generated stickers are not yet utilizing this model, though future integration remains a possibility.
Snapchat+ Growth and Revenue Milestones
Snapchat+ has quickly become a key revenue driver for the company. As part of its Q4 2024 earnings report, Snap announced that it now boasts 14 million Snapchat+ subscribers. The subscription service has proven to be a lucrative endeavor, significantly contributing to Snap’s overall financial performance.
Snap CEO Evan Spiegel highlighted the success of Snapchat+ during an investor call, revealing that the company’s “other revenue” unit—of which Snapchat+ subscriptions make up the majority—experienced an impressive 131% year-over-year growth. This segment ended the year with an “annualized revenue run rate of well over $500 million.”
What’s Next for Snapchat+?
With Snapchat+ continuing to gain traction, it is clear that Snap is committed to investing in premium features that offer value to paying subscribers. The introduction of AI-powered stickers and self-destructing Snaps signals the company’s intent to stay ahead in the competitive social media landscape.
As Snapchat+ evolves, users can expect more exclusive tools, AI-driven enhancements, and interactive elements that further differentiate the subscription service from the free version of the app.
For now, Snapchat+ subscribers can enjoy the added creativity and personalization brought by AI stickers and the extra privacy controls of Snap Modes. With its strategic push toward AI integration and innovative messaging features, Snapchat is reinforcing its position as a leader in digital communication.
