THE BATTLE FOR THE SMARTPHONE CAMERA: How messaging apps are leveraging the camera and changing the mobile communication paradigm

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/the-battle-for-the-smartphone-camera-report-2017-6
June 02, 2017 at 06:33PM

First came emojis. Then stickers followed. And now photos and videos have become integral to messaging apps that once could convey nothing more than plain text. 

Thanks to the ever-growing popularity of Snapchat, the camera is quickly taking precedence over the keyboard when it comes to users creating and sharing content on their smartphones.

This evolution reflects changes in the way people use their devices and the increasing power of smartphone cameras. The implications for device makers and social platforms, as well as the publishers and marketers that rely on them, are profound. 

In a new report from BI Intelligence, we explore the growing and disruptive use of image-based communication via chat apps by investigating what’s changed. We also dive into how businesses can leverage the new technology, and where they will have the biggest impact. Lastly, we compare the current leaders in the chat app industry, discerning which are best suited to certain features over others. 

Here are some of the key takeaways from the report:

• The camera is set to replace the keyboard as the main interface on the smartphone, presenting new opportunities for brands and businesses to reach consumers.
• Chat apps, including Facebook and Snapchat, are leading the charge in making the camera the main screen of the phone, offering engaging AI-infused filters and stickers that keep users coming back.
• The camera is especially appealing to brands and businesses that want to cut through the noise and boost engagement and brand awareness on a global scale.
• Because consumers are already accustomed to using chat apps to share photos and videos, brands have an opportunity to reach consumers on these platforms in a more engaging and rich medium than text.

In full, the report:

• Describes how smartphone cameras are being leveraged by chat apps.
• Explains the how brands and businesses can take advantage of cameras on messaging apps.
• Highlights the differences between certain messaging apps and their strengths and weaknesses.
• Looks at the potential barriers that could limit the adoption and use of chat apps’ cameras.

Interested in getting the full report? Here are several ways to access it:

1. Subscribe to an All-Access pass to BI Intelligence and gain immediate access to this report and over 100 other expertly researched reports. As an added bonus, you'll also gain access to all future reports and daily newsletters to ensure you stay ahead of the curve and benefit personally and professionally. >> Learn More Now
2. Purchase & download the full report from our research store. >> Purchase & Download Now

Learn more:

• Messaging Apps for Publishers:  Why chat apps are crucial for publishers
• Messaging App Research: How instant messaging can be monetized

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