What Is Snapchat: How It Works and What It's Used For

Snapchat is an ephemeral messaging app where photos and videos disappear a few seconds after being opened.

It's free and available on iOS and Android, and especially popular among people under 35.

What is Snapchat?

Snapchat is a messaging and ephemeral content-sharing app. It was created by Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy, two university students Stanford, and launched in September 2011.

This social network lets you send photos and videos called snaps, who automatically disappear after being read.

It is this fleeting quality that sets it apart Snapchat ofInstagram or of Facebook, where content remains visible indefinitely.

You take a photo or a video, then add filters and add effects, then send the snap to your friends. Many people use this app to make selfies and share their daily lives spontaneously. The app is also available on PC in addition to the cell phone.

How does Snapchat work?

Snapchat is organized around a main screen divided into several tabs. The camera opens immediately when you launch the app. That's where it all starts.

Send a snap

Take a photo or record a video, then add effects, text, or filters, then you choose who to send the snap to.

Once opened, the content disappears in a few seconds. If your contact takes a screenshot, you'll receive a notification.

Stories

The stories let you share photos and videos that are visible for 24 heures from your contacts. They accumulate in your profile and disappear automatically after that time. It's a way to share what your day is like without sending individual snaps.

The messages

You can send posts Send messages to your friends directly from the app's chat section.

By default, text messages disappear after you read them, but you can change the chat settings to keep them for 24 hours or longer.

The Snap Map

The Snap Map is an interactive map that shows where your friends are in real time. You can control who can see your location in the settings. This feature is disabled if you switch to ghost mode.

Spotlight and Discover

Spotlight is the short videos section of Snapchat, following the same model as TikTok. There, you can explore public content and share your own. The section Discover features articles, videos, and content from media outlets and partner brands.

Memories

Memories is the app's private storage space. It saves your old snaps and photos so you can find them later or share them again.

Snapchat's Unique Features

• The snaps are visible only to your friends and disappear after a few seconds after opening.
• The stories allow you to share content that is visible for 24 heures before disappearing.
• The posts The text also disappears after being read.
• The augmented reality offers a wide variety of effects and filters to add to your photos and videos.
• The geofilters are tied to a specific location and let your friends know where you're sending your Snaps from.
• The Snap Map displays your contacts' locations in real time on a map.

Among the most popular filters, you'll find the animated filters and the game's cat filters.

How do I download Snapchat and create an account?

Download the app Snapchat It's simple and free. Here's how to do it, depending on your phone.

On Android

Open the Play Store, search Snapchat and tap Install. The app will download in a few seconds.

On iOS

Open the’App Store, search Snapchat and tap "Get." The installation is quick.

Create an account

Launch the app and tap Create an account. Enter your first name, last name, and date of birth, and choose a unique username.

Your friends will be able to see this name so they can find you and add you. You'll then verify your phone number or email address to complete the account creation process.

Please note: The app is prohibited for under 13 years old.

Snapchat Terms You Should Know

Some terms specific to this platform may be confusing at first. Here are the main ones you should know.

• Snap : a photo or video that disappears after a short time, sent to one or more friends.
• Story : content that your contacts can see for 24 hours.
• Streak : a series of snaps exchanged every day with the same friend. The longer the series, the higher the number displayed.
• Score : a number that reflects your activity on the app (snaps sent and received).
• Quick Add : a feature that suggests people to add based on your mutual contacts.
• Ghost Mode : a setting that hides your location on the Snap Map.
• Bitmoji : a personalized avatar that represents you in the app.

Snapchat: Who Is It For?

Snapchat claims more than 800 million active users worldwide, according to the company's 2023 figures.

The audience is young: the 18-24 years old make up the dominant group, and the Ages 25–34 account for nearly a quarter of users. This social network is aimed primarily at under 35 years old.

For individuals

You can use Snapchat every day to stay in touch with your friends.

You send ephemeral photos and videos, and you share your day by story and you chat via posts. It's easy to use and designed for everyday mobile use.

For Brands

Snapchat is a useful tool for any communication strategy targeting a young audience.

If your brand targets 18-34 years, create a account makes sense. This platform lets you share short-form content and reach these users where they spend their time every day.

Dedicated ad formats allow brands to sponsor filters or appear in the section Discover, for example.

Privacy and Security on Snapchat

Even if Snaps disappear, there are real risks you should be aware of before letting young people use this platform.

• The Snap Map Share your location in real time. Turn on Ghost Mode if you don't want your contacts to be able to locate you.
• Anyone can make a screenshot of your Snaps. You get a notification, but the content has already been saved.
• Parameter Who can contact me? : Set it to “My Friends” to avoid messages from unknown accounts.
• The data The data collected by the app includes your location, your contacts, and your history. Check the privacy settings to limit this sharing.

Do your kids spend a lot of time on the app? Check out our article on why Snapchat is bad to better regulate their use.

What are the pros and cons of Snapchat?

Like most social media platforms, Snapchat has its strengths and limitations.

Does Snapchat cost money?

No, Snapchat is free. You can download the app for free from the Play Store (Android) or the’App Store (iOS). Sending snaps, posting a story, or chatting via messages is free.

There is, however, a paid option: Snapchat+.

This optional subscription is available for around €3.99 per month (with discounts for annual subscriptions) and provides access to exclusive customization options. It unlocks exclusive features, though it is not essential for using the platform on a daily basis.

Among these options, you'll find the subscriber badge, custom themes for the chat screen, colors for cat customization options and an extensive list of best friends. That's enough to personalize your account without really changing its basic functionality.

To see the exact rate applied to your phone, open the settings for Snapchat and tap the button Snapchat+ : The amount shown is what you will be billed.

Snapchat vs. Instagram vs. Facebook: What Are the Differences?

These three social media platforms are used differently. Here's how to tell them apart at a glance.

If you're looking to share spontaneous moments with your friends, Snapchat is the best choice. If you want to improve your image or discover new content, Instagram is a better fit. Facebook remains the go-to platform for groups and events.