Introduction to Snapchat

Snapchat is a mobile messaging app that supports augmented reality image, video, and photo filters.

It has had an especially big impact on the youngest social media users. Over 400 million photos are shared on the platform each day. 

Essentially, Snapchat works almost like an instant messaging app, allowing users to add contacts and send photo and video messages to a single person or a group. What sets Snapchat apart is that the user selects how long the receiver will be able to see the message that is sent (from 1 to 10 seconds), before it is destroyed.

Snapchat users can take a photo, edit it, and send it to whoever they want, specifying the time that the other user will be able to view it. The receiver is notified that they have received a message, and can view it by clicking on the message. They will only be able to open it once, and only for the length of time specified by the sender.

This makes it more difficult for the receiving user to capture a screenshot of the content sent. 

Snapchat’s main advantage is that it allows quick, ephemeral, and imperfect sharing. Since messages are temporary, there is less of a tendency for users to become obsessed with creating the perfect content, as happens with some other platforms. 

Snapchat is mostly used to portray aspects of everyday life that aren’t seen as relevant enough to post on the internet permanently. It also has an integrated chat function, allowing users to send text messages. 

A short time ago, the platform released an update which allows users to connect via video call. The caveat of this feature is that in order for a video call to be made, the two users must both be active in the conversation at the same time.

The biggest imprint that Snapchat has left on social media was that it popularized the practice of sending selfies with filters that transform people’s faces, and can include memes, emojis, etc.

Why Should Businesses Use Snapchat?

The Snapchat platform has over 300 million active daily users around the world, and it offers a style of communication that is both ephemeral and private.

The fact that its content is so short-lived, and its design encourages real time participation, offers an added value that no other social network or messaging service can compete with.  Users are encouraged to share content in a much more active way; an opportunity that brands can take advantage of to create closer relationships with their followers.

Snapchat is a platform that allows brands to play with more humorous and impactful communication styles, allowing them to enter a more relaxed, more creative world.

Since each conversation is personalized, companies can offer their followers exclusive information about contests, new products, private information, etc. 

This app’s self-destructing messages are perfect for sending coupon codes and short-term deals. With this type of message, companies can reward followers who are more loyal, and create a permanent incentive for them to continue subscribing to and interacting with business accounts.

The Power of Augmented Reality on Snapchat

Over 4.5 billion photos and videos are taken by users each day