Snap introduces AI-powered ads in Chat, enabling brands to interact with users through conversational agents.
Snapchat is expanding its push into AI-driven advertising with a new format built directly into user conversations. The company introduced AI Sponsored Snaps, which allow brands to engage users through AI agents inside Chat. The move reflects a broader shift toward conversational interfaces as a core part of digital interaction.
The update builds on how users already behave on the platform. Snapchat reported more than 950 billion chats in the first quarter of 2026. It also said over 500 million users have interacted with its My AI chatbot since launch.
Snapchat is positioning Chat as the center of both communication and discovery. The company aims to make advertising feel native to conversations instead of disruptive. AI Sponsored Snaps will appear directly within Chat threads, where users already spend time.
Users can interact with AI agents to explore products, ask questions, and receive recommendations. These interactions happen without leaving the conversation interface. The company says this design improves usability and keeps engagement high.
Snap Inc. believes conversational AI will reshape how brands connect with audiences. The company sees chat-based engagement as more immediate and actionable than traditional formats. It also expects stronger intent signals from users who actively engage with AI.
“Conversation is becoming the most valuable real estate in advertising. AI is accelerating that shift, turning chat into the place where people discover products, ask questions, and make decisions in real time. The real opportunity isn’t just putting ads into those environments, it’s designing formats that feel native to how people already talk.”
Ajit Mohan highlighted how AI is changing discovery and decision-making. He added that brands must adapt to conversational environments rather than force traditional ads. The company expects this format to drive measurable engagement and action.
The new offering builds on Sponsored Snaps, an existing ad format on Snapchat. The company says those ads already deliver higher conversions and lower costs. AI-Sponsored Snaps extend that model by adding real-time interaction.
Brands can bring their own AI agents onto the platform. These agents can guide users from discovery to purchase within a single chat. The company describes this as a full-funnel experience built into one interface.
Snapchat says the format provides access to nearly one billion monthly active users. It also allows brands to personalize interactions at scale. That combination could make conversational ads more effective than static placements.
Experian is partnering with Snapchat for the alpha launch. The collaboration focuses on financial education delivered through conversational AI. Users will be able to ask questions about credit and money management inside Chat.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to meeting consumers where they are – with trusted insights that empower smarter financial decisions.” Steve Hartmann said the goal is to simplify access to financial guidance. He added that AI-sponsored Snaps offer a more natural way to engage users. The approach embeds financial education into everyday conversations.
“AI Sponsored Snaps delivers a natural, conversational experience, allowing Snapchatters to connect with Experian about credit and money management right where they already feel comfortable.” Snapchat plans to expand the feature as more brands test AI-driven engagement. The company is betting that conversational interfaces will define the next phase of advertising. It expects AI-powered chat to become a central channel for discovery and decision-making.