Third-Party Apps in Snapchat Called Snap Minis Are Live

A set of mini apps has gone live on Snapchat  platform, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Los Angeles-headquartered firm as it aims to emulate aspects of the popular Chinese “super-app” model.

Snap Minis are lightweight, simplified versions of apps that live within Snap’s Chat section. These apps — built with HTML — are designed to improve engagement among users by enabling them to perform a range of additional tasks without leaving the Snap app.

There are four of them available right now: Meditation service Headspace, studying collaboration tool Flashcards, an “interactive messaging experience” service called Prediction Master and Let’s Do It, a mini app developed by Snap itself that allows users to make decisions with their friends.

The strategy looks promising — at least on paper. It’s a win-win scenario for both Snap and the developers who make these mini apps. By gaining access to these mini apps, Snap can potentially see a boost in user engagement, and developers are able to cater to a whole set of new audience.