Snapchat is one of the most popular apps to connect with users in and outside of your network. This OG social platform lets you chat, send a Snap, or discover new content from your favourite celebrities. For those of us who aren’t familiar with it, it’s easier than you think to go from beginner to bunny-eared pro in no time (and yes, that’s a good thing).
Search for Snapchat in the App Store for iOS phones or Google Play Store for devices running Android. The app is free to download and use.
When you first open the app you’ll have the option to log in but if you’ve never used Snapchat before, you’ll have to create an account.
Go through the following screens entering your name, birthday, and creating a username.
Next, enter a password for your new account, input your email and phone number (optional).
The final step is to add friends. Here, Snapchat gives you the option to add users from your contact list. There's a couple other ways you can add people, which we’ll address later on.
Now, you’re ready to start Snapping!
Your home base is the camera screen, which makes it super easy to create a Snap—the main feature of the app (a Snap is a picture or video you send friends that gets deleted after they view it).
The recipient is able to screenshot your Snap, but don’t worry if it’s NSFW—you’ll be sent a notification if they do! Stories are similar. Instead of sending them individually, they’re put up on your profile for your friends to see for 24 hours.
Click, or hold for video, the circle at the bottom to take a Snap.
After taking a picture, you’re able to add filters and tools located on the top right. Some of the are for amusement while others let people know your location or the time. Lenses are an exciting option which we’ll show you in the next section!
These are some of the tools available to you:
Other options include the ‘X’ on the top left to cancel the snap. Near the bottom left you’re able to save the picture to your camera roll or memories. If you’re ready to send the snap out click the arrow on the bottom right.
Lenses creatively enhance your Snap, but they’re a little bit different from filters. Instead of applying them after you take a picture/video, they’re integrated before.
Lenses are also typically created in full 3D or use 2D graphics powered by augmented reality. There are two different types of lenses for you to use:
Pro Tip: If you find a Snapcode with a circle in the middle, scan it! It could be a special lens you can use for a limited time.
To add friends tap the profile button on the top left of the camera screen. Click the ‘Add Friends’ button and you’ll find four ways to add friends.
There are multiple screens that you can view in Snapchat, and we’ll break them down for you below. Snapchat created this video which explains in-depth how to navigate the other screens.
Here’s a breakdown of the other screens:
Thanks to Snapchat’s 2017 partnership with Oracle Data Cloud advertisers now have access to out-of-app browsing information provided users haven’t opted out. Using Snap Pixel, which is very similar in user interface to Facebook Pixel, you can get a better handle on your customers’ interests.
That’s the basics of Snapchat, now it’s your turn to Snap!