Snapchat isn’t just for selfies and filters anymore—it’s a powerful content platform with over 400 million daily active users worldwide. If you’re creative, consistent, and strategic, Snapchat Shows can become a lucrative venture. Whether you’re an influencer, a media brand, or an entrepreneur, this guide will show you exactly how to set up a Snapchat Show and make money with it.
What is a Snapchat Show?
A Snapchat Show is a short-form, episodic video series available on Snapchat’s Discover page. Think of it like a mini TV show tailored for Gen Z and Millennials, where episodes last 3–7 minutes and cover everything from fashion tips to true crime stories.
Unlike regular Snaps or Stories, Shows are curated and can be monetized through Snapchat’s Creator monetization programs and ad revenue sharing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Snapchat Show
1. Know the Requirements
To launch a Snapchat Show, you can’t just sign up and upload. Snapchat is selective with content creators. Here are the key requirements:
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You must be a verified creator, media company, or partner.
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High-quality, episodic content with a clear theme.
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Professional-level production (good lighting, editing, storytelling).
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A history of consistent engagement on other platforms (YouTube, TikTok, etc.) helps.
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You need to apply and be approved by Snapchat.
Pro Tip: Build a strong following on Snapchat and other platforms first—it makes your application more appealing.
2. Create a Snapchat Business Account
To access publishing tools and monetization options, you need a Snapchat Business account.
How to do it:
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Go to Snapchat Business Manager.
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Sign in with your Snapchat account.
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Create a Business Profile.
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Add your public profile for Shows.
Once approved, you’ll have access to Snapchat’s Creator Hub, where you can upload and manage your Show episodes.
3. Develop a Killer Concept
Your Snapchat Show needs a clear identity. Brainstorm an idea that fits these criteria:
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Short-form episodic structure (3-7 minutes)
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Relatable to a young audience (13–34 years)
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Visually engaging
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Repeatable format
Popular Snapchat Show Genres:
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True Crime
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Beauty & Fashion
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Comedy Skits
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Celebrity News
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DIY/Hacks
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Personal Vlogs
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Life Advice
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Unusual Stories / “Did You Know” formats
Tip: Watch existing Shows on Discover to analyze what works. Shows like “Second Chance”, “Love Don’t Judge”, or “Phone Swap” have huge followings.
4. Build a Content Calendar
Once you have a concept, plan your first season:
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Length: 6–10 episodes
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Frequency: Weekly or twice a week
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Episode Topics: Each episode should stand alone but still fit the overall theme.
This planning helps you stay consistent and meet Snapchat’s content expectations.
5. Film & Edit Like a Pro
Snapchat Shows are vertical (9:16 aspect ratio) and must look sharp and engaging. Use:
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A good smartphone or camera
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Professional lighting and audio
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On-screen captions (many users watch without sound)
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Fast cuts, zooms, and on-screen text to keep attention
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Strong openings (hook viewers in the first 3 seconds)
Editing Tools:
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Adobe Premiere Pro
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Final Cut Pro
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CapCut
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InShot (mobile)
6. Apply to Snapchat Shows Program
If your concept and pilot episodes are ready:
How to Apply:
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Go to your Snapchat Business Manager.
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Navigate to Content → Shows.
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Submit your show’s pitch, format, and sample episodes.
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Await approval from Snapchat’s content team.
Once approved, your Show will appear in Snapchat Discover, making it accessible to a wide audience!
How to Make Money with a Snapchat Show
Snapchat has multiple monetization models for creators. Let’s break down the top earning methods:
1. Snapchat Ad Revenue Sharing
Snapchat places ads (called Snap Ads or Commercials) between your Show episodes. You’ll earn a percentage of the revenue based on views and ad engagement.
Factors That Influence Earnings:
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Watch time
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Completion rates
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Audience retention
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Click-through rates on ads
Creators can earn thousands per month if they consistently produce high-performing content.
2. Brand Sponsorships & Integrations
Once your Show builds an audience, brands may approach you—or you can pitch them directly.
Example Sponsorship Formats:
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“This episode is brought to you by…”
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Wearing a brand’s product in the Show
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Custom episodes made around a product or service
Depending on your reach, sponsorship deals can range from $500 to $50,000+ per episode.
3. Cross-Promotions
Leverage your Snapchat audience to drive traffic to:
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Your YouTube channel
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Instagram account
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Email list
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Merch store
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Patreon or paid community
This indirect method of monetization increases your overall creator income.
4. Affiliate Marketing
Promote products with affiliate links and codes (if permitted by Snapchat’s terms). If a viewer buys through your link, you get a cut.
Use trackable URLs or discount codes in overlays or captions.
5. Paid Collaborations with Other Creators
Collaborate with other Snapchat creators and cross-promote shows. You can charge for featuring someone or get paid for appearing in others’ shows.
Growing Your Show & Maximizing Profits
Creating content is just half the battle. Let’s talk growth:
1. Optimize Your Thumbnails and Titles
Just like YouTube, thumbnails and titles drive clicks.
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Use bold, readable text over visuals.
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Tease drama, suspense, or curiosity (“You won’t believe what happened…”)
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Make the cover image bright, clear, and emotional.
2. Leverage Snapchat Spotlight & Stories
Promote new episodes through your:
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Snapchat Story
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Spotlight (TikTok-style short video feed)
Tease upcoming episodes with a 10–15 sec preview to drive traffic.
3. Engage with Viewers
Use the public profile features to:
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Respond to messages
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Run Q&As
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Share behind-the-scenes
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Show personal moments
The more people connect with you, the more likely they are to return—and watch to the end.
4. Study Analytics & Tweak
Use Snapchat Insights to track:
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Viewer drop-off points
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Audience demographics
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Click-through and completion rates
Use this data to improve future episodes. If most people drop off at 60 seconds, trim the fat. If the 2nd episode performs better than the 1st, figure out why.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Inconsistent posting – Success on Snapchat is tied to regular publishing.
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Low production quality – Gen Z viewers expect crisp visuals and fast pacing.
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Forgetting the hook – The first 3 seconds make or break retention.
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Too promotional – Hard selling without story value turns viewers off.
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Not analyzing metrics – Data tells you what’s working and what’s not.
Final Thoughts: Is a Snapchat Show Worth It?
Absolutely—if you’re ready to treat it like a business. While Snapchat’s algorithm can be unpredictable, creators who invest in quality content, smart strategy, and community building have a real shot at sustainable income.
Whether you’re an indie content creator or a digital brand, Snapchat Shows offer:
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Access to a young, highly engaged audience
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Revenue sharing through ads
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Huge visibility through Discover
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Brand and sponsorship potential
In the fast-evolving creator economy, Snapchat is still an untapped goldmine for those who understand the game.
Tools & Resources
Here’s a quick list of tools to support your Snapchat Show:
| Purpose | Tool |
|---|---|
| Editing | Adobe Premiere, CapCut, InShot |
| Thumbnail Creation | Canva, Adobe Express |
| Analytics | Snapchat Insights |
| Collaboration | Notion, Google Docs |
| Scriptwriting | ChatGPT |
Ready to Snap Your Way to Success?
The best time to start a Snapchat Show was yesterday. The second best time is right now.
If you’ve got a camera, a creative mind, and a little hustle, your Snapchat Show could be the next viral hit.
Let me know if you want a Snapchat Show pitch template, content calendar, or scriptwriting help—I’m here to help you build it.