Snapchat has announced that it will now give its GPT-powered AI chatbot away to all users. This means that everyone who uses the platform will now have access to a “MyAI” chatbot with the same features found in ChatGPT, or popular creative collaboration software.
With this news, Snapchat looks to set itself apart from other social media apps such as Instagram and TikTok. To do this, it has added several features, including differentiating between private and public messages and giving authors a cut of money their content generates.
MyAI initially debuted as a chat contact in Snapchat+—a subscription service available on the social network app. The chatbot allows users to engage in conversation, ask factual questions, and request unique content.
Jack Brody, Snapchat’s Vice President of Products, says that “MyAI” promotes the app’s mission to let users express themselves, learn about the world, live in the moment, and have fun together. In addition, users will soon be able to include the chatbot in group conversations, allowing them to rely on its AI for any questions that arise.
Snapchat+ subscribers can also upload photos to the service and receive AI-generated pictures in reply. Brody explains that the user experience will be interactive and enjoyable, “you can snap My AI and it will snap you back.”
The introduction of the chatbot has faced some controversy, specifically when issues of age appropriate content arose. In an experiment conducted by the Washington Post, the chatbot provided suggestions to a writer pretending to be a twelve year old, on how they can arrange a “surprise trip” with their “30-year-old boyfriend” and do sexual activities.
Brody assures users that MyAI will be more mindful of age now that the trial period is over and its responses will be according to the network’s community standards “99.5% of the time”.
Creators, who look to use Snapchat to become famous, will be able to take advantage of the platform’s new tools, since it prioritizes private communication over public broadcast which distinguishes it from bigger competitors such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Additionally, people who meet the criteria of having 50,000 app followers, 25 million monthly views and at least 10 public posts, will be eligible to make money off the network.
Snapchat is owned by Snap Inc., a prominent tech firm based out of Los Angeles, California. Jack Brody is the company’s Vice President of Products. With over 150 million daily active users, Snapchat continues to innovate features that will enhance their user’s experiences.
