Snapchat Expands AI Chatbot Access to All Users
Snapchat announced during its recent annual developer conference that it will be releasing its GPT-powered AI chatbot, previously only available to subscribers, to all users for free. The move is an attempt for Snapchat to differentiate itself from its competitors Instagram and TikTok. The AI chatbot, known as "MyAI," can answer factual questions, provide creative content and engage in back-and-forth conversations with users - similar to ChatGPT.
"My AI" appeared as another chat contact in the social media app for paying members of Snapchat's Snapchat+ subscription service. Paying users could also send photos to the AI chatbot and receive completely AI-generated images in return. Now, users can also add "My AI" to group chats and seek assistance from the virtual assistant in the course of conversation.
Snap's Vice President of Product, Jack Brody, described the move to release the AI chatbot to all users as a way to deepen the company's mission to help people express themselves, learn about the world, live in the moment, and have fun together. He also commented that "in the early days, most of the experiences are really just fun and playful, and exciting to experiment with. There’s certainly opportunities to make that a useful feature as well."
The company faced criticism when it launched "MyAI" in March for its perceived lack of appropriateness for younger users. However, Brody said that since the paid trial period is over, the app will be more cautious and provide age-appropriate advice to users. The company has also noted that "in 99.5% of cases," the chatbot's responses conform to community guidelines.
In addition to expanding access to the AI chatbot, Snapchat is also introducing new tools for creators who want to use the platform to go viral. The company is focusing on private communication rather than public broadcast, and the new tools will enable creators to run a public page at the same time as posting privately for friends and family. The move follows Snapchat's announcement that it will pay successful creators a share of the revenue their viral content generates. Eligible users will need at least 50,000 followers, with 25 million views and at least 10 public posts a month, to take part.
Snapchat's move to make its AI chatbot available to all users for free is a strategic one, as the company attempts to differentiate itself in a crowded and competitive social media market. It will be interesting to see how the company's users respond to "MyAI" and how it evolves in the coming months.
