The popularity of Snapchat has skyrocketed since its 2011 launch. And Snapchat is especially popular with younger generations. However, you may find the whole thing a little confusing.
So, what is Snapchat? How does Snapchat work? And is Snapchat right for you? In this article, we answer all of these questions and more.
What Is Snapchat?
Snapchat is a multimedia app that can be used on smartphones running Android or iOS. It allows you to send pictures or videos, named "Snaps," to friends. These Snaps vanish after they've been viewed.
The platform also offers a Chat function, similar to instant messaging services like WhatsApp. The main difference, however, is that, as with Snaps, Chats disappear once they've been viewed.
You can change your settings so Chats vanish 24 hours after opening instead. They can also be saved by tapping once on the message; either user in the conversation can delete Chats by tapping again.
You can set time limits on Snaps or they can loop infinitely. If you choose the latter option, they can be saved in the Chat screen.
Nonetheless, the whole point of Snapchat is that anything sent soon disappears.
Publications also use it to circulate specific content, like short articles and image-centric stories. That means it's also a good way of keeping up-to-date with news (particularly related to the entertainment industry).
How Does Snapchat Work?
Once you download Snapchat from the App Store or Google Play, you need to sign up using your email address. It will require your name, date of birth, and phone number. You also need to pick a username and password. Despite what it says, you can change your Snapchat username, although it's a little tricky so it's best to find one and stick with it.
Snapchat needs access to your camera so you can capture images or videos. You can switch between your front- and rear-facing cameras using the icon at the top right. Press the button at the bottom of your screen to take a photo or hold it down to take a video.
The sender can set a time limit or let it loop continuously. Once the recipient sees your Snap and navigates away from it, it disappears.
There are three main interfaces. The camera screen opens when you click on the app. Discover is found to the right of this and displays new Stories from contacts and articles from publications. Finally, the Chat function, which also lists your friends, is located to the left of your camera screen.
To Chat with someone, just tap on their name and type. You can also send a Snap, emoji, or photo from your Camera Roll in Chat threads.
Of course, its functionality extends beyond this to include things like Lenses, Memories, and Group Chats. Newbies should learn common Snapchat lingo before moving onto advanced skills.
How Can You Add Friends on Snapchat?
After signing up, Snapchat asks for permission to access your address book. You can do this and manually accept any contacts also using the app.
Alternatively, talk to your friends. They can either give you their username or share a Snapcode, which is like a QR code you scan and automatically add. Snapchat will also suggest people to add based on mutual friends.
Find out your Snapcode by clicking on your profile, found at the top left of your camera screen.
What Age Is Snapchat Appropriate For?
Snapchat asks your date of birth when you sign up. You have to be 13 to use Snapchat.
SnapKidz used to cater for a younger crowd. It allowed children to take Snaps, draw, and make captions, but stored them locally on their device. However, it's now no longer supported, so youngsters will need to wait until they're 13 to join regardless.
Naturally, anyone desperate enough to use Snapchat properly can pretend to be older, though we don't advocate that.
Snapchat is most popular with millennials and younger. 69 percent of US teens say they use Snapchat every day, meaning the platform boasts some 280 million daily active users.
Why Do Teenagers Love Snapchat?
There's a strong argument that Snapchat is the new Facebook. It's certainly seen the same meteoric rise in popularity Mark Zuckerberg's company did in its heyday.
In many ways, Snapchat exists as the antithesis of traditional social networks. Some people use it precisely because it goes against what was popularized by previous generations—it's about kids discovering a new means of expression.
Facebook is a repository of memories; it keeps your photos safe, reminds you of status updates from five years ago, and mawkishly builds communities. Instagram encourages you to look great and have a perfect life to show off to all your followers.
Snapchat feels more spontaneous. It doesn't sentimentalize, though you can save to your Camera Roll or Memories.
It's a simple way of staying in touch with friends without having to be too on the ball. Sending a Snap or Chat is quick and easy, and lets you tell your peers that you're thinking of them.
Is Snapchat Full of p*rn?
Anything sent between users vanishes. It's this function that makes people associate the app with adult material: users can send Not-Safe-For Work (NSFW) images, thinking that the recipient can't save them or show anyone else.
Fortunately, only a very small percentage of people use Snapchat in this way. Of course, the adult industry thrives on many platforms, and there certainly is a seedier side to Snapchat. But rest assured, it's only a small part of Snapchat.
What do users share on Snapchat? This is social media, so expect photos of cats and dogs. Expect selfies. Expect vacation photos.
So is Snapchat safe to use? Yes. Snapchat could be used for NSFW purposes—but no more so than any other social network or online platform. For most people, it's not something you should worry about.
Should You Download Snapchat?
You've probably already made up your mind. After learning what Snapchat's all about, you're likely either intrigued or questioning its existence.
If you're in your teens or 20s, you're sure to know people already using Snapchat. The app is geared towards younger generations. This also means it's a great tool for businesses looking to capitalize on the 18 to 34 demographic, although there's nothing as cringeworthy as a company trying to appear "hip".
With that in mind, don't download the app and immediately add your kids. They won't want to share their Stories with you, even if there's nothing embarrassing about them. Try to stay within your own age range.
However, our smartphones are there to entertain and help us keep in touch. Snapchat achieves that. It's a fun service that lets you quickly capture moments without spending too long on social media. Is there really any harm in giving it a go?
And if you decide it's not for you, you can always stop using it and delete the app.
Become a Snapchat Pro
Now you know how Snapchat works! If you do decide Snapchat is for you, it won't take long before you're using Snapchat on a daily basis. On average, users spend more than 30 minutes a day on Snapchat, and send 2,083,333 Snaps every minute!
If you think Snapchat's right for you, get on board.
