Snapchat has evolved from a casual messaging platform into a powerful marketing channel for ecommerce businesses. Its engaging features, younger user base, and highly immersive ad formats present a unique opportunity for brands to connect with customers in more authentic ways.
Below, we highlight successful Snapchat ad examples and provide actionable tips to inspire your own campaigns—whether you’re launching a new product, promoting a sale, or building brand awareness.
Successful Snapchat Ad Examples in Ecommerce
- Product Launch Ads
- Kylie Cosmetics:
Kylie Cosmetics leverages Snapchat to unveil new product launches and generate excitement. Founder Kylie Jenner frequently shares behind-the-scenes content, teasing upcoming drops and offering exclusive promotions. By using Snapchat’s Story Ads format, the brand delivers visually appealing, short-form videos that feel personal and urgent, driving immediate engagement and sales. - Adidas:
Adidas launched a limited-edition sneaker exclusively on Snapchat, integrating Snap Ads and Snapcodes to streamline the purchase process. By tapping into Snapchat’s ecommerce features and building hype around exclusive product drops, Adidas reached a younger demographic and boosted online sales. The approach demonstrated how limited-edition offers and frictionless buying paths can transform interest into conversions.
- Discount & Promo Code Ads
- H&M:
H&M offered a 20% off promo code to Snapchat users who engaged with its ad. This campaign led to a 12% increase in sales, proving that time-sensitive discounts create urgency. By combining a compelling offer with Snapchat’s vertical video format, H&M motivated immediate action from its target audience. - Sephora:
Sephora included a limited-time promo code in a Snap Ad campaign, offering a free gift with purchase. The brand’s approach tapped into exclusivity and scarcity, encouraging viewers to act quickly and visit Sephora’s website. Engaging visuals and concise messaging further enhanced user experience and conversions.
- Behind-the-Scenes Ads
- Tarte Cosmetics:
Tarte gave viewers an inside look at its product development process. By showcasing authenticity and storytelling, Tarte deepened brand loyalty. These immersive, behind-the-scenes snaps forged a connection with viewers, helping them feel involved and invested in the brand’s journey. - Lululemon:
Lululemon used Snapchat Stories to highlight company culture and employees’ daily routines. This approach humanized the brand, enhancing trust and relatability. Complemented by exclusive offers, Lululemon’s storytelling approach improved engagement and motivated potential customers to explore its products.
- Influencer Collaborations
- Sugar Bear Hair (with Kylie Jenner):
Partnering with a high-profile influencer like Kylie Jenner helped Sugar Bear Hair reach a massive, engaged audience. Influencer-driven content feels more authentic and relatable, boosting brand credibility and stimulating sales. - Gymshark (with Whitney Simmons):
Gymshark teamed up with fitness influencer Whitney Simmons to give a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming product releases. By leveraging Simmons’ dedicated following, Gymshark tapped into a community of fitness enthusiasts, driving brand awareness and trust among new customers.
- Storytelling Ads
- Warby Parker:
Warby Parker’s Snapchat ads focused on storytelling—revealing brand values, social responsibility, and sustainability practices. By highlighting its mission and what sets the brand apart, Warby Parker resonated emotionally with users, resulting in stronger brand affinity and memorability. - Allbirds:
Allbirds showcased its sustainable manufacturing processes in a campaign called “The Sock Silo.” The narrative emphasized recycled materials and minimal waste, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. By connecting brand values with a compelling narrative, Allbirds strengthened loyalty and attracted like-minded shoppers.
- User-Generated Content Ads
- Ritual Vitamins:
Ritual Vitamins encouraged fans to share their own snaps using a branded hashtag. This UGC strategy fostered community, authenticity, and trust. Featuring real customers in ads validated the brand’s promise and enticed new users to try the products. - ASOS:
ASOS invited customers to submit videos of themselves wearing ASOS clothing, showcasing real-life styling. By including UGC in ads, the brand displayed how its products fit a range of individuals, driving both engagement and conversions.
Actionable Tips for Creating Effective Snapchat Ads
- Use Eye-Catching Visuals:
Bold, bright colors and minimal text help your ad stand out. High-quality images or videos resonate more strongly with Snapchat’s visually oriented user base. - Keep It Short and Sweet:
You have just a few seconds to captivate viewers. Prioritize clear, concise messaging and highlight the key benefit or offer upfront. - Optimize for Mobile:
Snapchat is a mobile-first platform. Use vertical video, large font sizes, and simple layouts that display well on small screens. - Leverage Interactive Features:
Enhance engagement with filters, lenses, and stickers. Interactivity encourages users to spend more time with your content and can increase shares and clicks. - Target the Right Audience:
Use Snapchat’s targeting tools to reach users by location, age, interests, or behaviors. Refined targeting ensures your ads resonate with the right viewers. - Test and Iterate:
Continuously monitor key metrics like views, swipe-ups, and conversions. Test different creatives, offers, and audiences to find what drives the best results. - Incorporate a Strong Call to Action (CTA):
Whether it’s “Swipe Up to Shop” or “Get Your Code,” a clear CTA guides users to take the next step, increasing the likelihood of conversions.
Epilogue
Snapchat’s unique blend of creativity, vertical video, and younger demographics make it a vibrant channel for ecommerce advertising. By studying successful examples—from product launches and influencer collaborations to behind-the-scenes exclusives—and applying the tips outlined above, your brand can create memorable, high-performing Snapchat campaigns.
Focus on authenticity, storytelling, and interactivity, and pair them with compelling offers. With the right approach, Snapchat can become a potent platform for building brand recognition, engaging customers, and, ultimately, driving sales.
