Snapchat launches TikTok-like feature 'Spotlight'

Snap Inc has rolled out a feature, "Spotlight", that will allow users to share short-form videos publicly in its Snapchat app, adding a service that would compete with ByteDance-owned TikTok and Instagram Reels.

Users, who could previously share snaps or stories with friends, can now share them directly to Spotlight and garner more followers, Snap said in a blog post.

Also Read: Snap to pay $1 million a day to creators for Spotlight videos

“Submit your best video Snaps to Spotlight for the opportunity to earn a share of more than $1 million that we’re distributing to creators every day!”

The company said it would give about $1 million every day throughout the remainder of 2020 to users whose snaps make it to the top of the platform, in a bid to boost engagement with the feature.

You can also make money from these short videos, and Snap mentioned in the blog that “for the opportunity to earn money, the Snaps you submit to Spotlight must follow our content guidelines and terms” and users must be 16 or older to earn.

Facebook Inc earlier this year launched Instagram Reels - the company's version of TikTok wherein users can record short mobile-friendly videos, then add special effects and soundtracks pulled from a music library.

Spotlight is available starting in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and France, with more countries coming soon.