How to Sell on Snapchat (Even Without a Store)
Snapchat for Business
Tap into Gen Z’s favorite app and turn views into sales.
You’ve probably heard how platforms like Instagram and TikTok are helping businesses sell products directly through their feeds. But what about Snapchat?
While Snapchat doesn’t offer a native “shop” tab or storefront like the others, it’s still a powerful tool to drive product discovery—especially with Gen Z. Thanks to Snapchat’s ad tools and AR features, you can connect your products to the app and send people directly to your online store.
Here’s how to get started and make the most of Snapchat as a sales channel—even without a built-in shop.
Step 1: Set Up a Snapchat Business Account
Head to Snapchat for Business and create an account. From here, you’ll get access to:
The Ads Manager dashboard
Audience targeting tools
Pixel tracking and analytics
Product catalog integrations
If you’re already running a Shopify store, the setup gets even easier (more on that below).
Step 2: Create a Product Catalog
Snapchat lets you upload your products and turn them into dynamic ads.
Navigate to Business Manager > Catalogs
Upload your product feed manually, via URL, or connect through Shopify
Include product titles, images, prices, and links
You don’t sell through Snapchat directly—users swipe up or tap to shop on your website.
Step 3: Run Product Catalog Ads
Now that your catalog is uploaded, you can start running ads that look native to Snapchat:
Use Collection Ads or Story Ads to feature multiple products
Link directly to individual product pages
Customize with targeting (age, location, interests)
Target Snapchat users who are already engaging with brands like yours. Keep your ads fun, short, and highly visual.
Step 4: Use Shoppable AR Lenses
Here’s where Snapchat really shines.
With Shoppable AR Lenses, you can let users try on your product virtually. Think sunglasses, lip gloss, sneakers, or even home decor.
Work with a Lens Creator (or use Snap’s Lens Web Builder)
Add a “Shop Now” button that links to your product page
Users can interact, try, and buy—all within the Lens
Great for fashion, beauty, accessories, and anything that benefits from “try-before-you-buy.”
Step 5: Use Shopify? Connect It.
If you use Shopify, you can integrate it with Snapchat in a few clicks:
Add the Snapchat Sales Channel from the Shopify App Store
Sync your product catalog
Create and manage Snapchat ads directly from your Shopify dashboard
This makes running ads, tracking performance, and syncing inventory much smoother.
What Kind of Businesses Work Well on Snapchat?
Snapchat is perfect for:
Fashion & Streetwear – Trendy, bold, and visual products
Beauty & Skincare – Especially with AR try-ons
Food & Beverage – Eye-catching snacks or packaged goods
Accessories – Jewelry, phone cases, sunglasses, etc.
Niche & Viral Products – Items with personality or “wow” factor
Snapchat isn’t for slow, boring brands. It’s for energy, visuals, and real-time connection.
Final Thoughts
Even though Snapchat doesn’t offer a built-in storefront, it gives you powerful tools to connect with your audience, show off your products, and drive sales to your existing website.
Whether you’re experimenting with AR lenses or just running product ads, Snapchat is a fresh, creative way to meet your next customer where they already are—scrolling and snapping.
