Snapchat has introduced a new feature called “Topic Chats,” which allows users of the social network to participate in public conversations about popular trends. By its own admission, Snapchat has previously focused on private conversations, but says the growth of its TikTok-like Spotlight feature made it clear that people want to comment publicly about topics they’re interested in.
Topic Chats, which are coming to Canada, New Zealand and the US first, will appear in different areas of the Snapchat app in the shape of a big yellow button that says "Join the Chat." Tap it and you’ll join that conversation, where you can also browse related Spotlight videos. The company used F1 and the reality show Below Deck as examples of topics that could feature.
Snapchat will show you when your friends are in a particular chat, and any that you join will then appear at the top of your personalized Topic Chat page. Snap says it will moderate the new platform to ensure it remains safe, and told TechCrunch that it will use LLMs, among other measures, to ensure that topics being engaged with are of an appropriate nature. All profiles will remain private unless you’re already friends, which Snap says will prevent unwanted friend requests or direct messages.
Topic Chats are set to go live in the coming weeks, and will appear in Chat shortcuts and the Stories page, as well as when searching or viewing Spotlight videos.