Bolt
The ride-hailing app Bolt deployed an always-on, full-funnel strategy on Snapchat to boost app installs and purchases. Using celebrity-driven Commercials, informative Story Ads, and direct conversion campaigns, Bolt achieved significant gains in ROAS at an efficient cost.
“Snapchat helped us unlock a new level of engagement in Saudi Arabia. By blending cultural relevance with smart targeting, and with the support of our local agency partner Areeb, we saw a 30% increase in successful rides, along with a clear boost in installs and ROI.”
- Khalid Almuqbil, Country CEO, Bolt Saudi Arabia
From a Test Drive to a Full-Funnel Force in the KSA
Since its initial foray into the region in 2017, Bolt has been on a quest to dominate the competitive ride-hailing market in the Middle East. To reach more riders and build stronger brand affinity, Bolt turned to Snapchat.
What started as an exploratory campaign on Snap in Q4 2024 quickly evolved into a bold, full-funnel strategy. Fueled by cultural fluency and always-on creative, Bolt used Snapchat to drive true momentum: earning more installs, more rides, and better returns.
The Power of Saudi’s TV Stars for Would-Be Bolt Riders
Bolt launched its awareness play with impact in mind. The brand enlisted popular television stars and delivered high-profile creative with Snapchat’s most visible placements: First Commercial and First Story. These spots set the tone with Snapchatters in the region: attention-grabbing, culturally relevant, and designed to cut through.
As users engaged, Bolt aimed to move them down the funnel with Story Ads that highlighted the app’s price, safety, and comfort to entice new riders. Custom landing pages and localized App Store links made it easy to act. Meanwhile, UGC-style videos from Saudi influencers showed just how simple it was to get moving with Bolt.
And finally, to drive it all home: Bolt deployed a variety of ad formats for direct conversion, structured to target both new user acquisition and retarget users who had shown interest but hadn’t yet completed a ride. In a variety of ad formats, Bolt delivered highly relevant messages and offers optimized to drive purchases and app installs at critical points in the customer journey.
After just one quarter on Snapchat with this full-funnel structure in place, Bolt delivered its most efficient results to date:
A remarkable 97% increase in return on ad spend 1
3.6x as many in-app ride purchases 1
54% lower cost per purchase 1
2x as many app installs 1
Bolt’s campaign showed what’s possible when strategy, speed, and cultural fluency line up. By investing in always-on creative, embracing local storytelling, and meeting users where they scroll, the brand delivered measurable impact across the board.
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