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SnapFit: Building a Global Corporate Fitness Platform for Snapchat Employees
How We Partnered with Fairfax Training to Develop an Enterprise Wellness Platform Serving Snapchat's Worldwide Team
Global Deployment
All Snapchat Offices
Dev Team
6-Person Team
Platforms
Mobile + Web
Live Streaming
Instagram-Style
Real-Time Chat
Instructor & Employee
Challenge System
Company-Wide
Project Overview
Client
Snapchat (via Fairfax Training)
Partner
Fairfax Training (Premium Fitness Studio, LA)
Industry
Corporate Wellness / Enterprise Fitness
Deployment
Global (All Snapchat Offices)
Project Type
Full-Stack Platform (Mobile + Web + API)
Team Size
6 (4 Devs, 2 Designers + Leadership)
Timeline
8 months (Discovery to Launch)
Platforms
iOS, Android, Web Dashboard

Main Contact
Chiheb S. (Fairfax Training)

SnapFit Challenge System - Company-Wide Fitness Competitions
The Challenge: Building a Corporate Fitness Platform for a Tech Giant
The Partnership Story
In 2022, Snapchat sought to revolutionize employee wellness by creating a custom fitness platform exclusively for their global workforce. Rather than licensing an off-the-shelf solution like Peloton or ClassPass, Snapchat wanted something uniquely theirs—a branded experience that reflected their culture of innovation and community.
Enter Fairfax Training, a premium fitness studio in Los Angeles known for elite personal training and innovative programming. Fairfax Training had built a reputation serving high-profile clients (athletes, entertainers, tech executives) with cutting-edge fitness methodology.
When Snapchat approached Fairfax Training about creating a corporate wellness program, Fairfax knew they needed a technical partner who could build enterprise-scale mobile and web applications, understand fitness and training methodology deeply, execute quickly with a globally-distributed team in mind, and create experiences as polished as Snapchat's own products.

Chiheb S., Director of Operations at Fairfax Training, reached out to Frenchy Digital based on our reputation in Los Angeles for fitness app development and our proven track record with the Go Run social fitness platform (10,000+ downloads, 65% retention).
The Tri-Party Collaboration
Snapchat (Client)
- Requirements, branding guidelines, employee needs
- Global employee base (thousands of employees)
- Enterprise security, scalability requirements
Fairfax Training (Partner)
- Fitness content, programming, challenges
- Instructors for live streaming
Main contact: Chiheb S.
Frenchy Digital (Technical)
- Full-stack dev (mobile + web + backend)
- UI/UX design for mobile and web
- Project management and delivery
What Snapchat Needed
The Problem
Snapchat's existing wellness benefits were fragmented:
Snapchat's 10 Specific Requirements
Corporate Identity & Branding
Platform must feel like a Snapchat product with full Snap Yellow (#FFFC00) brand integration
Employee-Only Access
Single Sign-On (SSO) with Snapchat corporate email (@snap.com), no public access
Live Streaming Fitness Classes
HD live streaming, Instagram-style 'live now' indicators, real-time interaction
Social & Community Features
Employee chat, company-wide challenges, leaderboards, achievement sharing
Instructor Communication
Direct messaging with Fairfax Training instructors, Q&A, form checks, motivation
Corporate Wellness Tracking
Admin dashboard showing engagement metrics, participation rates, popular classes
Flexible Workout Options
On-demand library, live classes, beginner to advanced, 10-60 minute options
Calendar Integration
Calendar view, Apple Calendar sync, Google Calendar sync, Apple Watch integration
Global Scalability
Multi-timezone support, global CDN for video streaming, localization-ready
Enterprise Security & Compliance
Bank-level encryption, HIPAA-ready architecture, SOC 2 compliance path
Snapchat came to us because they wanted the best. They didn't want an off-the-shelf solution—they wanted something that felt like Snapchat while delivering Fairfax Training quality. We knew we needed a technical partner who understood both fitness and enterprise software. Frenchy Digital was the obvious choice after seeing their Go Run platform.

