Ready to build your next app masterpiece with Snap Kit? We’re thrilled to announce our second-ever global Snap Kit challenge.

Over the past two years, we’ve been overwhelmed by the extraordinary experiences the Snap Developer community has built using our tools. [YOLO](https://onyolo.com/)’s foundational use of Creative, Bitmoji, and Login Kit helped to turn it into an app that millions of people use. [Squad](https://squadapp.io) and [Triller](https://www.triller.co)’s use of Story Kit and Creative Kit enabled sharing to and from their respective app experiences. The [HAGS](https://www.hags.app/) app also made an extraordinary difference in the lives of students by allowing friends to connect and sign yearbooks with their Bitmoji, even if they can’t do it in person.

But we want to see more of your brilliance, and we know your best creative ideas are ready to make their debut. 

Today, we’re kicking off a three-month hackathon to discover what else this inspirational community can build.

This competition is designed to find the best uses of Snap Kit in the following categories:

🏆 __Best Use of Dynamic Lenses__
There’s no better way to share on Snapchat than with engaging AR Lenses. We can’t wait to see what you do with Creative Kit’s newest feature.

🏆 __Best Use of Bitmoji__
People have a deep connection with their Bitmoji Avatar. Show us how your app can best utilize Bitmoji stickers as a form of identity and expression!

🏆 __Best Design__
A lot can be said with great design. This award will go to the app that puts aesthetics and user experience at the forefront of their development using Snap Kit. We want your app to give us goosebumps!

🏆 __Innovation Award__
We want to see your creativity truly shine through for this prize. Build something we could never have seen coming.

🏆 __Best Overall Use of Snap Kit__
This one is all-encompassing. Any of the publicly accessible Snap Kit products are fair game. This trophy will go to the best use of one or more Snap Kit tools to create an experience worth loving.


The submission deadline is __October 5__. The best app in each category will receive a $1,000 prize with the chance to pitch the Snap team for the $5,000 grand prize (and some major bragging rights).

Head over to [snapkit.devpost.com](https://snapkit.devpost.com/) and sign up for the competition to get started. Then sign up for a Snap Kit Developer account on [SnapKit.com](https://snapkit.com) and dive head first into our [technical docs](https://snapkit.com/docs). This competition is subject to eligibility and applicable laws. Read the rules [here](https://snapkit.devpost.com/rules).

There’s so much you can do, and we can’t wait to see what you come up with!


Introducing the 2020 Snap Kit Developer Challenge

Last week, we introduced Verify With Snapchat, a new way to verify phone numbers through Snap Kit. Verify With Snapchat is the newest addition to Login Kit and can be used in two ways: through Verify and Connect or Verify Only (**new!**). 

**Verify and Connect** allows developers to check a phone number and verify that it matched the one on file for a user’s Snapchat account. Once the number has been verified and confirmed on Snapchat, users will be redirected to a native Login modal. After authorization, users will return to the 3PA connected and verified. 

With the new **Verify Only** launch, developers can verify phone numbers on demand. They are now able to run the verification flow **outside** of the authorization flow, allowing Verify With Snapchat to be triggered at different points of the application. In this flow, Snapchat will only verify the inputted phone number and will not redirect users to the Login modal for authorization.

Please note that Snapchat will **only** use a phone number to verify if it is used by a Snapchat account. Snapchat will **not** use any phone number data for advertising purposes. If a phone number is not registered on Snapchat, we will ask users to update their Snapchat account with the new number.

Check out the docs to get started!

**Happy Building!**


Login Kit: Verify Only

Today we’re excited to release Verify with Snapchat, a new way to verify phone numbers through Snap Kit.

Since launching Snap Kit, we’ve heard from partners that phone verification adds friction and massive costs to building apps. In many cases, teams spend weeks setting up SMS verification, signing contracts with multiple domestic and international vendors, and adding a large cost center to their business. We’ve already done this heavy lifting and want to make it available to our community for free. 

