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You must have heard about Snapchat, Snap streaks, or Score, but do you know how they work? Let’s show you how does Snapchat work if you haven’t already.
You might think now, what exactly is Snapchat? Is it only for fun, or does it have the same framework as other social media applications?
1. What’s Snapchat?
Snapchat is a revolutionary social media application to share images and videos called ‘snaps‘. The application was intended for one-to-one photo sharing but is now used for video conferencing, sending short videos, and creating cartoons similar to Bitmojis.
Snapchat application uses an auto-delete feature to eliminate any messages sent or received. Millions of Snapchat users are attracted to this feature. Users can “friend” each other and then send pictures or texts.
Unlike text or email, Snapchat photographs and videos are deleted seconds after they are seen. Most Snapchat users are young, like millennials and Gen Z.
It offers unique elements and titles such as snaps, Snapchat stories, snap-maps, and many other features that make Snapchat different from other apps.
2. Mastering Snapchat: How Does Snapchat Work?

The main idea behind Snapchat is to connect with new friends on the internet worldwide. Similar functionalities are provided by different social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and others. However, some features make Snapchat stand out from other such applications.
We have detailed a step-by-step guide on how you can make the most out of Snapchat and explain the features like how to add friends, add filters, and learn what Snapchat is all about. From creating an account to using it and deactivating it.
2.1. Start by Creating a Snapchat Account
To get started, download Snapchat from the Google Play Store for Android users or the iOS Store for Apple users. Both iOS and Android have almost identical functionality. Search Snapchat in the respective stores and then tap to install.
Creating a Snapchat account is simple. Following the installation of the app, you need to sign up with your details, including email, phone number, birthday, and so on.
Then set your username and password, verification code will be sent to you on your contact number and email. Add the verification code to create your account finally.
You’ll have to grant permissions to certain features that Snapchat asks for.
2.2. Snapchat Profile Screen
The first screen you will see when you start the Snapchat app is your profile screen. You can manage your settings from here.
On the top left, you can access your Snapchat profile. You can change or fill out any details. The gear icon allows you to access your settings.
You may update several options from here, including your privacy settings, notification preferences, and account details. Also, you can visit your friend’s profile screen and view features like their average Snap score, astrological sign and compatibility, and Bitmoji stories.
You can also change the wallpapers on both chat screens.
2.3. Bitmoji
Your profile screen is represented by a bitmoji, a digital cartoon or avatar generally used in most social media apps to add a new dimension to profiles.
You can also find a bitmoji app in Google Play, where you can customize your bitmoji for Snapchat and other apps.
2.4. Adding Friends

It is easy to add friends on Snapchat. Following are the steps for adding friends on Snapchat using different methods.
You can add friends in “Quick Add” by searching from the contact list or a list of suggested contacts. The search screen allows you to find friends.
Also, you can add friends by sharing your snap code, which you will find while navigating the application. Launch your Snapchat camera and hover your device over their ghost on their Snapchat profile page.
To search for friends manually, press the magnifying glass icon next to the profile icon and enter their name or username. Then select “add.” If you are added as a friend on Snapchat, you will be alerted in the friends list panel of the app.
2.5. Chat Screen
The chat screen is where all of your chats are. You may also start new conversations, add friends from here or send snaps.
There are two divisions in the chat section. All of your conversations are displayed in the first section. The second area is where you can start new group chats.
To begin a new chat with someone, tap on the ‘Chat icon‘ in blue color (+) in the bottom right of the Snapchat application. Send a text to an individual or send a group chat.
There are best friend tags on Snapchat that you will see in the first of the send screen options.
2.6. Group Chat
It’s a great way to connect with friends on Snapchat through group chats. Show friends stories, have fun with bitmoji and GIFs, and make plans and memories. Also add up to hundred people in a group chat.
You can interact with pals through texts, pictures, or videos. All of the chats, however, either disappear after viewing or are only visible for 24 hours.
In chat, you can also access other features. Snapchat settings can be found in the gear symbol.
Additionally, the Plus sign (+) gives you exposure to your friend list.
2.7. Camera Screen
The camera screen is the first element that appears when you open Snapchat. You will always encounter a camera screen while navigating Snapchat.
The Camera roll in Snapchat is a feature that allows users to access their device’s library of photos and videos and send them directly to their friends or post them to their stories.
It is a simple method to share photographs or videos saved on a device’s camera roll without downloading them again. With the Camera Roll, users can also save photos and videos from friends to their devices without screenshots.
2.8. Snapchat Memories screen
Snapchat Memories screen is an excellent method for storing and organizing your snaps. You can quickly organize your snaps into numerous categories with the option to create folders. Snapchat memorizes the screen to organize your snaps by date or subject.
When you first load Snapchat, you are presented with a camera roll view. To display your profile, scroll down. There’s a section called “My Memories” beneath your profile name. Here is where you save Snapchat memories.
Just click on “My Memories” to reach your Memories panel. The snaps you’ve stored in your Memories can all be viewed here. Simply long-press on a snap and choose the “Save video snap to Memories” option to store it in your Memories.
You can also organize your Memories into folders. For this, choose the New Folder option. Assign your folder a name, then click the “Add Snaps” button. Then, choose the photos you wish to save to your folder and select the “Done” option.
2.9. Snapchat Filters

