How To Run Snapchat Ads In Nigeria

Introduction.

Snapchat is more than just a platform for sharing funny filters and short videos—it’s a powerful tool for businesses looking to connect with younger audiences. In Nigeria, Snapchat is gaining traction, especially among the youth.

This makes it a goldmine for brands looking to advertise creatively and reach a vibrant, tech-savvy audience.

If you’re a business owner, marketer, or someone curious about Snapchat advertising in Nigeria, this guide is for you.

I’ll walk you through how Snapchat ads work, why they’re a great choice for Nigerian businesses, and how you can set them up step-by-step.

Why Snapchat Ads Are Important in Nigeria

Snapchat has over 375 million daily active users globally, and Africa is seeing a steady rise in adoption, with Nigeria leading the charge.

With a young population where over 60% are under 25 years old, Snapchat naturally aligns with this demographic.

This app thrives on creativity, storytelling, and visual engagement—qualities that resonate well with Nigerian users.

Here’s why Snapchat ads matter:

Young and Engaged Audience: Most Snapchat users fall between 13 and 34 years old, a critical age group for brands. These users are actively consuming short, engaging content, making ads highly effective.
Less Competition: Unlike Facebook or Instagram, Snapchat ads in Nigeria are still underutilized. This gives early adopters an advantage with lower ad costs and higher visibility.
Geo-Targeting: Snapchat allows you to target users based on their location, which is perfect for Nigerian businesses focusing on specific cities or regions.
Affordable Advertising: You can run ads with budgets as low as $5 per day and adjust your spending based on your goals.

How Snapchat Ads Work

Snapchat ads are short, immersive, full-screen videos or images that appear between user stories, in the Discover section, or in Snap Map.

They’re designed to grab attention quickly and encourage action. You can create different types of ads, including:

Snap Ads: Full-screen videos or images that users can swipe up on to take action (like visiting a website or installing an app).
Story Ads: Appear in the Discover section as a branded tile, leading to a series of Snaps that tell a story about your product.
Filters: Custom overlays users can add to their Snaps. Great for local campaigns, like promoting an event in Lagos.
Lenses: Interactive AR effects that users engage with. These are ideal for building brand awareness and creativity.

How Do I Run Snapchat Ads in Nigeria?

Here’s a straightforward guide to getting started with Snapchat ads:

1. Create a Snapchat Business Account

Visit Snapchat Ads Manager and sign up for a business account. You’ll need basic details like your business name, email address, and country.

2. Set Up Your Campaign

Log in to the Ads Manager and click “Create Ads.”
Choose your campaign objective. Common goals include:
- Drive Traffic: Send users to your website.
- App Installs: Encourage users to download your app.
- Increase Awareness: Showcase your brand or product.

3. Define Your Audience

Snapchat’s targeting tools are one of its strengths. You can target based on:

Location: Focus on Nigerian cities like Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt.
Demographics: Age, gender, and language.
Interests: Activities, behaviours, and preferences.

For example, if you’re running an ad for a tech gadget, target young professionals interested in tech or gadgets.

4. Set Your Budget

Decide how much you’re willing to spend daily or for the entire campaign. Start small to test the waters, then scale up as you see results.

5. Design Your Ad

Use eye-catching visuals and clear messages. Snapchat provides tools like the Snap Publisher to create professional ads easily. Remember:

Keep videos under 10 seconds.
Add a strong Call-to-Action (CTA) like “Swipe up to shop now!”

6. Launch and Monitor

Once your ad is live, use the Ads Manager dashboard to track performance. Monitor metrics like impressions, clicks, and conversions. Adjust your budget or targeting as needed to improve results.

Snapchat Ads Best Practices for Nigerian Businesses

Be Visual: Nigerians love bold, colorful, and engaging visuals. Use high-quality images or videos that grab attention quickly.
Use Local Relevance: Incorporate Nigerian culture, slang, or trending topics to connect with your audience better.
Keep It Simple: The average attention span on Snapchat is short, so get your message across quickly and clearly.
Track Performance: Regularly analyze your ad’s performance and tweak your strategy for better results.

FAQs

How much do Snapchat ads cost in Nigeria?

The cost depends on your budget, but you can start with as low as $5 per day. Prices vary based on audience size, competition, and campaign duration.

Can I target users in specific Nigerian cities?

Yes, Snapchat’s geo-targeting feature lets you focus on specific cities or even neighbourhoods.

Are Snapchat ads effective for small businesses?

Absolutely! With affordable costs and targeted campaigns, small businesses can reach their ideal audience without breaking the bank.

How do I pay for Snapchat ads?

Payments are made in USD. You’ll need a valid debit or credit card to fund your campaign.

Conclusion

Snapchat ads offer a fresh and creative way for businesses in Nigeria to engage with a young, tech-savvy audience.

Now that you know how to run Snapchat ads in Nigeria, what’s stopping you from getting started? Are you ready to create your first campaign and connect with a vibrant audience?