Snapchat has recently released an updated terms of service and privacy policy, which is something that happens all the time for large companies like this. Normally nobody really cares too much, but this time it seems like the changes may be indicating some changes and plans that the social chat company has in store.
Some of the new language talks about having their services use third-party results. This may work something like the way that Yahoo uses Bing search results. In addition, they talked about how they collect information from people who are using the app and mention products that people are able to purchase via Snapchat.
Snapchat has never been known for offering a robust search option within their app, so the fact that they seem to be looking to third party search options is not surprising. Whether this could be a deal with Google or Bing or even some other platform is not mentioned and at this point there are no credible rumors. Of course, Snapchat is not a traditional site that would need normal search features either, so we may be surprised at what they are planning.
Another change in the content they released seems to be further expanding on the company’s ambitions for e-commerce transactions. They indicate that publishers will be able to sell products directly through Discover channels. The wording makes it seem like this may include physical products, which is something they have not done in the past. Of course, there is no way to know if or when this type of thing would take place. Of course, this could be very interesting and beneficial to any performance marketers using the platform.
While we don’t yet have official answers from Snapchat, it certainly seems as if they are planning for some great changes in the near future.