We designed a solution that allows any developer to verify phone number ownership against our 229 million daily active Snapchatter accounts*, while eliminating the need for an SMS. Like all Snap Kit features, limiting the amount of personal data that we share with third parties is central to our approach, and Verify with Snapchat is no exception. 

Here’s how it works:

![verify-demo](//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/23h05zQ3kGtfAZQ4wX3EEw/d3018817cee954bec50ec0b213a07947/Pup_Luv_Verify_v6gif_FINAL.gif)


When partners use Verify, they pass a phone number to Snapchat rather than dispatching an SMS verification code. If the number has been verified with us recently, it will be confirmed and the user will be returned to their app. If the user is outside of the verification window, we’ll simply allow them to re-verify on the spot at no cost to the developer. 

Verify with Snapchat will be a powerful tool for developers of all sizes, and it’s available today! Head over to the docs to get started!

**Happy Snapping!**

<br />

<em>*Snap Inc. internal data Q1 2020. See Snap Inc. public filings with the SEC.</em>


Introducing Verify With Snapchat

We are excited to introduce an addition to our developer tools-- __App Stories__! 

Story Kit’s __App Stories__ allows your community to post Stories to your platform, straight from the Snapchat app. After Snapchatters have linked their accounts, they will be able to capture and add Snaps to a unique Story that will appear in your app. They can then view and manage the Stories they post to your app on Snapchat. 

Snapchat is one of the most used cameras in the world - on average, Daily Active Snapchatters open our camera over 20 times each day, and over 210 million Snaps are created each day.*

If you’d like to use Stories in your app, we’d love to hear from you! Send us your ideas in this [form](https://support.snapchat.com/en-US/co/snap-kit-contact) and we’ll get in touch if we see a fit. 

As always, a full changelog for Version 1.4 of the SDK can be found [here](https://docs.snapchat.com/docs/changelog/). __Note__: App Stories requires Snapchat 10.74.


Happy building! 

**Snap Inc. internal data Q3 2019.*


Snap Kit SDK 1.4

After four weeks of amazing brainstorming, creativity, and creation, the Product Hunt Makers Festival has finally come to a close. When we built Snap Kit, we imagined an opportunity to partner with creative developers everywhere to bring the best parts of their apps into Snapchat, and the best parts of Snapchat into their products. We couldn’t be more pleased to see the amazing things that this community built using Snap Kit!

Product Hunt [has announced the winners](https://blog.producthunt.com/and-the-award-goes-to-376e9abf9dae) for this Snap-themed online hackathon. Check it out below!

<br/>

__Maker-In-Chief Grand Prize__
- Winner: Adventure by Daniel Noskin
- Runner-Up: Meme Match by Jacob Catalano

__Category Prize: User Experience__
- Winner: BRB by Justin Mitchell
- Runner-Up: StadiumLive by Kevin D.H. Kim

__Category Prize: Bitmoji__
- Winner: Surfboard by Vicc Alexander

__Category Prize: Anything Else__
- Winner: Wavechat by Dennis Stücken

<br/>

We were thrilled with the creativity of the developers participating in the Makers Festival, and we want to thank each and every one of you for building with us. Thank you to the amazing community at Product Hunt, to the Product Hunt staff, and to Snap Kit developers everywhere!

Happy building, everyone!


Announcing the Winners of the Product Hunt Makers Festival

Bitmoji Kit enables our users to express themselves with their personal Bitmoji avatar, communicating rich emotions visually and with a single tap. We review apps that feature Bitmoji before they are allowed to go to production. If you’re curious about what is and is not allowed when it comes to using Bitmoji in your app, the list below can be a good place to start!

<br></br>

### Evaluating if Bitmoji Kit is right for your app

__Bitmoji Kit should be used to enhance your app’s core features.__ You should not integrate Bitmoiji if the primary purpose of your app is to create or distribute stickers, GIFs, or clip art. 

