Snapchat Launches Topic Chats to Rival Clubhouse and X Communities

Snapchat is launching a new feature called Topic Chats. This tool will let users join public discussions on trending subjects. The feature is coming soon to users in several countries.

It represents Snapchat’s latest move to boost user engagement. The platform is integrating its popular chat and visual features into a public forum.

How Snapchat’s New Public Discussion Feature Works

Topic Chats allow users to converse about popular world events and community happenings. The feature clusters public Snaps about a topic for easy visual exploration. This creates a unified space for discussion and content discovery.

To join a chat, users tap a yellow “Join the conversation” button. This button appears on relevant Stories and Spotlight videos. Users can also access chats directly from their Snapchat Chat page if they are in a related group.

The feature maintains user privacy within these public spaces. You can find your Snapchat friends while keeping your profile hidden from non-friends. According to Reuters, the discussions will be moderated by an LLM to enforce community guidelines.

Snapchat’s Strategy for Increased User Engagement

This launch marks Snapchat’s entry into the social audio space. The company is directly competing with platforms like Clubhouse and X Communities. It follows other recent initiatives designed to increase interaction and revenue.

Snapchat recently introduced a Lens+ subscription and paid storage for Memories. The platform continues to innovate for its young user base. Topic Chats could significantly increase the time users spend on the app.

The visual nature of Topic Chats differentiates it from text-heavy competitors. Snapchat’s core audience may find this format more engaging. The initial rollout will test user reception in Canada, New Zealand, and the United States.

The launch of Topic Chats signals Snapchat’s ambitious expansion into social audio. This new feature could reshape how younger audiences engage with public conversations. Snapchat Topic Chats may become a significant player in the digital discussion space.

Info at your fingertips

What exactly are Snapchat Topic Chats?

Topic Chats are public discussion spaces for trending subjects. They combine text conversation with clustered Snaps about the topic. This creates a multimedia experience for users.

How do I join a Topic Chat on Snapchat?

Look for a yellow “Join the conversation” button on relevant content. You can also access chats from your Chat page if you’re in a related group. The process is designed to be simple and intuitive.

Where is Snapchat launching Topic Chats first?

The feature will debut for users in Canada, New Zealand, and the US. This limited rollout allows Snapchat to test functionality. A global expansion will likely follow based on initial reception.

How does Topic Chat moderation work?

Conversations are moderated by a large language model (LLM). This AI enforcement aligns with Snapchat’s community guidelines. The system aims to maintain safe and appropriate discussions.

Why is Snapchat launching this feature now?

The platform seeks to increase user engagement and time spent in the app. Public discussion features have proven popular on other social platforms. This represents Snapchat’s competitive response to that trend.