You probably know how clicking the perfect selfie has become an art in this new revolutionary age of social media. Nevertheless, with the coming of the Snapchat lens, it is now easier than ever to improve your photographs.
They are more than just a fun way to add amazing effects to your images; they can also be a great way to enhance your selfies and make them stand out from the crowd. Snapchat lenses use advanced facial recognition technology to identify and apply various effects to your facial features.
2.9.1. Adding Filters
To add a filter in Snapchat, click on the option beside the capture button on the camera screen, then select the filter you want to use. Various filters are available on Snapchat lenses, such as filters that make your face look different, your hands look funny, and your voice sounds funny.
The world lenses feature allows users to put amazing effects to animate their photos and videos. It allows users to be creative and experiment with various effects. It applies entertaining virtual reality effects to its images and videos, ranging from a massive floral crown to a 3D monster.
You may discover filters by going to the explore area. Users can also make their filters, albeit there are few possibilities for genuinely different filters in the mobile app, so utilize the browser.
2.10. Snapchat Streaks
Among other Snapchat elements, this is the most popular. It was designed to give Snapchat a competitive edge for younger users.
To maintain their streak score, users share snaps. This feature makes Snapchat stand out from other applications in the market.
The app’s users can interact with one another by exchanging messages, images, and videos save snaps. “Snaps” are the term for images and videos that are pre-programmed to disappear shortly after being viewed. You can change the duration of the snap by a few seconds.
This ensures that the content won’t be saved or made available after it vanishes, making it an excellent method to share memories with anyone. You can replay any snap if you remain on the friends’ screen. You can also save snaps in chat.
A streak appears after three consecutive days of sending and receiving snaps with friends on Snapchat. You have to maintain a “streak” by sending your snap within a time limit. You can send snaps in it to a group chat or individual snaps.
2.11. Snapchat Score
A Snapchat user’s score reflects their level of activity on Snapchat.
Your Snap score varies by the snaps you send and receive, and the number of snaps you view. A flame emoji is displayed alongside your friend’s name. Continue sending more snaps to increase your snap score.
2.12. Snapchat Stories

You will find the stories screen section on the right-hand side of the camera. You may browse all of your friends’ stories here. Tap on a story to open it. You can keep swiping on the “stories” icon to view the next snap or the next story.
The stories last for twenty-four hours, unlike snaps which disappear in seconds. Users can also decide the audience for their Snapchat stories, like posting public stories or only all their friends or custom friends.
2.12.1 Snapchat Story
Tap on the camera screen to start creating a Snapchat story. To start filming, press the capture button on the front of the phone. You can create a photo or video snap. When you’re done filming, press the button on the front of the phone to stop filming.
To share the story with others, use the blue send button, which you will find at the bottom of the application. This will send your story to your friends. The story will appear on the tab “My Story.” On the stories screen, you will also find Snapchat Discover explained subsequently.
2.13. Snapchat Map
Snap Map lets users broadcast their location in real-time with everyone on their friend list.
Snap map screen represents each user by their Bitmoji, which can be found on their profile picture. They are located precisely, and as a user moves, their bitmoji does, and the movements can be seen by other users on Snapchat maps.
There is a new feature added for sharing live locations on Snapchat. It is possible to share real-time locations on Snapchat with your trusted contacts.
Although the time frame for you can share your location lives is approximately eight hours. The location on the snap map only updates when the application is open and won’t update in the background.
On the snap map screen, you may restrict access to your location. The options include:
2.13.1 Only Me or Ghost Mode
Ghost mode allows your location to be visible only to you and nobody else.
2.13.2 My friends
This is where your friends can see precisely where you are in actual time on the snap map.
They can also trace you while you’re traveling.
2.13.3 Selected Friends
It allows you to share your location with only selected friends.
2.14. Snapchat Live Stories and Discover
A space to the right of the camera screen allows companies and media to broadcast stories for anybody to view.
Many popular brands work with social media influencers for advertising and utilize Snapchat in a business-oriented way. Undoubtedly, Snapchat is an excellent tool for advertising on digital platforms.
Discover has a various content, such as stories from worldwide businesses, beauty content, sex-ed stories, pranks, or horror stories.

2.15. New Feature- Snapchat+
It is a new feature added recently to Snapchat. It is part of paid subscription and customizes Snapchat features, and enhances the overall experience. It has exclusive features like Snapchat+ Badge, and priority story replies.
2.16. Snapchat Privacy and Safety
Snapchat users must be aware of the safety and privacy issues associated with it. They must take the necessary precautions to safeguard their data against potential threats. So, is Snapchat safe to use?
With the necessary precautions, it is safe to use Snapchat. Although the application does not contain such adult data, the minimum age for users is still 13 years. Many studies have been published that highlight the possible consequences of young people using Snapchat. So, if used correctly, it is not a big deal.
Snapchat also provides a support panel to help you with any bug, a feedback and suggestion panel.
Most individuals use Snapchat to share their activities of daily life with other people and share photos or videos.
It is possible that you can temporarily deactivate or permanently delete your Snapchat account if you wish to do so. And Snapchat gives you the option to download and retrieve your data before the deactivation of the account.
3. Conclusion
In the preceding years, Snapchat has become one of the nearly widely used applications in recent years owing to its innovative elements.
Aside from keeping in contact with friends and family, Snapchat is also a smart advertising tool. Many international brands keep updating their stories screen on Snapchat. This makes Snapchat a versatile application as compared to other social media apps.
This blog post is to provide details of the best ways to utilize Snapchat to its utmost potential. We hope the information provided above has helped you know the basics of Snapchat terminology and how does Snapchat work.
Last Updated on by Sathi