Snapchat vs TikTok: Where Should Riyadh Brands Spend Their Ad Budget?

With social media platforms evolving faster than ever, Riyadh-based businesses are facing a familiar challenge: where should your ad budget go—Snapchat or TikTok? Both platforms are popular, but when it comes to building brand identity in Riyadh, the choice isn't just about reach—it's about relevance, cultural fit, and return on investment.

In a market where over 98% of Saudis use mobile phones and average 3+ hours per day on social media, making the right call is more than strategic—it's essential.

Understanding the Riyadh Audience: What Do They Expect from Brands?

When targeting Saudi Arabia’s largest urban hub, Riyadh, brands must think beyond clicks. Consumers here want:

• Arabic-first, mobile-first messaging
• Content that feels culturally native and respectful
• Visual storytelling that reflects their identity and values
• Strong, consistent brand identity in Riyadh, not cut-and-paste global ads

This makes TikTok and Snapchat prime real estate—but they play by different rules.

Platform Deep Dive: Snapchat’s Saudi Stronghold

The digital platform Snapchat maintains a strong presence in the Kingdom. The platform has more than 20 million active users in Saudi Arabia and Riyadh users are particularly active with Stories, Discover content and Augmented Reality (AR).

Why Riyadh Brands Choose Snapchat:

• High penetration across both genders
• Deep cultural integration via filters and lenses
• Trusted for sectors like food, beauty, fashion, and events
• Known for personalised ad delivery and strong privacy perception

Local stat: Saudi Arabia ranks #1 in the world for AR lens engagement on Snapchat.

TikTok: The Attention Magnet with Explosive Growth

TikTok is the breakout platform of the past few years. In Saudi Arabia, over 19 million users spend an average of 58 minutes per day on the app, especially in major cities like Riyadh.

It’s more than a trend—it’s a culture shift. Brands are tapping into its power to:

• Launch viral campaigns
• Partner with micro and macro influencers
• Engage young, creative audiences through storytelling
• Build brand identity in Riyadh by riding timely trends

Ad Format Comparison: Snapchat vs TikTok

Feature	Snapchat	TikTok
Popular Ad Formats	Snap Ads, Filters, AR Lenses, Story Ads	In-Feed Ads, Top View, Branded Hashtag Challenges, Spark Ads
Content Style	Immersive, native, 1:1 storytelling	Bold, music-driven, trend-based
Conversion Strength	Medium-to-High (esp. for repeat brands)	High for awareness, medium for conversion
Virality Potential	Lower	Very High
Visual Branding	Strong control via lenses and filters	Bold visibility via creators and trends

Cultural Considerations in KSA Digital Campaigns

Creating localised campaigns that respect Saudi culture can’t be optional—it’s a must. Here’s what matters:

• Arabic-first visuals and captions
• Conservative-friendly content (modesty, tone, values)
• Respect for religious and cultural events (e.g., avoid light content during Ramadan fasting hours)
• Strategic posting during key Saudi moments (Eid, National Day, Riyadh Season)

Mini Case Example: A Riyadh Brand Success

A beauty brand launched a TikTok #GlowUpChallenge and got 1.8M+ views in under 5 days.

In contrast, their Ramadan campaign via Snapchat lenses generated 15,000 filter uses in 48 hours, with a 28% uplift in offline store visits.

Lesson: Each platform served different stages of their customer funnel—TikTok drove buzz, Snapchat drove trust and in-store action.

Budget Strategy: Where Should Riyadh Brands Invest?

Here’s a hybrid allocation model that’s worked well for many brands:

• 60% TikTok: Creative hooks, engagement challenges, and reach
• 40% Snapchat: Brand loyalty, conversions, and immersive storytelling

This balance allows brands to build visibility while maintaining depth and trust—especially important when growing brand identity in a competitive market like Riyadh.

Tips from an Advertising Agency for Riyadh Success

Whether you're new to these platforms or looking to scale, consider these tips:

Don’t Just Translate—Localise

Use culturally relevant humour, Arabic-first design, and Riyadh-specific references. What works in Dubai or Cairo might flop in KSA.

Leverage Creators, Not Just Ads

Partner with credible, on-trend influencers on TikTok. Their authenticity beats polished brand videos every time.

Prioritise Mobile Storytelling

Design ads for vertical viewing. Sound-on, scroll-stopping content wins every time.

Mix Paid and Organic

TikTok’s organic reach is still powerful—use it to test what performs before scaling via paid.

Collaborate with a Local Expert

The Riyadh market has its own rhythm. Partnering with a local advertising agency can make or break your campaign’s success.

Build Smart, Not Just Big

So, Snapchat or TikTok? The answer depends on your goals. Want to build credibility, convert users, and reflect local culture? Snapchat. Want to go viral, connect with Gen Z, and boost brand awareness? TikTok. Your brand will achieve viral success while reaching Gen Z customers and increasing visibility through TikTok.

The most intelligent Riyadh brands select both options with exactness. Wisoft Solutions transforms Saudi brands into unforgettable brands. Our Riyadh-based full-service creative and digital agency uses local knowledge and data-based approaches with creative excellence to maximize every riyal of your budget.

📲 Let’s chat—your next standout campaign starts here.

 

FAQ: People Also Ask

Is TikTok or Snapchat better for brand identity in Riyadh?

Both can support brand identity. Snapchat works well for trust and personalisation, while TikTok excels in viral engagement and top-of-mind awareness.

Which platform offers better ROI for Saudi brands?

TikTok typically offers better reach per riyal. Snapchat offers stronger conversion and brand trust in established sectors like retail, finance, and hospitality.

Can I target Riyadh audiences specifically?

Yes. Both platforms allow detailed geotargeting, letting you segment Riyadh-specific users based on age, behaviour, or interests.

What industries perform best on each?

• Snapchat: Food, retail, finance, healthcare
• TikTok: Fashion, entertainment, F&B, tech, education

Should I run campaigns on both platforms simultaneously?

Absolutely. A dual-platform strategy maximises visibility and lets you guide users through the full customer journey—from awareness to conversion.