Just when you thought you had a handle on all Snapchat had to offer, the supremely popular social media app has added mini TV shows to its roster of features. If you're anything like me, right about now you're wondering, "But, uh, what are Snapchat mini TV shows?" And, well, I'm here to tell ya. Hold onto your hats, filter-loving friends — this is some exciting stuff in the wide world of Snapchattery.
I don't think I have to tell you it's been kind of a banner year for Snapchat already. The already near-ubiquitous social media messenging app expanded its user base even more in March, thanks to the Snapchat Chat 2.0 update. Snapchatters were gifted with the ability to watch and listen via new video chatting tools, send snazzy stickers, and Auto-Advance stories. Throughout the year, we've also been #blessed with a metric ton of new filters, including everyone's favorite Kim Kardashian-inspired dalmatian lens. So it isn't surprising that Snapchat is upping its game once more to make the app more dynamic and relevant for users. What is surprising — in a good way — is the caliber of this particular update. Snapchat mini TV shows are legit, y'all.
Here are the nuts and bolts of this exciting new development, so you can get hyped, too.
What Is A Mini TV Show, Exactly?
According to The Wall Street Journal , Snapchat mini TV shows won't simply be rehashed content — think the kind of three-minute clips of late night shows you often see circulating on social media. Rather, "This is going to be more of an original show production," said Ron Lamprecht, executive vice president of business development and digital distribution at NBCUniversal, who is partnering with Snapchat for this initiative.
What Type Of Programming Will Be Available?
If all goes well, the sky is likely the limit. For now, though, there are two shows we know to look forward to. The first is The Voice on Snapchat, featuring judges Adam Levine, Alicia Keys, Blake Shelton, and Miley Cyrus judging user-submitted Snaps. The winning Snaps, which will be submitted to voicesnaps.com, could get a chance to perform on the show (this year's submissions are closed, so warm up your vocal chords for next year). The second show will be E! News' The Rundown, a weekly pop culture news series.
In the near future, look for original content from the likes of SNL and The Tonight Show too, which Lamprecht told WSJ he thought would fare particularly well on the mini TV platform.
When Can We Start Watching?
As far as we can tell, only a couple of premiere dates have been released thus far — The Voice on Snapchat will debut on Aug. 22, and The Rundown will be available beginning Sept. 8. As for other content, Lambrecht hinted we could see other shows come to Snapchat mini TV in the fall as well.
So there you have it. Mark your calendars now, party people. I mean, c'mon ... what a time to be alive!
Images: Giphy (3)
