14 DAY TRIAL // Last week, Snapchat announced that a new design would start rolling out to all iOS and Android users, following a beta test conducted on a small group of Android users. However, the update would also include a much needed feature for all app users - a filter against fake news.
Snapchat has created a set of guidelines for publishers using the Discovery section, according to The New York Times. Snapchat will restrict publishers from posting fake news and clickbait articles on the Discover section.
The guidelines state that articles including reports or links to outside websites must have all content fact-checked and accurate. With this move, Snapchat wants to make sure that all articles in the Discover section have editorial or new value.
Features for Snapchat publishers starting February
The changes aim to “empower our editorial partners to do their part to keep Snapchat an informative, factual and safe environment for everyone,” said Rachel Racusen, a spokeswoman for the company. Therefore, Snapchat intends for its Discover section to become a source of factual news, rather than clickbaits of fake news.
Next month, Snapchat plans to launch a feature for publishers that would allow them to restrict content to users of certain ages. This new feature could appeal to advertisers greatly, as they wouldn’t have to worry about their brand image or being associated with fake news or disinformation.
Snapchat has started rolling out a new design to its iOS and Android users, one that brings a new search bar that makes it easier for users to start chatting with friends and groups. The universal search bar would also display stories from friends and brands, so that users can access them faster.
The app also got a visual refresh, with new animations and a card-based layout for switching between the main camera, Stories and chat screens. Bitmoji will also be integrated in Snapchat; the customized avatars will be shown in search results and featured on the profile screen for users who enable the new tool.