Discovery secures Snapchat deal

Discovery Communications has forged an agreement with Snapchat to create shortform programming for the social media service.

Snapchat, which is preparing to float and has been valued at around US$20bn, will gain exclusive access to mobile videos produced by Discovery and inspired by its shows including Shark Week and Mythbusters.

The shows are expected to debut on Snapchat in the US later this year, with the companies also working together to create sponsorship opportunities using the social media company’s advertising technology.

“Discovery are world-class storytellers who have turned unlikely subjects into cultural phenomena,” said Nick Bell, VP of content at Snapchat parent Snap Inc.

“We have seen what they can do when developing and producing creative concepts for TV and we’re excited to see what’s in store as they apply their talent and expertise to this new medium.”

Other social media services have already made their moves into video, with Twitter offering live shows and Facebook yesterday unveiling a new TV app.

Snapchat has already launched a portal called Discovery (unrelated to Discovery Communications), striking a deal with A+E Networks’ prodco 45th & Dean to produce shows for the service, but shuttered its originals channels in 2015 after a short foray in the space.