<div class="news-image-fit">
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/1Ctai3ZOS972Wjl0JqJ5mB/8b0e0410cf0980157d1d923a4159e582/Example01_A.png"> <img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/2PbF6xzlRbkYAAMNL44HeO/52e7404d0d104148684e99ebe39a6fdf/Example01_B.png">
</div>

<br></br>

__We created the Bitmoji avatar so you don’t have to!__ Don’t use Bitmoji Kit if your app offers core features similar or identical to Bitmoji. 
<div class="news-image-fit">
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/6d66LmukH6R8TdIzoVKyLb/26ed327fd2f005bad9253692825fa6b4/Example02_A.png"> <img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/3zDCjD1oIjbvWxkMwZi9Ek/2ae4361df59242651b567d9d3833b215/Example02_B.png">
</div>
<br></br>

### Using the Bitmoji avatar

__Bitmoji is all about your user’s identity.__ Only display Bitmojis that are associated with your user. Don’t allow users to share Bitmojis of anyone other than themselves or the person they’re communicating with (if Friendmoji is enabled). 
<div class="news-image-fit">
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/4y4UhZbtWYTZeXguURyh3x/06496e806c4c9ff5ae0b281093f79af0/Example03_A.png"> <img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/58beludnRuXgJ7dcF0GxQF/9b6a9b4ef0d3be562d3dc79059f49d74/Example03_B.png">
</div>
<br></br>

__We love seeing Bitmoji in new places but there are a couple of exceptions.__ Bitmoji should not be used in any app promotion or screenshots, except to show actual images of your approved Bitmoji Kit integration.
<div class="news-image-fit">
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/3RGWP6XlfBt74d8rVHILER/40138c79dd1f21bfd48b6444de6a37b5/Example04_A.png"> <img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/1HNRUCJEWeO5V5MM1fOiXc/3a4134f127d6d04ec3e75918350b12c4/Example04_B.png">
</div>
<br></br>

__Bitmoji avatars should always keep their original design.__ Your app must not modify or allow users to alter Bitmoji artwork including avatar icons and Bitmoji stickers. 
<div class="news-image-fit">
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/5akxKkwHkpFF4FWFxagUVE/326f0dfeb71cec28db608ae0453d23a1/Example05_A.png"> <img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/4vXShmf6EFoXoJptIePSWS/e28745d0a03f1bffedbbda6305dca7c4/Example05_B.png">
</div>
<br></br>

### Monetization

__Bitmoji is free! Once you integrate with Bitmoji, it should be made free of charge to all users.__ Your app cannot monetize Bitmoji directly or indirectly. 
<div class="news-image-fit">
<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/5j7u13MROnwHTMqPwET7ff/f4a95bad1e9e0ce86d1497d0241e06df/Example06_A.png"> <img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/Aerq6BUnH2D8obhYXUpym/5464938335db50f66e6ad77c9e9c7cf1/Example06_B.png">
</div>
<br></br>

For more info about app review, check out [our app review guidelines](https://snapkit.com/docs/review/).

Happy building!



Tips for Bitmoji Kit App Review

Starting today, Product Hunt is inviting developers around the world to build on Snap Kit in the first ever global online Snap Kit hackathon!

Developers can register [here](https://www.producthunt.com/makers-festival/snapchat) to build with Makers across the world and showcase their skills with Snap Kit. Also check out these great resources:

- [The Snap Kit Docs](https://snapkit.com/docs/)
- [This Quickstart Guide](https://snapkit.com/news/quickstart)
- [The new Creative Kit for Web tutorials](https://snapkit.com/docs/tutorials/creative-kit/web/)
- [This Creative Kit demo video](https://snapkit.com/news/creative-kit-demo-video-android)

We can’t wait to see what you build!


Product Hunt X Snap Kit: The Makers Festival

With Creative Kit for Web, publishers and brands can add a Share to Snapchat button to their website so Snapchatters can share content from a mobile or desktop website into Snapchat. 

