Snapchat acquires in-browser streaming video company

Snapchat has acquired AddLive to bolster its position in video calling. AddLive specializes in using WebRTC, which allows streaming video through browsers without the need for a user to install extensions or plug-ins.

AddLive has confirmed the acquisition to The Verge. The acquisition actually happened months ago, but both companies have kept it quiet. Details about the acquisition are not yet known. AddLive focused on the business market, among others, and advertised the possibility of quickly enabling real-time communication, without having to cost a lot of development time. The service is not limited to video: speech and text are also part of AddLives service package.

Snapchat has probably already used the knowledge gained during the acquisition for the introduction of its video platform. Last week, Snapchat released an update to its app, which includes quick video calling; the feature works with holding fingers on the screen. Snapchat has grown thanks to the ability to send messages that disappear after a few seconds. The app is estimated to have tens of millions of active users.