Snap has announced its is diving into original scripted content for its Snapchat photo messaging app. Snap Originals will offer scripted TV shows and documentaries designed for viewing on the mobile platform.
The serialized shows will have new episodes daily, and include a documentary series called “Growing Up is a Drag,” about the coming-of-age of teenage drag stars, produced by Bunim/Murray, the production company behind the hit reality television show “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”
Snap said the episodes will be fast-paced for mobile viewing and as short as five minutes long, with each show having a profile page where viewers can easily find each episode.
Engadget reports the first Snap Originals will hit the service sometime today, with three more to follow.
The app will roll out the first episodes for two of the scripted shows and one docuseries sometime today.
Class of Lies revolves around a couple of roommates and true crime podcast hosts as they try to solve their best friend’s disappearance. Meanwhile, Co-Edis an LGBTQ-inclusive show about a group of freshman students navigating their way through college. Finally, Endless Summer follows the lives of influencers Summer McKeen and Dylan Jordan.
Later this month, Snap will debut two more titles: The Dead Girls Detective Agency is a supernatural dark comedy about a young woman who must find out how she died. V/H/S, on the other hand, is a horror anthology, while Vivian is a docuseries following the youngest model scout for Wilhelmina.
Snap says each episode will tell a complete story, despite its short format. Some episodes are said to feature interactive augmented reality content.
Snap says the shows will be easy to find, as each show will boast a dedicated profile page.
Snap hopes the new content will help it reverse its ongoing decline in users, which it has faced ever since a controversial app redesign has caused users to claim the app has become confusing to use.
(Via 9to5Mac)