<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/7rNvWz23tkcs4DiRDBCeFM/af1bcf9a15a1787d8ed56f5be36ac3a6/fff-ckweb.jpeg" style="width:100%;padding:20px">

Each shared Snap will have a custom-branded Sticker or GIF as well as a link to drive traffic back to the original content on the website, giving developers free distribution inside Snapchat, and the ability to drive traffic back to their platform. 

You can try Creative Kit for Web here on the Snap Kit Blog, with the share button at the top of this post!

Creative Kit for Web is already powering integrations from some amazing partners, including [FabFitFun](https://fabfitfun.com), [VICE](https://www.vice.com), [BuzzFeed](https://www.buzzfeed.com/), [INSIDER](https://www.insider.com/), [Konbini](https://www.konbini.com), and [PinkNews](https://www.pinknews.co.uk).

Ready to build your own? [Read the docs](https://snapkit.com/docs/tutorials/creative-kit/web/), and check out this [helpful blog post by Major League Hacking](https://stories.mlh.io/effortless-sharing-with-snaps-creative-kit-for-web-e3380e24e289).

Creative Kit for Web: Share to Snapchat from your site

Wondering how you can get started building with Creative Kit? Check out this handy video and [get the basic code to start your own app](https://github.com/Snapchat/creative-kit-sample).

<iframe class="video-embed" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b_Kis06rG-k?rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen style="width:100%; margin:20px 0;"></iframe>

If you’re interested in building this exact example, you can start with our official [Android example app](https://github.com/Snapchat/creative-kit-sample/tree/master/android), and check out the code below:

```
import android.os.Bundle
import android.support.v4.app.FragmentActivity
import android.view.View
import android.view.Window
import com.snapchat.kit.sdk.SnapCreative
import com.snapchat.kit.sdk.creative.models.SnapLiveCameraContent
/**
 * Demo app's Main Activity
 */
class SPSDemoMainActivity: FragmentActivity() {
    companion object {
        private const val TAG = "SPSDemoMainActivity"
    
    override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
        requestWindowFeature(Window.FEATURE_NO_TITLE)
        setContentView(R.layout.sps_demo_activity)
        val creativeKitButton = findViewById<View>(R.id.snap_share_button)
        creativeKitButton.setOnClickListener {
            val activity = this@SPSDemoMainActivity
            // Step 0 - Initialize the Creative Kit API + Media Factory.
            val creativeKit = SnapCreative.getApi(activity)
            val mediaFactory = SnapCreative.getMediaFactory(activity)
            // Step 1 - Choose your source of Media. (Snap's Camera)
            val snapLiveCameraContent = SnapLiveCameraContent()
            // Step 2 - Decide your overlays -  Caption & Sticker.
            snapLiveCameraContent.captionText = "CK Live Demo! \uD83E\uDD1E"
            // Step 2b - Configure the sticker asset to pass to Snapchat.
            val stickerFile = FileUtils.createNewFile(this, "sticker.png")
            FileUtils.writeInputStreamToFile(assets.open("snap-dev-logo.png"), stickerFile)
            val snapSticker = mediaFactory.getSnapStickerFromFile(stickerFile)
            snapSticker.setWidth(300f)
            snapSticker.setHeight(300f)
            snapSticker.setPosX(0.7f)
            snapSticker.setPosY(0.2f)
            snapSticker.setRotationDegreesClockwise(15f)
            snapLiveCameraContent.snapSticker = snapSticker
            // Step 3 - Set your attachment URL.
            snapLiveCameraContent.attachmentUrl = "https://snapkit.com"
            // Step 4 - Send!
            creativeKit.send(snapLiveCameraContent)
        
    
}

```

Happy building!


The Snapchat Creative SDK (Creative Kit) for Android: Video Tutorial

Before you start building an app with a Snapchat library or API, you must register as an official developer at snapkit.com and set up your app. This process is fast and easy. Here’s a guide in case you need help!