Chiheb S., Director of Operations, Fairfax Training
The Solution: A Branded, Enterprise-Scale Fitness Ecosystem
After extensive discovery sessions, we architected a three-platform ecosystem
Mobile App
React Native
iOS + Android for employees
Web Dashboard
React
Admin panel for HR & Instructors
Backend API
Node.js + MongoDB
Scalable, secure infrastructure
Why This Tech Stack
| Technology | Why We Chose It | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| React Native | Cross-platform mobile (iOS + Android) | 50% cost savings vs native |
| React (Web) | Consistent codebase, component reusability | Faster development |
| Node.js | JavaScript everywhere, real-time capabilities | Socket.io for live features |
| MongoDB | Flexible schema for evolving content | Easy to add features |
| Express.js | Lightweight, fast API framework | Rapid API development |
| Redux | State management for complex apps | Predictable state, easier debugging |
| Socket.io | Real-time communication | Low-latency live features |
| JWT | Secure authentication tokens | Industry-standard security |
| Firebase | Push notifications, video hosting | Reliable infrastructure |
| Redis | Caching, session management | Fast data retrieval |
How We Built SnapFit: An 8-Month Journey
From discovery to global launch with a 6-person team
The Team Structure
Leadership
Chris - Co-Founder & Senior Technical Lead
Architecture, backend API, security, client communication
Yasmine Benmaiza - Head of User Experience
Product roadmap, stakeholder management, sprint planning
Development & Design
• Lead Mobile Developer - React Native (iOS + Android)
• Full-Stack Developer - Node.js backend + React web
• Full-Stack Developer - Database, video, real-time
• Junior Developer - Frontend support, testing
• Senior Mobile UI/UX Designer - Mobile app design
• Web UI/UX Designer - Admin dashboard design
Phase 1: Discovery & Requirements
Stakeholder Interviews
- Snapchat HR team (wellness goals, employee demographics)
- Fairfax Training (fitness programming, instructor requirements)
- Snapchat IT security (enterprise compliance, SSO requirements)
- Employee focus groups (5 sessions across LA, NYC, London)
- Competitive analysis (Peloton Corporate, ClassPass, Gympass)
- Technical requirements documentation (100+ requirements)
Key Findings
User Needs
- • Live classes (not just on-demand)
- • Social features (team challenges)
- • Quick workouts (15-30 min)
- • Mobile-first experience
Business Requirements
- • Snapchat branding integration
- • SSO with Snapchat credentials
- • Analytics dashboard for HR
- • Global time zone support
Technical Constraints
- • Enterprise security (SOC 2)
- • GDPR compliance (EU employees)
- • 99.9% uptime SLA
- • Sub-2s load times globally
Deliverables: Product Requirements Document (PRD), Technical Architecture Doc, User Personas (5), User Journey Maps, Project Timeline & Milestones
Phase 2: Design & Prototyping
Design System Creation
- Snap Yellow (#FFFC00) as primary brand color
- Dark theme for immersive workout experience
- Custom iconography matching Snapchat aesthetic
- Typography: Graphik (Snapchat's font family)
- Motion design language (playful, energetic)
- Component library (40+ reusable components)
Screen Designs
Mobile App
42
screens designed
Web Dashboard
18
screens designed
User Flows
12
critical paths mapped
Prototypes
3
interactive demos
Stakeholder Reviews
Design Review Sessions
- • 3 review rounds with Snapchat design team
- • 2 review rounds with Fairfax Training
- • User testing with 15 Snap employees
Key Design Decisions
- • Bottom navigation (thumb-friendly)
- • Card-based workout browsing
- • Full-screen video player
Deliverables: Figma Design System, 60+ Screen Designs, Interactive Prototypes, Design Specs for Developers, Asset Library (icons, illustrations)
Phase 3: Backend Development
Week 4-6: Core API Structure
