What is Snapchat?

Snapchat is a 13+ platform that offers people a different way to communicate – to share the moment, in the moment, and to help people feel together even when they are physically far apart. Snapchat has become one of the world’s largest and most popular communications platforms based on the conviction that people would be drawn to a service that focuses on bringing them closer to their friends and family.

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Snapchat, Explained

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How does Snapchat work?

Learn how Snapchat helps Snapchatters connect and communicate in a healthy and safe environment.

Camera

Snapchat opens to a camera, making it incredibly easy to take and share a Snap, to communicate visually. Snapchatters can use our AR Lenses to put fun and educational layers on the world, and get creative by overlaying text, stickers, and more. Snapchatters can share Snaps with friends in conversations or share Snaps to Stories, visible to all friends by default.

How to create a Snap:

Tap the Camera button to take a photo Snap.
Press and hold the Camera button to create a video Snap.
Tap the reverse icon to switch between the selfie and rear-facing Camera. (Pro Tip – You can also double-tap the screen to switch cameras!)
Add text, music, fun stickers, and more... then hit send!

Snaps are meant to be fun, creative ways for you to share moments and capture memories with those closest to you. Always be mindful of what you are Snapping and who you are sending Snaps to.

Find support for creating and sending Snaps here.

Chat

Snapchatters can talk to friends and family using text, stickers, and Snaps (pictures and videos!). Snapchatters can see when their friend has entered a chat with them, just like they can tell if their friends are actively listening in real life, and Snapchatters can see when friends have opened a Snap.

Chats delete by default to mirror real life conversations, where what you say or do isn’t recorded forever. In chat you can also make voice or video calls, and join group conversations.

What can you send in a chat on Snapchat?

Memories or Camera Roll photos
Stickers
Location
Recent links, attachments, and content

Find support for Chat here.

Content

Snapchatters can learn about the world by watching content from friends, produced by trusted media publishers and Creators.

Content Safety Efforts:

In these sections of the app, we take special precautions to limit the ability for unmoderated content to be shared widely. We use proactive detection tools and additional review processes to help make sure public content complies with our guidelines before it can get broadcast to a larger audience.

Specifically for teens on Snapchat, we have extra protections in place to help make sure they have an age-appropriate content experience.

Snap Map

Snap Map is an interactive way for Snapchatters to share their favorite spots, discover new places, and see what their friends are up to.

Snap Map Safety Tips:

Location sharing on the Snap Map is off by default for all Snapchatters. Snapchatters must opt in to share their location, and they are only able share their location with their accepted friends. They have the option to share with all friends or a select only specific friends.
Snapchatters can also share content to Snap Map to show the broader community what is happening in their area. Teens’ posts to the Snap Map don’t display their usernames. Snapchatters over 18 can choose not to display their usernames by adjusting the relevant toggle at time of posting.
Cities or areas with high population density typically have a hot spot around them on the Snap Map. Content submitted to Snap Map must comply with our Community Guidelines.

Find support for Snap Map here.