5 ways to use Snapchat

Did you know that Snapchat users share 104,000 pictures every minute?

I didn’t realize how big Snapchat was until I saw that statistic and investigated the new social media phenomenon further. Admittedly, I blew off Snapchat as just another way for young kids to share selfies and sexts.

While there certainly is some of that on Snapchat, the premise of the app is to share fleeting moments with your friends. Each snap you send automatically deletes itself 10 seconds after your friend opens it. It allows for quick, fleeting interactions.

While I’m not suggesting that every brand, marketer or community manager sign up for a Snapchat account, I have found a handful of unconventional and downright brilliant ways to use the app.

Here are five examples:

1. Solve crimes.

You heard that right. The social network has actually been linked to solving a handful of crimes, like this deadly hit-and-run accident in California.

2. Launch exclusive products.