{"id":4511,"date":"2013-09-10T19:57:31","date_gmt":"2013-09-10T19:57:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/snapchat\/"},"modified":"2024-03-19T17:53:59","modified_gmt":"2024-03-19T17:53:59","slug":"snapchat","status":"publish","type":"definition","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5471\/snapchat","title":{"rendered":"SnapChat"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is Snapchat?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Snapchat is an innovative social media<\/a> app<\/a> that changed the way we communicate online by letting users send pictures, videos, and texts that disappear after being seen. It is available on mobile and on Snapchat web<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Created by Snap Inc. and launched in 2011, it is known for its short-lived content. Snapchat encourages real, spontaneous sharing among its users. It has grown to include features like Stories, which last for 24 hours, creative filters and lenses, and the Discover section, where users can find content from media partners and creators. It’s especially popular with younger people, making it a key place for sharing lively, instant content and staying connected.<\/p>\n

Techopedia Explains the Snapchat Meaning<\/h3>\n

\"Techopedia<\/p>\n

Here, we delve deeper into the Snapchat definition, highlighting how it differs from other social media platforms.<\/p>\n

At its core, Snapchat shifts our digital communication perspective, enhancing Snapchat’s meaning by moving away from the permanence and polished selves seen on other social networks. Snapchat values quick, true-to-life shares, embracing the brief nature of real moments. Beyond just chatting with friends, it provides innovative opportunities for businesses and creators to connect with people through engaging, timely content.<\/p>\n

Snapchat stands out by mixing fun and functionality, changing how we interact socially online.<\/p>\n

History of Snapchat<\/span><\/h2>\n

Snapchat’s story began in 2011, created by Stanford University students Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown. Originally called “Picaboo,” it was quickly renamed Snapchat, marking the start of a significant shift in digital communication. The app brought a fresh idea to the table: messages, photos, and videos that disappear shortly after being viewed, challenging the usual expectation that online content should last forever.<\/p>\n

This concept quickly caught on, particularly among younger people who appreciated the app’s encouragement of spontaneous and free expression. As Snapchat grew, it kept innovating.<\/p>\n

In 2013, it introduced Stories, allowing users to share content that lasts 24 hours.<\/p>\n

Then, in 2015, it added Lenses, which are fun, real-time effects for photos and videos. These new features didn’t just make the app more enjoyable for users; they also created new opportunities for advertisers and content makers.<\/p>\n

Even with new social media platforms appearing and adding similar features, Snapchat has stayed in the game by continually updating and introducing new technologies. For example, it launched Spectacles<\/a>, smart glasses that record video for Snapchat and moved into augmented reality<\/a> (AR), showing its dedication to staying at the forefront of innovation.<\/p>\n

How Snapchat Works<\/span><\/h2>\n

Snapchat operates on a simple yet innovative premise, allowing users to share their moments using photos, videos, and messages that disappear after they’re seen. Users can add fun filters, lenses, text, and drawings to their Snaps through both the app and Snapchat web, making sharing even more creative. These Snaps can be sent to friends or added to the user’s Story, which stays visible for 24 hours, creating a lively and engaging experience.<\/p>\n

The app’s key feature, messages that vanish, highlights how brief moments can be, encouraging users to share more honestly and spontaneously. Snapchat also offers Discover, a specially chosen section where users can find content from well-known media brands, celebrities, and influencers, providing a variety of entertainment and information that caters to different tastes.<\/p>\n

Snapchat isn’t just for chatting with friends; it also provides unique advertising<\/a> options for businesses to connect with their audience in a creative way. This includes sponsored lenses, geofilters, and fullscreen video ads that make use of the app’s engaging and creative setting. The app is built to be easy to navigate, with simple gestures and swipes leading the way.<\/p>\n

Adding to the experience, Snapchat’s use of AR with features like AR lenses and Bitmoji avatars makes interactions even more immersive and personal.<\/p>\n

What Age is Snapchat Appropriate For?<\/h3>\n

Snapchat is officially suitable for users who are 13 years old and up, in line with the rules of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act<\/a> (COPPA).<\/p>\n

Nonetheless, it’s important for parents and guardians to carefully think about the type of content and features the app offers. This includes messages and stories that disappear after a short time, which may not be appropriate for all teens without proper guidance.<\/p>\n

Snapchat does have various privacy settings and policies aimed at keeping users safe, but it’s still vital for parents to actively monitor their children’s use of the app<\/a> and talk to them about staying safe online<\/a>. As parents navigate the app’s settings and features, understanding Snapchat pricing for premium features could also be relevant for family budgeting.<\/p>\n

Snapchat Features<\/span><\/h2>\n

Snapchat, a versatile social media app, provides a range of features aimed at enhancing how users interact and share moments from their lives. Understanding the app\u2019s features underlines Snapchat definition as an impromptu sharing platform.<\/p>\n

