Process Flow
Animated overview of the full workflow
TL;DR
Go to ads.snapchat.com and sign up with your email or existing Snapchat account. Enter your business name, country, currency, and contact details. Create your first ad account, set billing information, and you are ready. Snapchat's account structure follows Campaign > Ad Set > Ad. The platform is strong for reaching 13-34 year olds, with lower CPMs than Meta in many markets and unique formats like AR Lenses.
Why Advertise on Snapchat?
Snapchat reaches over 800 million monthly active users globally, with strong presence among younger demographics. In the MENA region, Snapchat has particularly high penetration — it is one of the top social platforms in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait. Advantages include access to a young engaged audience, competitive CPMs, unique AR ad formats, full-screen immersive experience, and growing commerce features.
Common Issues
Account not approved: Ensure business info matches your website and your industry is not restricted. Low reach: Snapchat has a smaller user base — avoid overly narrow targeting. Ad rejected: Common reasons include text-heavy images, misleading claims, or creative not meeting technical specs.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these 7 steps to complete this guide
- 1
Create Your Account
Go to ads.snapchat.com. Click "Get Started." Sign up with email or existing Snapchat account. Verify your email.
- 2
Set Up Your Business Account
Enter your business name, your name, country, currency (cannot be changed later), and phone number. Click "Create Business Account."
- 3
Create an Ad Account
Enter ad account name, select ad type (Self-Serve is standard), and confirm your time zone.
- 4
Set Up Billing
Navigate to ad account billing settings. Add credit or debit card. Snapchat uses automatic billing — charged when spend reaches a threshold or at billing period end.
- 5
Install the Snap Pixel
In Ads Manager, go to Assets > Snap Pixel. Click Create Pixel, name it, choose installation method (pixel code, partner integration, or GTM), and set up events: PAGE_VIEW, PURCHASE, ADD_TO_CART, SIGN_UP, etc.
- 6
Navigate Snapchat Ads Manager
Key sections: **Dashboard** for performance overview, **Create Ads** for campaign creation (Campaign > Ad Set > Ad), **Manage Ads** for viewing and editing, **Assets** for pixel, audiences, and catalogues, **Analytics** for detailed reporting.
- 7
Understand Ad Formats
**Single Image or Video:** Standard format in Stories and Discover. Full-screen vertical (9:16). **Story Ads:** Branded tile in Discover opening into a series of 3-20 images/videos. **Collection Ads:** Main creative with four tappable product tiles below. **Dynamic Ads:** Auto-generated from product catalogue. **AR Lens Ads:** Interactive augmented reality experiences — high engagement, particularly popular in GCC. **Commercials:** Non-skippable 6-second ads. **Spotlight Ads:** Appear in Snapchat's vertical video feed.
Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Minimum budget?
USD 5/day per ad set.
Do I need a Snapchat account?
You need a Business account but not a personal profile.
Is Snapchat worth it for B2B?
Typically better for consumer brands. However, for targeting young professionals in the GCC, it can work.
How does Snapchat compare to TikTok?
Both reach younger demographics. Snapchat skews slightly younger (13-24) while TikTok skews 18-34. In MENA, Snapchat has stronger market share in several countries.
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