SrSnO3 nanostructures with different Ytterbium (Yb) concentrations are synthesized by chemical precipitation method. XRD and Ritveld refinement pattern confirm the formation of well crystalline orthorhombic perovskite structure. The calculated crystallite size, strain and lattice parameters values reveal the effect of dopant on Sr–Sn–O lattice. The chemical bonding, M − O vibrations, and variations in the local structural disorder was examined by vibrational spectroscopic analysis. Poly dispersed particles with rods like shape for pure and Yb-5% doped samples were identified. Oxidation states and oxygen vacancy of the prepared samples were analyzed by XPS studies. The UV–Visible spectra showed a steep absorption due to Yb interaction with the host lattice. The PL spectra showed a bluish-green emission evidenced the presence of vacancies such as oxygen. EPR studies confirm the role of Yb ions in the local environments. Room temperature magnetization studies demonstrated diamagnetic behavior in undoped sample and weak ferromagnetism for all the Yb doped SrSnO3 samples. Hence, the dopant (Yb) ions produce a change in the local structure, surface morphology and induced ferromagnetic behavior in Sr–Sn–O lattice. The induced ferromagnetic transition upon Yb doping was explained by defects and vacancies.