logo
The Secret Society launches in Saudi Arabia with Snapchat integration

The Secret Society launches in Saudi Arabia with Snapchat integration

Campaign ME29-01-2025
The Secret Society, a lifestyle app connecting influencers and businesses with exclusive experiences, has officially launched in Saudi Arabia, introducing a new Snapchat integration to enhance visibility and generate authentic hype.
As Saudi Arabia continues its rise as a global hub for luxury, entertainment, and fine dining, The Secret Society is positioning itself to tap into this dynamic landscape. Designed to adapt to local market dynamics, the app offers influencers and businesses opportunities to connect and engage with their audiences through Snapchat integration.
According to DataReportal's Digital 2024: Saudi Arabia report, Snapchat boasted over 22.64 million users in the
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How Saudi National Day became a month-long celebration
How Saudi National Day became a month-long celebration

Campaign ME

time05-08-2025

  • Campaign ME

How Saudi National Day became a month-long celebration

Saudi National Day has always been a symbol of national pride, unity and cultural identity. But in the past decade, it has evolved into something far greater, a nationwide movement that blends tradition with modernity, celebration with commerce, and culture with creativity. What was once a single day marked on the calendar is now an entire season of anticipation and shared experiences, stretching across September and touching nearly every aspect of life in the Kingdom. This evolution speaks volumes about the cultural and economic transformation sweeping through Saudi Arabia. Today, Saudi National Day is not just a time for reflection; it is an expression of progress, optimism and belonging. Families gather, streets light up in green, and social platforms ignite with messages of national pride and celebration. Alongside the cultural pageantry, shopping has become an integral part of this celebration. Exclusive collections, limited-time offers, and experiential activations have become part of the fabric of Saudi National Day. For brands, this is no longer a passive observance, it is one of the most significant cultural and commercial moments of the year. In 2024 alone, more than 33 million Saudis participated in National Day festivities, underscoring its scale and growing influence. As the celebration grows in scale and significance, consumer expectations have shifted. Audiences are not looking for generic campaigns or one-off discounts; they want experiences that feel authentic, creative and deeply rooted in their identity. They want brands to share in their pride, not just broadcast promotions. In an era where cultural relevance drives brand preference, those who approach National Day as a checklist item risk being left behind. The winners are those whco enter the conversation early, listen closely, and contribute meaningfully to the shared sense of pride that defines the occasion. Last year, 88 per cent of users said their Saudi National Day purchases were influenced by content they viewed on Snapchat. During the same period, there was a 92 percent increase in 'Add to Cart' actions compared to the yearly average, making this one of the highest engagement peaks of the year, second only to Ramadan. Shopping isn't an afterthought during Saudi National Day; it is a cultural behaviour, and social platforms shape it in powerful ways. The celebration also sparks a surge in forward planning. 85 per cent of Snapchatters prepare shopping lists for National Day well in advance, and more than 77 per cent intend to buy in bulk or expect brands to offer significant discounts. This creates a long runway for brands to build awareness and drive consideration before the holiday itself. It also means waiting until September 23 to launch campaigns is no longer enough. The conversation begins weeks earlier and brands that join it early stay top of mind when the moment arrives. Creativity is at the heart of this evolution, and technology is giving it new dimensions. Augmented Reality has become one of the most compelling ways for people to celebrate their identity. Whether it's dressing your Bitmoji in a green outfit, exploring AR filters that showcase landmarks, or sharing immersive AR lenses with friends, these experiences have turned cultural pride into shareable moments. Last year, 89 per cent of users said AR lenses made their National Day celebration more shareable, a clear signal that immersive content isn't just engaging, it amplifies the sense of community around the occasion. The impact extends beyond expression to commerce. National Day has become a catalyst for shopping behaviour, with the month surrounding it seeing a 40 per cent increase in total purchase volume compared to the yearly average. Users don't just celebrate the day, they interact with it across every digital touchpoint, from stories and maps to chats and camera moments. This creates an ecosystem where inspiration and action coexist, allowing brands to move seamlessly from cultural storytelling to conversion. Saudi National Day is no longer a date on the calendar. It is a movement, one that celebrates heritage while embracing the future. For brands, the opportunity is immense, but it demands more than a token gesture. It requires early planning, creativity rooted in authenticity, and the courage to engage in ways that reflect how people are truly celebrating. Those that succeed will not only drive sales; they will earn trust, and place in a national conversation that is as much about pride and connection as it is about innovation. By Antoine Challita, Head of UAE Market, Snap Inc. MENA

