Snapchat has introduced a new Footsteps feature that enables iOS users to capture and assess different locations they discover on the app.
The launch of a more extensive update at the Snap Partner Summit 2024 focuses on this feature to increase user participation through its seamless integration of location abilities across the platform's existing features.
The platform opened the Footsteps feature to all iOS users after offering it exclusively to Snapchat+ members earlier. This feature lets users record their travels and experiences by filming the locations visited and connecting with them through Snap Map.
When activating Footsteps for the first time, Snapchat will utilize stored Memories to populate the user's initial steps. Following this, the app will continue to update the user’s location history using live data as long as Ghost Mode—Snapchat’s privacy setting for location sharing—is disabled.
The functionality works flawlessly in the background by gathering locations as long as users interact with the app and wish to archive posts. Additionally, users worried about privacy can delete their Footsteps records whenever they want to keep their location details private and under their control.
Snapchat unveiled a variety of important changes at the Summit, including Footsteps. Through a collaboration with Google, the integration of the Gemini large language model in 'My AI', Snapchat's own AI chatbot, occurred. The improvements aim to enhance the chatbot's functions in text functionality as well as audio images and videos.
Additionally, Snapchat has launched the Snap AI Video tool, which allows creators to create videos based on text inputs, and a new AI Lens that shows users what they will look like in the future. The creators' access to these features points to Snapchat's focus on ensuring an innovative and captivating user experience using modern technology.
These features launch during an important moment for Snapchat to strengthen its dominance over rivals like Instagram and TikTok. With the launch of special user-focused elements integrating AI and location data, Snapchat hopes to grow its audience and boost daily usage. With the Footsteps function, Snapchat allows users to engage authentically with their environment, which might give the platform an edge in the highly competitive social media realm.