If you’re a UK-based advertiser or influencer keen on tapping into South Korea’s Snapchat scene in 2025, this one’s for you. South Korea’s social media landscape is buzzing, and Snapchat is carving out a solid niche with younger, digitally savvy users. But how much does it cost to run a full-category campaign on Snapchat there? And what are the key things to know from a UK perspective?
Whether you’re a UK brand like ASOS looking to expand into Asia, or a freelance influencer managing cross-border gigs, understanding Snapchat advertising rates in South Korea can save you from nasty surprises. Let’s cut through the noise and get straight to the brass tacks.
📢 South Korea Snapchat Advertising Landscape in 2025
As of June 2025, South Korea remains one of the most digitally connected markets globally, with smartphone penetration north of 95%. Snapchat, while overshadowed by local giants like KakaoTalk and Instagram, holds a firm spot among Gen Z and young millennials. Its unique AR filters and Discover content appeal to this crowd, making it fertile ground for brands chasing youth engagement.
For UK advertisers, this means Snapchat’s ad ecosystem in South Korea is a mix of opportunity and challenge. Localisation is key — Korean language content, culturally relevant creatives, and payment methods compatible with Korean financial systems (think KakaoPay or Naver Pay alongside international credit cards) are non-negotiable.
💡 Snapchat Advertising Categories and Rate Card Overview
Snapchat’s advertising formats in South Korea cover the usual suspects but with local twists. Here’s a rundown with rough cost estimates tailored for UK advertisers budgeting in GBP (£):
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Snap Ads (Full-screen vertical video): £7–£15 CPM (cost per thousand impressions)
Classic and versatile, ideal for brand awareness. Expect higher CPMs for premium slots like Discover page placements. -
Story Ads: £12–£20 CPM
Integrated into users’ stories, these are great for narrative-driven campaigns. UK brands often use these to showcase lifestyle or fashion collections targeting Seoul’s trendy districts. -
AR Lenses & Filters: £10,000–£40,000 per campaign (depending on complexity and duration)
South Korean youth love AR effects, especially K-pop inspired filters. Costs vary widely; a simple branded filter for a week may hover around £10k, while bespoke, interactive lenses can blow up to £40k. -
Commercials (6-second unskippable): £20–£30 CPM
These bite-sized ads guarantee full attention but come at a premium. UK tech startups entering South Korea have found this format effective for product launches. -
Dynamic Ads: £8–£14 CPM
Useful for e-commerce brands like Boohoo or PrettyLittleThing looking to personalise product ads based on user behaviour.
Keep in mind: Snapchat operates on a bidding model, so prices can fluctuate depending on the campaign goals, targeting granularity, and seasonal demand.
📊 Payment and Legal Considerations for UK Advertisers
Paying for Snapchat ads in South Korea from the UK is straightforward but requires some prep. Most campaigns settle in USD or KRW, but UK advertisers will want to keep an eye on FX rates and payment gateways. Credit cards are accepted, but integrating local payment solutions and working with Korean media agencies can smooth the process.
On the legal front, South Korea has strict data privacy laws influenced by the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). UK advertisers must ensure compliance, especially with user data handling and consent for targeted advertising. Partnering with local legal advisors or agencies is often a wise move.
💡 Practical Tips for UK Advertisers on Snapchat South Korea
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Localise everything: Beyond language, your content must respect South Korean culture, trends, and social norms. Think Seoul streetwear, K-beauty, or gaming references.
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Collaborate with local influencers: Platforms like BaoLiba connect UK brands with South Korean influencers who know the Snapchat space inside out. This cuts down on guesswork and boosts authenticity.
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Leverage AR: Snapchat’s AR tools resonate well with Korean youth. A well-crafted lens can go viral and massively increase brand recall.
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Budget realistically: South Korea is a premium market, so don’t expect cheap clicks. Plan your spend with a buffer for testing and optimisation.
People Also Ask
What is the average Snapchat advertising cost in South Korea for UK brands?
Snapchat advertising costs in South Korea generally range from £7 to £30 CPM depending on ad format, with AR lenses costing anywhere between £10,000 and £40,000 per campaign. UK brands should budget for premium pricing due to local demand and ad competition.
How can UK advertisers pay for Snapchat ads in South Korea?
Most UK advertisers pay via international credit cards or through local Korean agencies that accept KRW payments via KakaoPay or Naver Pay. Currency exchange rates and transaction fees should be considered when budgeting.
Are there any legal concerns for UK advertisers running Snapchat ads in South Korea?
Yes, advertisers must comply with South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), especially regarding user data collection and targeted advertising. Working with local legal experts is recommended.
2025 is shaping up to be a golden year for UK advertisers on Snapchat in South Korea. The platform’s youthful audience, combined with innovative ad formats like AR, offers a powerful way to connect with one of Asia’s trendiest markets. Just remember: local know-how, compliance, and realistic budgets are your best mates in this game.
BaoLiba will keep updating the United Kingdom’s influencer marketing trends. Stay tuned for fresh insights and practical tips to ace your global campaigns.