Australia widens teen social media ban to YouTube, scraps exemption
Australia widens teen social media ban to YouTube, scraps exemption

Dubai Eye

time30-07-2025

  • Dubai Eye

Australia widens teen social media ban to YouTube, scraps exemption

Australia said on Wednesday it will add YouTube to sites covered by its world-first ban on social media for teenagers, reversing an earlier decision to exempt the Alphabet-owned video-sharing site and potentially setting up a legal challenge. The decision came after the internet regulator urged the government last month to overturn the YouTube carve-out, citing a survey that found 37 per cent of minors reported harmful content on the site, the worst showing for a social media platform. "I'm calling time on it," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement highlighting that Australian children were being negatively affected by online platforms, and reminding social media of their social responsibility. "I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs." The decision broadens the ban set to take effect in December. YouTube says it is used by nearly three-quarters of Australians aged 13 to 15, and should not be classified as social media because its main activity is hosting videos. "Our position remains clear: YouTube is a video sharing platform with a library of free, high-quality content, increasingly viewed on TV screens. It's not social media," a YouTube spokesperson said by email. Since the government said last year it would exempt YouTube due to its popularity with teachers, platforms covered by the ban, such as Meta's Facebook and Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, have complained. They say YouTube has key similarities to their products, including letting users interact and recommending content through an algorithm based on activity. The ban outlaws YouTube accounts for those younger than 16, allowing parents and teachers to show videos on it to minors. "Teachers are always curators of any resource for appropriateness (and) will be judicious," said Angela Falkenberg, president of the Australian Primary Principals Association, which supports the ban. Artificial intelligence has supercharged the spread of misinformation on social media platforms such as YouTube, said Adam Marre, chief information security officer at cyber security firm Arctic Wolf. "The Australian government's move to regulate YouTube is an important step in pushing back against the unchecked power of big tech and protecting kids," he added in an email. The reversal sets up a fresh dispute with Alphabet, which threatened to withdraw some Google services from Australia in 2021 to avoid a law forcing it to pay news outlets for content appearing in searches. Last week, YouTube told Reuters it had written to the government urging it "to uphold the integrity of the legislative process". Australian media said YouTube threatened a court challenge, but YouTube did not confirm that. "I will not be intimidated by legal threats when this is a genuine fight for the well-being of Australian kids," Communications Minister Anika Wells told parliament on Wednesday. The law passed in November only requires "reasonable steps" by social media platforms to keep out Australians younger than 16, or face a fine of up to A$49.5 million. The government, which is due to receive a report this month on tests of age-checking products, has said those results will influence enforcement of the ban.

Creators HQ, Snapchat partner to empower region's economy
Creators HQ, Snapchat partner to empower region's economy