<br />

### Prerequisites

You will need:
- __Snapchat accounts__ for you and any team members who plan to test the app. Sign up using your phone and the Snapchat app ([iOS](https://apps.apple.com/app/id447188370) | [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.snapchat.android))
- __A computer__ with a web browser
- A __1024x1024 px logo__ or placeholder asset __(OPTIONAL)__

<br />

### Step 1: Go to the Snap Kit Portal

<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/2KvAsiEGUycr5gIffMS9Ed/8ce911251d885a418e55d17de6597457/login-2.png" alt="login" style="max-width:100%; margin:20px 0;" />

Go to https://kit.snapchat.com/portal/ or click `Log In` at the top right corner of snapkit.com.

<br />

### Step 2: Create an app

<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/5SE9qxBF3IMSPUhI31nvfa/9ddf9c18b665922dc8342edee5a22e81/new-app.gif" alt="new-app" style="max-width:100%; margin:20px 0;" />

Click the + button. Name your app, and select the permissions you want. You can also upload a logo using a 1024x1024px image (optional).

<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/14rSc62oYXvbMuZlmgS8Ne/29f835ee113b4045aa8bd3ea2baf076c/name-app.gif" alt="name-app" style="max-width:100%; margin:20px 0;" />

<br /><br /><br />

### Step 3: Set up your development environment

Your app is almost ready to be tested. You’ll need to pick the libraries you plan to use:

<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/3TOtnipHdFSnMyuX40jmzu/50eaaeca12276004edae054f5f48ff7b/choose-kits.gif" alt="choose-kits" style="max-width:100%; margin:20px 0;" />

Next, select the platform you’re developing on. Make sure you select this in the “Development Environment” section.

<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/7CK9JmDD2Dh2XgNg6w8JGZ/92f4f7c7de13dd87a4722b7f7f0028b4/choose-platform.gif" alt="choose-platform" style="max-width:100%; margin:20px 0;" />

You’ll also need to add the Snapchat usernames of anyone who plans to access the app during development.

<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/2sA8TKzkdjymY2IqYz9p7u/822c3c1944cb8488e08f6ad0427f5fd8/add-demo-user.gif" alt="add-demo-user" style="max-width:100%; margin:20px 0;" />

<br /><br /><br />

### Step 4: Start testing!

You can now start to play with your integration. Make sure you use the Development ID when you’re testing; the Production ID won’t work until you’re approved for production.

<img src="//images.ctfassets.net/68xrbr88wfp0/20Wmocteq8zqvmH5QTryZX/48e356b1ad1d20a8640427d4c21f1dc6/dev-environment.png" alt="dev-environment" style="max-width:100%; margin:20px 0;" />

<br /><br /><br />

### Step 5: Build!

You’re all set! Head to [the docs](https://snapkit.com/docs) for more info, and start building your app.

<br />

### Step 6: Submit your finished app for approval

Once you’re all done with testing and building, you’ll probably want to release something to everyone, not just the people you’ve added under the Demo Users list. You can do this with your Production ID, but to unlock this capability you’ll need to submit your app for approval.

Submitting your app for approval is as easy as clicking the button. For a smooth approvals process, have your privacy policy and demo video ready to go (more info on that in the [app review guidelines](https://docs.snapchat.com/docs/review)). Then, just click Submit!

That’s all for now. Happy building!


News

Introducing the 2020 Snap Kit Developer Challenge

Login Kit: Verify Only

Introducing Verify With Snapchat

Snap Kit SDK 1.4

Announcing the Winners of the Product Hunt Makers Festival

Tips for Bitmoji Kit App Review

Product Hunt X Snap Kit: The Makers Festival

Creative Kit for Web: Share to Snapchat from your site

The Snapchat Creative SDK (Creative Kit) for Android: Video Tutorial

Getting Started: Setting up your first app

Snap Kit

Snap Inc.

Community

Advertising

Legal