Snapchat Advertising Guide 2024: Complete Setup & Cost Breakdown

Back in 2021, I launched my first Snapchat ad campaign for a beauty brand targeting Gen Z. With a modest $1,000 budget, we generated over 500 app installs at $2 each. What started as an experiment became a core channel in our marketing mix. Fast forward to 2024, and Snapchat has evolved into an even more powerful advertising platform, especially for brands targeting younger audiences.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about advertising on Snapchat, from setup to costs and optimization strategies.

Understanding Snapchat Ad Costs

Let’s address the big question first: “How much do Snapchat ads really cost?”

Average Snapchat Ad Costs 2024

Cost Per Mile (CPM)

• Overall average: $2.50 - $5.00
• Premium targeting: $5.00 - $10.00
• Basic targeting: $1.50 - $3.00

Compare costs across platforms using our CPM Calculator.

Cost Per Action (CPA)

• App installs: $2.00 - $4.00
• Lead generation: $5.00 - $10.00
• Website visits: $0.50 - $2.50
• Engagement: $0.10 - $0.50

Need to convert between metrics? Use our CPM to CPC Calculator.

Getting Started: Step-by-Step Setup

1. Create Your Ads Manager Account

• Visit ads.snapchat.com
• Set up business profile
• Add payment method
• Define business details

2. Install Snap Pixel