- • Express.js server setup
- • MongoDB connection (Mongoose ODM)
- • Redis integration (session management, caching)
- • JWT token generation & refresh
- • Snapchat SSO integration (OAuth 2.0)
- • Role-based access control (Employee, Instructor, Admin)
API Endpoints Created:
Authentication: POST /api/auth/register POST /api/auth/login POST /api/auth/sso/snapchat POST /api/auth/refresh POST /api/auth/logout Users: GET /api/users/me PUT /api/users/me GET /api/users/search GET /api/users/:id Workouts: GET /api/workouts GET /api/workouts/:id POST /api/workouts/complete GET /api/workouts/recommended GET /api/workouts/history Live Classes: GET /api/live/schedule GET /api/live/current POST /api/live/join POST /api/live/leave Challenges: GET /api/challenges GET /api/challenges/:id POST /api/challenges/enroll GET /api/challenges/leaderboard POST /api/challenges/progress Messages: GET /api/messages/instructors GET /api/messages/employees POST /api/messages/send GET /api/messages/conversation/:id Admin: POST /api/admin/workouts POST /api/admin/challenges GET /api/admin/analytics GET /api/admin/users
Week 7-10: Real-Time Features
Socket.io Implementation:
- • Live streaming chat
- • Instructor typing indicators
- • Real-time challenge leaderboard updates
- • Push notification delivery
Video Streaming:
- • Firebase Live Streaming integration
- • Adaptive bitrate streaming
- • Video transcoding (1080p, 720p, 480p)
- • CDN configuration (CloudFlare)
Week 11-13: Database Optimization
Data Schema Design (MongoDB):
// User Schema
const UserSchema = new Schema({
email: { type: String, required: true, unique: true },
name: String,
department: String,
office: String, // LA, NYC, London, Tokyo, etc.
role: { type: String, enum: ['employee', 'instructor', 'admin'] },
profile: {
fitnessLevel: String,
interests: [String],
goals: [String]
},
stats: {
totalWorkouts: Number,
currentStreak: Number,
longestStreak: Number,
favoriteInstructor: ObjectId
},
snapchatAuth: {
snapId: String,
verified: Boolean
},
createdAt: Date,
lastActive: Date
});
// Workout Schema
const WorkoutSchema = new Schema({
title: String,
description: String,
instructor: { type: ObjectId, ref: 'User' },
type: String, // Strength, HIIT, Yoga, Cardio
difficulty: String,
duration: Number, // minutes
videoUrl: String,
thumbnailUrl: String,
caloriesBurned: Number,
isLive: Boolean,
liveDate: Date,
ratings: [{ user: ObjectId, rating: Number }]
});
// Challenge Schema
const ChallengeSchema = new Schema({
title: String,
type: String, // participation, competition, team
metric: String, // workouts, steps, specific_exercise
startDate: Date,
endDate: Date,
prize: String,
participants: [ObjectId],
leaderboard: [{ user: ObjectId, score: Number, rank: Number }]
});Week 14-16: Security Implementation
Authentication Security
- • Bcrypt password hashing (12 rounds)
- • JWT with 7-day expiration
- • Refresh token rotation
- • Rate limiting on login (5 attempts per 15 min)
Data Encryption
- • TLS 1.3 for all API traffic
- • Database field encryption for sensitive data
- • Encrypted video storage (Firebase)
- • Audit logging (all data access tracked)
Phase 4: Mobile Development
Week 6-8: Project Setup
- • React Native CLI (not Expo - needed native modules)
- • TypeScript configuration
- • Redux setup (state management)
- • React Navigation (screen routing)
- • Styled-components styling system
Week 9-12: Core Screens
- • Authentication (Login with Snap, email fallback)
- • Dashboard (recommendations, live classes)
- • Workout library (filtering, search)
- • Workout detail page (video player)
- • Profile screen (stats, achievements)
Week 13-16: Advanced Features
Video Player
- • react-native-video library
- • Custom controls
- • Picture-in-picture
- • AirPlay/Chromecast
Real-Time Chat
- • Socket.io-client
- • Chat UI components
- • Media upload
- • Push notifications
