# Selfie Marketing Brands use Snapchat lenses to cultivate user-generated advertising. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published May 23, 2016 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/selfie-marketing ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Selfie Marketing trend? **Selfie Marketing:** As brands rush to the Snapchat platform and experiment with the service's various ad formats, many are opting to launch sponsored lenses that enable users to create and share branded selfies. In addition to highlighting the unique ability of the messaging platform to encourage user-generated content, this shift demonstrates the unique opportunity created by tapping into the consumer desire to share branded content as a representation of themselves in what can be considered a digitally evolved form of word-of-mouth. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 15 to Jun 6, 2016 - Published: May 23, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Selfie Marketing trend ### Snapchat Lenses Sponsored Lenses encourage user-generated content and generate high ROI on the platform. ### Geofilters Brands experimenting with Geofilters and sponsored lenses see a long-term investment in user and consumer engagement. ### Augmented Reality Makeup Beauty brands are applying augmented reality filters to promote new products, and creating cost-effective word-of-mouth digital marketing. ## What the Selfie Marketing trend means for industry ### For Digital Marketing The use of Snapchat Lenses and Geofilters provide opportunities to generate user-generated content and high ROI for brands. ### For Hospitality The use of playful Geofilters allows hospitality groups to promote their loyalty programs and engage with guests on a digital platform. ### For Beauty Beauty brands are innovating by applying augmented reality filters to encourage users to promote new products. ## Workshop question If your brand were to utilize Snapchat to connect with consumers, what type of lense would you create or what product would you feature? ## Trend signals for Selfie Marketing Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 69%, activity 53%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 69% - Activity: 53% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Selfie Marketing trend 5 featured examples from Mar 15 to Jun 6, 2016. - [Multi-Character Snapchat Lenses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/20th-century-fox-snapchat): The 20th Century Fox Snapchat Ads Let Users Picks from Nine X-Men (Category: Tech) Implication: The use of sponsored lens ads and brand takeovers on Snapchat by 20th Century Fox showcases the potential for film studios to leverage immersive advertising experiences to promote… - [Snapchat Rewards Program Filters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/series-of-geofilters): Hospitality Group Starwood Has Launched a Series of Geofilters (Category: World) Implication: Hospitality industry can leverage Geofilter marketing on Snapchat to strengthen their loyalty programs and engage customers. - [Beauty Brand Makeup Lenses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sponsored-snapchat-lens): L'Oreal Ran a Sponsored Snapchat Lens That Applied Eyeliner to Users (Category: Fashion) Implication: Companies can leverage augmented reality and social media to produce more customized and engaging customer experiences and fill the need for personalized virtual beauty consultati… - [Easter Egg Snapchat Lenses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cadbury-snapchat): Cadbury Creme Egg Unveiled a Sponsored Snapchat Lens in the UK (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The Cadbury Creme Egg Snapchat collaboration highlights the potential for leveraging social media platforms to engage with consumers in the confectionery industry. - [Taco Mask Snapchat Lenses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-bell-snapchat): The Cinco De Mayo Taco Bell Snapchat Lens Was a Huge Success (Category: Tech) Implication: Fast food chains can use sponsored AR lenses to promote their menu items and engage younger demographics through playful and interactive experiences. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)