Short answer
Create a Snapchat account, a business account and a Public Profile, then build a campaign in Snapchat Ads Manager at ads.snapchat.com. You choose an objective, audience, budget and ad format, and add payment before launch.
Set-up steps
- Go to ads.snapchat.com and sign up, or log in with an existing Snapchat account.
- Complete your Public Profile with an image and a bio.
- Enter your business details, ad account country and currency, and a phone number.
- Create your first campaign, then add a payment method when you are ready to launch.
Pick a format
- Single Image or Video: the format Snap recommends most for new advertisers, shown in Stories and Spotlight.
- Story and Collection Ads: a tappable series, or a set of products to browse.
- Commercials and Sponsored Snaps: non-skippable video in curated content, or Snaps sent to the Chat tab.
- AR Lenses and Filters: interactive camera formats.
In practice
App and game advertisers need a few more steps before launch. Verify your app with a Snap App ID, connect your mobile measurement partner, set up SKAdNetwork for iOS, and choose the App Installs objective. Budget at least the $30 a day Snap suggests for installs, and keep the ad running long enough to leave exploration.
See how we set up Snapchat for apps on our Snapchat ads agency page.
Sources checked 4 October 2026
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