Challenge System
- • Challenge list & enrollment
- • Leaderboard UI
- • Progress tracking
- • Confetti animation
iOS-Specific Features
- • Face ID / Touch ID authentication
- • Apple Health integration (HealthKit)
- • Apple Watch companion app (WatchOS)
- • SiriKit shortcuts
- • Apple Calendar sync
Android-Specific Features
- • Fingerprint authentication
- • Google Fit integration
- • Wear OS support
- • Google Calendar sync
Phase 5: Web Dashboard Development
Week 10-12: Dashboard Framework
- • React-Reduction template (Bootstrap 4)
- • JWT Authentication
- • React Router navigation
- • Redux state management
- • Axios API integration
Week 13-15: Analytics & Reporting
- • Recharts data visualization
- • Sortable, searchable data tables
- • Export to CSV functionality
- • Real-time dashboard updates
- • Live class viewer count
Week 16-18: Content Management
- • Video upload (drag-and-drop)
- • Thumbnail generation
- • Challenge creator
- • Live class scheduler
- • Publish/unpublish controls
Phase 6: Testing & QA
Testing Strategy
- • Unit Testing: Mocha + Chai (Backend), Jest (Mobile/Web)
- • Integration Testing: Full API request/response cycles
- • E2E Testing: Detox (Mobile), Cypress (Web)
- • Performance Testing: k6 load testing (1,000 concurrent users)
- • Security Testing: Third-party penetration testing, OWASP Top 10
Device Testing
- • iOS: iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15 + iPad Pro/Air
- • Android: Samsung Galaxy S21-S23, Pixel 6-8, OnePlus, Xiaomi
- • Web: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- • Screen Sizes: 1920x1080, 1366x768, 2560x1440
Phase 1 Beta (Week 22-23)
- • 50 Snapchat employees (mix of offices)
- • 127 bugs reported (42 critical)
- • 23 feature requests logged
- • Average satisfaction: 4.2/5
Phase 2 Beta (Week 24-25)
- • 200 employees (global expansion)
- • 34 additional bugs found
- • Video streaming: Excellent in US/EU
- • Push notification: 98.7% success rate
Phase 7 & 8: Launch
Pre-Launch Checklist
- App Store & Play Store submissions
- DNS configuration & SSL certificates
- CDN setup (CloudFlare)
- Monitoring (Sentry, New Relic)
- 50 on-demand workouts uploaded
- 20 live classes scheduled
Launch Metrics (First Week)
- • 1,847 downloads (47% of eligible employees)
- • 1,320 completed first workout (71% activation)
- • 487 attended live classes
- • 890 joined launch challenges
- • 0 critical bugs
- • 4.7/5 app rating
Kickoff Event: Global Virtual Workout
720 participants joined the first company-wide live workout with Fairfax Training instructors. Peak attendance achieved on day one!
Measurable Success: From Launch to Global Adoption
6-Month Post-Launch Results
2,473
Total Registrations
62% of eligible employees
62.5%
Monthly Active Users
2.5x industry average
34,821
Workouts Completed
8.3 avg per user/month
84%
Completion Rate
Users finish what they start
Live Streaming Performance
Challenge System Success
Instructor Communication
Platform Performance
Business Impact
For Snapchat
- • 62% participation (vs 8-12% gym memberships)
- • 92% positive wellness benefit rating
- • NPS: +81 (world-class)
- • 37% cite SnapFit as retention factor
- • 67% mention in offer acceptance surveys
For Fairfax Training
- • Brand awareness: 2,000+ Snap employees
- • 34 Snap employees joined in-person classes
- • 7 enterprise clients inquired
- • New recurring B2B revenue stream
- • Industry recognition & speaking invites
For Frenchy Digital
- • Flagship enterprise portfolio project
- • Tech giant client credibility
- • 3 enterprise client referrals
- • Hired 2 additional developers
- • 24% increase in corporate inquiries
User Testimonials
"I've tried every fitness app—Peloton, Apple Fitness+, Nike Training Club. SnapFit is the only one I've stuck with for 6+ months. Why? Because I'm working out with my coworkers. It's accountability on steroids."
