You might think Snapchat is having a particularly tough time at the moment. From 1.2 millions petitioners requesting the app’s new look be scrapped, to Kylie Jenner‘s negative tweet bringing its actual share prices down, the app can’t seem to catch a break.
In the midst of all this chaos, you’d be forgiven for thinking Snap‘s user base is probably beginning to dwindle, but guess what? You’re bloody wrong. According to data released by Sensor Tower, Snapchat downloads have actually increased since its redesign was released.
In the US, downloads of the app went up 41 per cent to 76 per cent in the weeks following the update.
The average growth of first-time installs after the redesign was 55 per cent compared to the week prior, which turns out to be roughly 322,000 more installs. In other words, it looks like folks saw all the negative reports and decided to check it out for themselves.
Even after Jenner’s tweet, which read, “sooo does anyone else not open Snapchat anymore? Or is it just me… ugh this is so sad,” downloads actually shot up, rather than down, according to App Annie.
But that still didn’t stop investors from freaking out, with the tweet contributing to a whopping $1.3 billion drop in Snap’s market cap. But at the same time, the app went from number 8 straight up to number 1 on the charts. I guess any publicity can be good publicity, huh?
But the app’s reviews tell a different story, with negative feedback pouring in after the redesign was rolled out, but still, downloads increased.
And if you think all the petitions and feedback would change anything, tough shit. The team responded to the petition – which was signed by 1.2 million angry users – with a statement that essentially told them they wouldn’t be changing shit.
“We hear you, and appreciate that you took the time to let us know how you feel,” it reads. “We completely understand the new Snapchat has felt uncomfortable for many.”
It then went on to explain its intentions with the update and hinted at some new features that aim to make it easier to find stories from friends, something which became a pain point for many users.
It ain’t changing back, folks, and given its success in the face of such negative feedback, there’s little incentive for the team to give in.