Gulf Today

time25-07-2025

  • Gulf Today

Creators HQ, Snapchat partner to empower region's economy

Creators HQ, the region's first dedicated hub for digital content creators, has partnered with Snapchat in a first-of-its-kind collaboration to launch a long-term initiative aimed at empowering creators across the GCC and beyond. The partnership will bring to life a calendar of programmes including Snap Schools, AR masterclasses, talks by guest speakers and creators, and on-ground AR activations all designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and growth within the region's creator ecosystem. To kickstart the newly established partnership, Creators HQ and Snapchat hosted the first Snap School this Thursday with over 50 notable content creators in attendance. The session offered hands-on training, platform insights, and direct engagement with Snapchat experts equipping creators with the tools, trends, and strategies needed to succeed on the platform. The partnership stems from a shared commitment to support the rapidly growing community of Snapchat creators who continue to inspire audiences across the region. As Snapchat continues to evolve into a true companion for creators, personally and professionally, it is shaping a space where authenticity, transparency, and trust are the guiding principles. Alia Alhammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office, said, "At Creators HQ, we are committed to empowering creators in the region through targeted educational initiatives. By delivering programmes in collaboration with our partners, we help creators produce meaningful content that fosters growth and sustainable income.' Alhammadi continued, "Partnering with Snapchat marks a strategic step in our mission to support and develop talented content creators in the region. We look forward to joining efforts and helping creators level up their skills and create impactful content that celebrates and elevates digital creativity.' In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Dr Mohammad AlGhfeli, Managing Director of Creators HQ, stated that this partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting the rapidly growing Snapchat creator community, which continues to inspire audiences across the region. He emphasised that as Snapchat seeks to strengthen its position as a genuine and trusted partner for creators, both personally and professionally, the platform remains dedicated to building a digital ecosystem grounded in authenticity, transparency, and trust. "We've been truly inspired by the incredible creativity of creators across the region,' said Hussein Freijeh, Vice President at Snap Inc. MENA. "This partnership with Creators HQ marks a strategic investment in the next generation of storytellers, giving them the tools, mentorship, and monetisation opportunities to grow their presence and impact.' Freijeh continued, "We believe equipping creators with the right knowledge and tools is the foundation for growing our creative community on Snapchat. Our goal is to empower creators with the tools and confidence to produce inspiring content and experiences that create positive impact, while staying true to who they are. Snapchat makes it easy to create authentic, spontaneous content without being tied to a niche. We're focused on supporting a dynamic and inclusive ecosystem, one where established creators and celebrities as well as homegrown talent can thrive. " Snapchat is also actively expanding its monetisation tools, helping creators turn passion into a profession. Through programmes like the Spotlight and Stories Reward programmes, Creator Marketplace integrations, creators can explore several ways to monetise their content while staying true to their creative vision. Snapchat is also doubling down on Augmented Reality (AR) in the region, recognising its power to spark imagination, boost engagement, and fuel innovation. With over 300 million people engaging with AR on Snapchat every day, the platform continues to be a global leader in this space. To support developers and creators alike, Snapchat will be hosting masterclasses utilising Lens Studio, allowing creators to build an AR experience in minutes. In an effort to nurture a thriving regional AR ecosystem, the partnership offers educational programmes, technical tools, and global visibility for MENA-based AR talent. Looking ahead, Snapchat and Creators HQ will continue rolling out new initiatives, including deeper programming tied to Spectacles, Snap's stand-alone, see-through AR glasses with the goal of pushing creative boundaries and supporting digital upskilling across the region. This partnership marks a significant step in building a sustainable and inclusive creator economy, one where innovation thrives, creators are rewarded, and authentic storytelling is celebrated. Last week, Alia Alhammadi, Chief Executive Officer of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, affirmed that the Creators HQ continues to strengthen its role as a leading platform supporting and empowering content creators in the UAE and beyond by fostering an environment that encourages innovation and continuous development. In a statement to Emirates News Agency (WAM), Alhammadi said the latest edition of the initiative will introduce new activities and advanced digital tools, highlighting the importance of partnering with the emerging technology company Nothing as an example of fruitful collaboration that allows creators to access cutting-edge tools and techniques. The launch event, held in cooperation with Nothing, brought together more than 120 content creators who were introduced to state-of-the-art imaging and artificial intelligence technologies designed to enhance their digital production with greater ease and professionalism. Alhammadi explained that supporting such partnerships is part of the Creators HQ's mission to broaden access to the latest technologies for creators, facilitate their growth through the Content Creation Fund, and build collaborative bridges with global companies and public and private sector entities. Regarding the 1 Billion Followers Summit launched by the Creators HQ in March, Alhammadi announced that it aims to attract more than 10,000 content creators to live and work in the UAE by offering specialised workshops, partnership programmes with social media platforms, full support for business establishment, skills development, and access to golden visas. She concluded by saying, 'The success of the previous edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit gives us strong momentum to launch an even more exceptional new edition. Registration for strategic partners and ticket sales is now open through the official platform as we prepare for a transformative moment in the world of content creation.' WAM

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store