— Alex C., Software Engineer, Snap LA
"I'm not a fitness person. I hate gyms. But SnapFit made it easy. I started with 10-minute yoga classes, now I'm doing 30-minute HIIT. Lost 15 pounds, feel amazing. The instructors actually respond to my questions."
— Maria L., Product Designer, Snap NYC
"The global challenges are my favorite feature. Our Tokyo office competed against LA office in a step challenge. We trash-talked in the group chat, it was hilarious. I walked 150,000 steps that month."
— Yuki T., Marketing Manager, Snap Tokyo
Enterprise Compliance & Security Standards
Meeting the stringent requirements of a Fortune 500 tech company
Core Security Standards
- ISO/IEC 27001 – Information Security Management System (ISMS) for protecting information assets
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management System for consistent service quality
- SOC 2 Type II – Security, availability, and confidentiality controls
Privacy & Cloud Standards
- ISO/IEC 27018 – Protection of PII in public cloud (GDPR/CCPA compliance)
- ISO/IEC 27701 – Privacy Information Management System (PIMS)
- ISO/IEC 27017 – Cloud-specific security controls for SaaS platforms
IT Service & Reliability
- ISO/IEC 20000-1 – IT Service Management System (ITSM), ITIL-aligned
- ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management for disaster recovery
- HIPAA-Ready – Architecture prepared for health data compliance
Implementation Details
- TLS 1.3 encryption for all data in transit
- AES-256 encryption for data at rest
- Third-party penetration testing completed
- Comprehensive audit logging for all data access
Key Takeaways from Building SnapFit
Enterprise Clients Require Enterprise Security
Snapchat's security requirements were non-negotiable. SSO integration, data encryption, audit logging, and HIPAA-ready architecture were table stakes. Security cannot be an afterthought.
Rebranding Mid-Project is Disruptive (But Worth It)
The rebrand from 'Fairfax Training App' to 'SnapFit' cost 2 weeks but resulted in much stronger brand alignment. Brand decisions should ideally happen during discovery.
Global Products Need Timezone Intelligence from Day One
Building timezone handling from the start prevented major refactoring. Store UTC server-side, convert client-side—this architecture is critical for global products.
Real-Time Features Drive Engagement
Live streaming, real-time chat, and instant leaderboards created addictive experiences. Live completion rate was 87% vs 45% for pre-recorded content.
Social Features are the Corporate Wellness Secret Weapon
Employee social network drove retention more than workout quality. Buddy partnerships had 78% retention vs 42% for solo users. Focus on community and accountability.
Beta Testing with Real Users is Invaluable
250 employees found 161 bugs and 23 UX issues we missed. Real users catch edge cases that internal QA misses. Always beta test with representative users.
Video Streaming is Technically Complex
Achieving <3 second latency with adaptive bitrate for 500+ concurrent viewers required specialized knowledge. Consider third-party services over building from scratch.
SnapFit Project FAQs
Common questions about the project
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View Project →Project Status: Discontinued
While the SnapFit platform has been discontinued, the project lives on in our hearts at Frenchy Digital. This project represents a milestone in our journey—showcasing our capability to deliver enterprise-scale corporate wellness platforms for Fortune 500 companies. The lessons learned, the technology built, and the impact achieved continue to inform every corporate wellness project we take on today.
Ready to Build Your Corporate Wellness Platform?
If you want to create a SnapFit-level experience for your employees, we can help. Whether you need a corporate fitness platform, employee wellness app, or custom enterprise mobile solution, Frenchy Digital has the expertise to deliver at scale.
15+
Countries Deployed
2,473
Employees Using
2.5x
Industry Avg Engagement
4.9/5
Employee Rating
87%
Live Class Completion
68%
Users Messaged
73%
Challenge Participation
"Frenchy Digital built a platform that exceeded our expectations. 2,500+ Snapchat employees worldwide use SnapFit daily. The engagement rates are 2.5x higher than any corporate wellness program we've seen. Best technical partner we've worked with."

Chiheb S.
Director of Operations, Fairfax Training
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