I’ve heard marketers say that it is their job to ruin everything. Well, the cameras and filters built into our favorite social media platforms are proving that. Today Snapchat announced they’re launching advertiser access to their Geo filters and camera “lenses.” This means that you can use the augmented reality settings to not just make yourself look like a puppy but also to advertise for your favorite restaurant, the latest movie coming out, or a special event.
A few weeks ago Facebook announced that they would be opening up the lenses to more developers. This will also increase advertiser use of these products. So now Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook will all be serving up interactive advertising to our kids.
What Parents Should Know
These updates are just one more way that advertising can get to our kids. We know that marketers are only after our money, that’s no surprise and should be expected. However, we have to know our kids and decide if we are OK with them being advertised to in this way.
My advice is that parents take a look at these Geo filters and lenses and see what they could potential be advertising to your kids. Again, Snapchat is on our uninstall list and advertising is the main reason. Today’s news only strengthens that position.