Snapchat has announced a new advertising format called AI Sponsored Snaps, designed to enable brands to interact with users through AI within Chat, which remains a core part of the platform.
The company reported that users sent over 950 billion messages in Q1 2026, while more than 500 million users have interacted with My AI since its launch, indicating growing use of AI in conversations.
AI integration into Chat
Snapchat is positioning AI within existing conversations rather than as a separate tool. With AI Sponsored Snaps, AI interactions are placed directly inside Chat, where users already communicate.
AI Sponsored Snaps: Key details
AI Sponsored Snaps allow brands to appear in Chat through AI agents that users can interact with directly. These interactions take place within the chat interface.
Brand capabilities
Brands using this format can:
- Bring their own AI agents onto Snapchat
- Engage users through conversational interactions
- Provide responses and recommendations based on user queries
- Support full-funnel objectives, including discovery, engagement, app installs, and purchases
Snapchat states that its existing Sponsored Snaps format delivers:
- 22% higher conversions
- Nearly 20% lower cost per action
- 2x more conversions per full-screen ad view
The new format also provides access to Snapchat’s nearly one billion monthly active users.
User interaction
Users can:
- Explore brands within Chat
- Ask questions directly
- Receive responses without leaving the conversation
Availability
Snapchat is preparing an alpha rollout of AI Sponsored Snaps in partnership with Experian, with further expansion expected as adoption increases.
Speaking on the launch, Ajit Mohan, Chief Business Officer at Snap Inc., said:
Conversation is becoming the most valuable real estate in advertising. AI is accelerating that shift, turning chat into the place where people discover products, ask questions, and make decisions in real time. The real opportunity isn’t just putting ads into those environments, it’s designing formats that feel native to how people already talk. That’s what AI Sponsored Snaps are about – pairing the scale of nearly a billion monthly users with AI-powered conversations that drive real engagement and action.
Commenting on the collaboration, Steve Hartmann, Head of Integrated Marketing at Experian, said:
This partnership reflects our commitment to meeting consumers where they are – with trusted insights that enable smarter financial decisions. AI Sponsored Snaps delivers a natural, conversational experience, allowing Snapchatters to connect with Experian about credit and money management right where they already feel comfortable. We’re making financial education more accessible and intuitive by becoming part of their everyday conversations.