Is Snapchat a good place to advertise? How media characteristics influence college-aged young consumers' receptivity of Snapchat advertising

In recent years, Snapchat has gradually gained popularity among young consumers, and more and more companies have included Snapchat into their mobile marketing campaigns. However, only little academic research has been conducted to explore Snapchat marketing. In order to fill the research gap, the current study is designed to investigate how perceived media characteristics of Snapchat influence college-aged young consumers' receptivity of Snapchat advertising by using a mixed method research design. The qualitative study revealed that according to college-aged consumers, Snapchat is the most intimate, casual, and dynamic medium which provides them with information, socialisation, and entertainment. The quantitative study uncovered that the perceived intimacy and casualty have a positive impact on young consumers' attitude toward Snapchat; only the perceived intimacy has a positive impact on purchase intention towards brands advertised on Snapchat. Theoretical and practical implications were offered.