Snapchat is more than just an app for posting photos and videos. The social network has innovated by introducing the concept of “temporary content”, which automatically disappears after 24 hours.
The platform also stands out for its exclusive filters that allow you to customize each Snapchat Planets. The feature has captured the attention of younger audiences, encouraging the sharing of authentic, everyday moments in a more spontaneous way.
It is worth mentioning that the idea of Stories, which became popular on Instagram, was inspired by the feature available on Snapchat since 2013. It is worth remembering that content that expires after 24 hours only arrived on Meta’s social network in 2016.
Discover more about Snapchat, its app features , and the company behind the social network.
What is Snapchat?
Snapchat is a social media app launched in 2011 that allows users to share photos and videos that disappear after viewing. The app has captured the attention of young people who were looking for ways to express themselves more spontaneously and privately.
One of the attractions of Snapchat Planets Order is the filters that allow users to create creative and fun content. In addition, the Stories tool allows you to share sequences of photos and videos that are only available for 24 hours.
The app, available for Android, iOS and PC, also offers other functions in an intuitive interface. For example, connecting with friends, celebrities and influencers, sending direct messages and an area for discovering new Snaps.
What does Snapchat mean?
Snapchat is a combination of the words snap (which means something sudden and the sound of a camera shutter, in English) and chat (conversation or chat, in English). The name reflects the social network’s proposal to offer quick interactions through images that disappear in a short time.
Who is the company behind Snapchat?
Snapchat is a social network developed by Snap Inc, a company founded by Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy in 2011. The technology company, initially called Snapchat Inc, adopted its current name in 2016.
Although it is known as the company behind Snapchat, Snap Inc defines itself as a camera brand. According to the company’s own description, the goal is to “reinvent photography equipment and improve how people live and communicate”.
In addition to Snapchat, Snap Inc owns other companies and invests in technology projects:
- Bitmoji: application for creating personalized emojis and avatars.
- Zenly: location sharing app with friends and family.
- Spectacles: brand specialized in smart glasses and augmented reality created after the acquisition of Vergence Labs in 2016.
- Pixy: compact drone created to record selfies on Snapchat. Launched in April 2022, the product was discontinued just four months after its debut on the market.
How does Snapchat work?
Snapchat is a social network focused on sharing everyday moments in a quick and fun way. You can use photos and videos, called Snaps, add filters and create creative and personalized content.
Unlike most social networks, Snaps disappear after being viewed by other users or after 24 hours if added to Stories. This feature transforms the app into a space for more spontaneous and authentic interactions.
How to use Snapchat?
To use Snapchat, you need to have a free account linked to your email or phone number. This way, you can access the social network and follow posts from friends, brands, influencers, and other profiles.
You can also create photos and short videos, known as Snaps, add filters, and share them to Stories, with the view expiring after 24 hours. You can also explore the Snap Map and Spotlight features to find new content.
What are the features of Snapchat?
Snapchat offers a wide variety of features to its users. Here are some of the main ones:
- Snaps: Photos or videos sent directly to friends or shared in Stories that expire after viewing or after 24 hours. The feature allows you to use filters and other editing elements.
- Stories: timeline with Snaps shared by the profiles you follow on the social network.
- Bitmoji: Fully customizable animated avatar that represents Snapchat users instead of a profile picture.
- Spotlight: selection of popular Stories produced by other users, brands and influencers.
- Snap Map: A tool where users use Snaps to share their location.
- Geofilters: special filters based on the location where the person takes the Snaps.
- Chat: space for exchanging text, voice and video messages with other users or groups.
- Snapchat AI: ChatGPT-based chatbot embedded in the Chat space, used to guide the user with a personalized experience.
- Memories: A feature that allows users to save their Snaps and Stories to view or share at a later time, and organize the content into albums.
Is Snapchat free?
Yes, Snapchat is free for all users. The basic version offers a wide range of features, such as the ability to send photos and videos that expire after 24 hours, add filters to images, and chat with friends.
The social network has a premium subscription called Snapchat Plus. The paid plan gives access to exclusive features, such as greater customization of the app, special filters, metrics tools and early access to new features.
What is Snapchat’s relationship with Instagram?
Snapchat was the pioneering social network in sharing temporary content. For example, the Stories feature, which allows photos and videos to disappear after 24 hours, was launched by the platform in 2013.
This feature caught the attention of Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, who attempted to acquire Snap Inc in 2013, but the proposal was rejected. Since then, Instagram has gone on to implement features similar to Snapchat, such as Instagram Stories in 2016.
The launch of Stories on Instagram, for example, sparked a debate about the originality of the feature. Some experts accused Instagram of “copying” Snapchat, while others cited the idea that the feature would be a way to validate the success of its rival’s concept.
