Snapchat ads are one of the few sources where traffic is still reasonably priced, and user engagement is higher than on most social networks. It performs especially well in the US, Canada, and Europe — users are used to native and raw content, but tired of repetitive creatives on Meta and TikTok.
In affiliate marketing, Snapchat delivers solid results for app installs, e-commerce, sweepstakes, and financial offers. The entry threshold is lower than TikTok or Meta — no need to warm up the account, you can start running traffic right away.
In this article, we’ll break down the formats that work, what's trending, and how to simplify launching if you're testing 5+ offers.
What ad formats are available on Snapchat
Snapchat Ads offers several ad formats, each optimized for specific campaign goals — from awareness to performance. The key is choosing the right format for your offer and audience. Here are the main ones:
Single Image or Video Ads
Classic format. Vertical video or image with a swipe-up CTA. Works for everything from affiliate offers to brand stories. Performs best with raw UGC-style creatives.
Collection Ads
Product cards with a clickable product catalog at the bottom. Ideal for ecom and nutra with storefronts. Performs well in stories and Snap feeds, especially with dynamic content.
Story Ads
Looks like a regular Snapchat story but marked “Sponsored.” Can build funnels with multiple slides — engage users and lead them to conversion. Works well with native, realistic visuals.
AR Lenses
Augmented reality format — relevant for brands, apps, and entertainment. Expensive to produce but drives strong engagement and reach.
Commercial Ads
Non-skippable videos up to 6 seconds. Great for triggering pain points or using shock effect. Follows the classic hook → pre-roll → CTA formula.
Filters
Branded masks. In 2025, these are more for image-building than performance but can still boost brand awareness.
All formats are launched through Ads Manager. Each one has specific requirements listed in Snapchat’s official documentation.
What’s working in 2025: Creative trends
On Snapchat, “shoot as is — upload as is” wins. Users prefer raw content. Here are the key creative trends:
- Vertical videos under 10 seconds. Strong hook, fast offer, sharp CTA — grab attention in the first 2 seconds. Anything longer gets skipped.
- Realism & UGC. Smartphone footage, bad lighting, live action — all of it feels real. Algorithms pick it up faster, and users trust it more.
- Pain + solution. Classic storytelling: Problem → escalation → solution in product. Avoid clichés; adapt to Snapchat's tone.
- Engaging hooks. Start with intrigue or provocation: “What happens if…”, “You still do this?” — it works even in competitive verticals.
- FOMO psychology. Urgency and scarcity: “Only 3 spots left,” “Offer ends today.” Drives higher engagement.
- Challenges and provocation. Click-through improves if your ad looks like the start of a viral snap or trend. Effective in fintech, beauty, health.
These formats are native to the platform — they pass moderation faster, perform better in the algorithm, and deliver stable engagement.
Creative examples by vertical
Fintech
A guy shows his trading app while a motivational voice says: “Either take risks now or work for others your whole life.”
Focuses on ambition and FOMO. The raw delivery, minimal storytelling, and energetic tone make it feel native. Works well because of its contrast: “While you're watching, others are already earning.”
Nutra
A “specialist” shows anti-aging results on a FaceTime-style video. Before/after visuals, real talk — it builds trust. Feels like a real story. Emphasis on “simple method” and authentic result boosts curiosity.
Ecom
A mom says: “My daughter kept losing everything — keys, phone, even her backpack.” Shows how she attached a tracker and used the app.
The pain is clear. Quick scene changes — mom, kid, device, app — hold attention. Feels like a lifestyle vlog. Authentic and relatable.
Gambling
A girl bets $300 in a real casino and wins just $0.50. Then she plays a mobile game, bets $20, and wins $700. Ends smiling: “Now I only play online.”
Simple, emotional story: disappointment → new option → win. Raw filming, no overproduction — like a snap for friends.
Dating
Styled as a collection ad — a girl scrolls through profiles, sharing her honest review. Soft tone, casual delivery. Feels like a real story, not an ad.
A good Snapchat creative isn’t about high-end visuals — it’s about authenticity, emotional payoff, and simple storytelling.
Creative production & testing tips
Snapchat creatives aren’t about beauty — they’re about grabbing attention. No hook in the first 2 seconds? User scrolls.
Key tips:
- Keep text to a minimum. Use voiceover or captions instead.
- Strong CTA. Use clear actions like “Download now,” “Try it free,” not vague ones.
- Preview matters. First frames = 80% of performance. Use surprise, emotion, or a sharp visual hook.
Example: Shocked face + “Didn’t believe it until I tried.”
But all creatives are hypotheses — test everything:
- Launch 5–10 creatives to start. More variations = faster optimization.
- Track CTR and retention. Good creatives hit 1.5%+ CTR and retain viewers for 5–6 seconds.
- Test different formats. Sometimes the same idea works better as a Story or a Commercial Ad.
Winning creatives aren’t made by luck — they’re built through testing.
Common mistakes that ruin creatives
Even with the right offer, bad creatives drain budgets. Common mistakes:
Slow intro. No hook in 2 seconds? Skip. Don’t open with a logo or intro.
Overloading info. One idea per creative. Don’t combine too many messages. Use a series if needed.
Wrong format. Snapchat = vertical, raw, quick. Don't upload square or overproduced videos.
Missing CTA. Always end with an action. Even UGC should say “Try it yourself.”
Wrong audience. Sometimes the creative is fine — but shown to the wrong people.
Gen Z likes provocation; older users need pain → solution.
Avoiding these issues saves budget and boosts performance.
Conclusion
Snapchat Ads are still a strong platform for affiliate marketing — if creatives are done right.
In 2025, winning creatives are short, raw, UGC-based, pain-driven, and packed with sharp CTAs.
No overproduction, no long intros — just native stories that click with the feed and the audience.
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