Snapchat has released a new study that uncovers its impact on consumer electronics purchases, revealing how the platform shapes buying behaviour through discovery, trust, and social influence. The report, based on data from 3,000 electronics shoppers across five global markets, highlights Snapchat’s unique position in the social commerce ecosystem.
The findings underscore Snapchat’s growing role in the consumer journey for electronics, especially among younger users who turn to social platforms for discovery, recommendations, and even purchases.
According to the full consumer electronics report by Snapchat, 78% of Snapchat users discover new electronics through social media, a rate 1.6x higher than non-users. This statistic demonstrates the app’s influence during the product discovery phase. Viral product drops and creator-led reviews are leading drivers of awareness, especially for trending gadgets.
Although Snapchat conducted the study itself—which may introduce bias—it still points to notable behavioral trends. The data was collected via survey responses and analyzed based on whether participants were Snapchat users. Questions like “Social inspires me to find new tech products I would not have tried” help determine Snapchat’s role in fostering discovery.
Social Sharing Plays a Big Role in Purchase Decisions
The report also emphasizes that Snapchatters don’t just browse—they buy. In fact, 60% of Snapchat users purchase electronics directly through brand posts or advertisements seen on social platforms. An additional 63% have made purchases through links shared by friends and family, indicating a powerful word-of-mouth effect fueled by digital connectivity.
This trend highlights a key distinction: Snapchat isn’t just a discovery platform. It’s also an active buying channel, thanks to its immersive content format and instant sharing capabilities.
Trust in Influencer Content Is Higher on Snapchat
Another insight from the report: Snapchat users trust creators more than the average social media user. According to the findings:
“75% of Snapchat users agree that they consider creator recommendations on social as trustworthy as those from friends and family—1.8x more than non-Snapchatters. In fact, 81% follow creators specifically for their electronics recommendations.”
This trust translates into greater influence for brands partnering with creators. Snapchat’s younger demographic values authenticity, which makes creator partnerships a strategic move for electronics brands.
Augmented Reality (AR) Enhances Shopping Confidence
Snapchat has long positioned itself as a leader in AR technology, and its influence on consumer electronics purchases extends here too. The report indicates that Snapchat’s AR tools help users feel more confident when considering electronics.
From interactive product demos to virtual try-ons for accessories like headphones or smartwatches, AR experiences on Snapchat are shaping buying behavior. The data suggests that immersive content helps overcome purchase hesitation, especially for high-ticket electronics where users seek validation before committing.
Though some AR metrics in the report closely resemble one another—which might hint at a smaller Snapchat sample size—the trend is clear: AR is reshaping the path to purchase.
Caveats Around the Study’s Methodology
While the report offers valuable insights, there are some limitations worth noting. Because Snapchat commissioned the study and didn’t disclose the exact number of Snapchat users within the 3,000-person sample, the results may not be fully representative. For instance, if only a small fraction of the participants were Snapchatters, the comparison ratios could skew higher.
Additionally, most data points are presented as comparative multipliers (e.g., 1.6x more likely) rather than absolute percentages, which could obscure the broader picture. Still, these findings offer a directional view that marketers can use to refine strategy.
Why This Data Matters for Electronics Brands
Whether you’re marketing smartphones, laptops, earbuds, or smart home devices, the report makes one thing clear: Snapchat plays a pivotal role in influencing consumer electronics purchases. Brands aiming to tap into Gen Z or young millennial audiences should strongly consider:
- Partnering with Snapchat influencers who focus on tech.
- Creating AR product experiences that offer immersive demos.
- Making social posts shoppable with embedded product links.
With Snapchat users displaying a higher likelihood to discover, trust, and act on electronics-related content, this platform could be a key driver for your next campaign.
What Marketers Should Do Next
To leverage Snapchat’s influence in the electronics market, brands should adopt a strategy that aligns with how users interact with content on the app:
- Launch new product drops exclusively on Snapchat to spark curiosity and viral traction.
- Use creators for product reviews, especially ones who are known within tech communities.
- Incorporate AR experiences into campaigns to reduce hesitation and increase conversion.
- Enable direct shopping options within posts, using Snap’s native tools or connected platforms.
If you’re aiming to boost conversions from social engagement, Snapchat’s younger, mobile-first user base presents a unique opportunity.
Conclusion: Snapchat Influences Consumer Electronics Purchases More Than You Think
Snapchat’s latest research may be self-promotional, but it still paints a compelling picture. The platform influences every stage of the purchase journey—from awareness and discovery to recommendation and conversion.
As electronics brands search for new ways to connect with digital-native audiences, Snapchat offers both reach and impact. From AR to trusted creators, Snapchat isn’t just a messaging app—it’s a commerce engine for electronics.
You can read the full report from Snapchat here.