Here’s a breakdown of its main features:<\/p>\n

\"Snapchat
\n

\n
<\/span>Snaps<\/strong><\/div>
At the heart of Snapchat, Snaps are either photos or videos that can be sent to friends or added to Stories. Users can personalize these with various filters, lenses, and texts.<\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>Stories<\/strong><\/div>
These are collections of Snaps visible to friends for 24 hours, allowing users to share a day\u2019s events in an engaging sequence. <\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>Snapstreaks<\/strong><\/div>
This feature tracks the ongoing exchange of Snaps between two friends across consecutive days, promoting frequent interaction and strengthening friendships. <\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>Discover<\/strong><\/div>
Snapchat curates a mix of stories from media brands, celebrities, and influencers in this section, offering a blend of news, entertainment, and lifestyle content. <\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>Snap Map<\/strong><\/div>
This lets users share their location on a map, see where their friends are, and find live stories from around the world. <\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>Geofilters<\/strong><\/div>
Special filters based on location, allowing users to add a creative, place-specific layer to their Snaps. <\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>Lenses and Bitmoji<\/strong><\/div>
With augmented reality, Lenses bring real-time effects to photos and videos, while Bitmoji avatars offer a personal touch across Snapchat\u2019s features. <\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>Memories<\/strong><\/div>
Users can save their Snaps and Stories to view or share later, organizing them into albums. <\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>Chat<\/strong><\/div>
A messaging function that supports text, voice, and video for private or group conversations. <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n

These features are available on both the app and on Snapchat web. Snapchat continuously evolves, offering new and updated features that keep its form of communication fresh, creative, and aligned with its users’ preferences.<\/p>\n

Snapchat+<\/h3>\n

There is also Snapchat Plus<\/a>, which is a premium subscription that gives users access to special, experimental, and soon-to-be-released features. These exclusive features aim to make the Snapchat experience more personalized, with extra customization options, advanced features, and unique benefits. Some of these features can even be accessed through the Snapchat web.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a closer look at some of the key features of Snapchat Plus:<\/p>\n

\n
<\/span>Custom App Icons<\/strong><\/div>
Snapchat Plus members can customize their app icon, choosing from a variety of designs to make their home screen look more personal. <\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>Snapchat Plus Badge<\/strong><\/div>
A unique badge appears next to your name on your profile, showing off your Snapchat Plus membership. <\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>#1 Best Friend<\/strong><\/div>
This option lets you mark someone as your #1 BFF on Snapchat, making it simpler to keep them at the forefront of your Snapchat circle. <\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>Personalize Your App<\/strong><\/div>
With Snapchat Plus, you can tailor your app\u2019s look and feel with various options like Chat wallpapers, Bitmoji backgrounds, and even custom notification sounds. <\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>Early Access to Features<\/strong><\/div>
Members get to try the latest Snapchat features first before they’re available to everyone else. <\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>Better Story Insights<\/strong><\/div>
Snapchat Plus users can see who’s rewatched their Stories, giving insights into who’s most engaged. There\u2019s also a feature to increase your Stories’ visibility, helping you get more views. <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Snapchat Plus is designed for those looking to enrich their Snapchat experience with more control over how they use the app and interact with others. The subscription is regularly updated with new and exciting features, targeting users eager to get the most out of their Snapchat experience.<\/p>\n

Snapchat AI<\/span><\/h2>\n

Snapchat’s “My AI” is an advanced chatbot<\/a> feature embedded within the Snapchat app, also referred to simply as the Snapchat AI<\/a> bot. It utilizes the power of OpenAI<\/a>‘s ChatGPT<\/a> technology, enhanced with special safety features, to provide users with a tailored and interactive experience. Whether users are looking for quick trivia facts, planning a weekend adventure, or needing suggestions for dinner, My AI Snapchat is designed to help.<\/p>\n

However, it’s important to note that since this Snapchat AI feature is still developing, responses from Snapchat’s AI might sometimes be biased or inaccurate. Users should double-check the advice given by My AI Snapchat and avoid sharing sensitive details.<\/p>\n

Snapchat takes user privacy<\/a> seriously, ensuring all conversations with the Snapchat AI chatbot are securely stored. It also gives users easy options to erase their chat history if they choose to.<\/p>\n

In addition, Snapchat stresses the importance of transparency when sharing content created by AI, encouraging users to inform others when AI has played a part in their creations.<\/p>\n

How to Get Rid of My AI on Snapchat<\/h3>\n

To manage My AI Snapchat, it\u2019s important to note that you need to have a Snapchat+ subscription. With this subscription, you can unpin or remove this feature from your Chat Feed.<\/p>\n

Unpinning Snapchat AI<\/h4>\n