Snapchat scraps original content channel

Mobile messaging service Snapchat has closed down its Snap Channel content offering, which it launched earlier this year as part of the new Snapchat Discover platform.

According to a Deadline report, Snapchat is permanently closing the channel, having removed the content from it a couple of weeks ago ahead of a planned relaunch.

The report claims Snapchat has now reconsidered its original content options, turning its back on the channel, which was set up to be home to short-form, musical and experimental content.

Deadline claims that most members of the 15-strong Snapchat Channel team are now likely leave the firm, including former Fox Broadcasting exec Marcus Wiley, who joined Snapchat to be head of development/original content role back in May.

“Given that we are winding down the Snap Channel, it’s natural that Marcus would want to explore other opportunities,” Snapchat said in a statement to Deadline.

Back in January, Snapchat partnered with a host of major TV broadcasters and publishers to launch Snapchat Discover.

A day later, the messaging service launched its first exclusive original series, SnapperHero, which came from digital production company Astronauts Wanted and MSN Fullscreen, in conjunction with US telco AT&T, and featured YouTube and Vine personalities playing superheroes.

Discover lets Snapchat users explore stories from different professional editorial teams, with partners signed up to the service including National Geographic, Vice Media, Yahoo News, Comedy Central, CNN, ESPN and Scripps.