What is Snapchat? Key Features, Terms, Login & Uses

Snapchat was the first app that made me realize how fun sharing “imperfect” moments could be. Instead of carefully editing photos like on other platforms, I could send a quick Snap of my morning coffee, add a silly filter, and move on with my day. No pressure, no endless comments & just a fleeting moment shared with friends.

If you are Gen Z you will be familiar with Snapchat because it is favorite among teens to send streaks (Snaps) with friends. Since its launched in 2011, it upgraded features like message dissappearing, lenses, filters and privacy have attract the users to have fun on platform.

Snapchat is now all about sharing real moments in real time. In this way, it is different from other social media platforms, like making fun with filters and connecting with friends through streaks and safety.

So, what is Snapchat? Here is a guide for you to discuss all about its terms, features, use and how to get started?

Snapchat is a multimedia messaging app designed for quick, visual communication, especially popular among younger users.

The days when this app was only used for sharing pictures between your friends are over. Snapchat has exponentially grown since its release. With the introduction of new features, it is a must-have for increasing your business. 

Today, Snapchat boasts 900 million Monthly Active Users (MAUs) worldwide, with over 5 billion Snaps created every day. Its primary user base consists of Gen Z and Millennials, with approximately 75% of the 13-34 age demographic in the US using the app regularly.

Now, users can create a Snapchat public profiles to share stories and spotlights that do not disappear after a while until you delete them.

Unique Advantages of Snapchat (What Makes It Different)

• Ephemeral = Authentic: Because Snaps disappear, people feel less pressure to be “perfect.” This encourages real, unpolished communication.
• Gamified Social Media: Unlike Instagram or TikTok, Snapchat uses gamification (streaks, Snapscore, badges) to keep friendships alive.
• AR First, Social Media Second: Snapchat invests heavily in AR innovation, this makes it a leader in next-gen social media experiences.
• Visual Language for Gen Z: While Facebook is text-heavy and Instagram is polished, Snapchat thrives on raw, real, and visual communication.

• Snap: A photo or video sent on Snapchat.
• Snapstreak 🔥: When two friends send at least one Snap to each other every day.
• Snapscore: A number that shows your overall Snapchat activity.
• Story: Photos or videos shared for 24 hours with friends or followers.
• Spotlight: Snapchat’s short-video feed, similar to TikTok.
• Memories: A private archive where you can save Snaps and Stories.
• Bitmoji: A personalized cartoon avatar you create for chats, stickers, and lenses.
• Lenses: Augmented reality (AR) effects that change your face or environment.
• Filters: Overlays or designs added to Snaps, like geofilters or timestamps.
• Discover: A section with news, entertainment, and brand content.
• Snap Map: A map showing friends’ locations and trending global stories.
• Ghost Mode 👻: A setting that hides your location on Snap Map.
• Quick Add: A feature suggesting new friends based on mutual contacts or groups.
• Best Friends List ❤️: The people you interact with the most on Snapchat.
• Streak Emoji: Emojis like 🔥, ❤️, 💛 that represent friendship activity levels.
• Chat: Snapchat’s text messaging feature, where messages can disappear.
• Snapcode: A unique scannable QR code to add friends or unlock features.
• Public Profile: A profile for creators and brands to reach larger audiences.
• Snap Originals: Exclusive short shows produced by Snapchat.
• My AI 🤖: Snapchat’s built-in AI chatbot for conversations and recommendations.
• Dreams: An AI feature that creates fantasy-style portraits from your selfies.
• Snap Games & Minis 🎮: Games and mini-apps you can play or use in chats.
• Pin Chat: Lets you keep a friend or conversation at the top of your chat list.
• Snap Tokens: In-app currency used for gifts and premium features.
• Snapchat Plus ✨: A paid subscription with exclusive features like custom icons.

Gen Z Snapchat Slang

• Streaks (Snapstreaks): Daily Snap exchanges with a friend to keep a streak alive.
• SB (Snap Back): A request asking someone to send a Snap back.
• SFS (Shoutout for Shoutout): A way to promote each other’s accounts for more followers.
• PMOYS (Put Me On Your Story): Asking someone to feature you in their Story.
• WYLL (What You Look Like): A way of asking for a selfie or Snap.
• LMR (Like My Recent): Asking friends to like or view a recent Snap or Story.
• OTP (One True Pairing): Shared when showing a couple or favorite pair on Snapchat.
• HMU (Hit Me Up): A casual invite to chat or Snap.

Snapchat uses different chat colors to represent the status of your messages. Understanding these colors helps you know whether your Snap or chat has been delivered, opened, or pending. Here’s what each color means:

• Red: A Snap sent without audio.
• Purple: A Snap sent with audio.
• Blue: A chat (text message) sent through Snapchat.
• Gray: A pending message usually means the person hasn’t added you back or the message hasn’t been delivered yet.
• Filled Arrow (Red, Purple, or Blue): Shows that your Snap or chat was successfully sent.
• Hollow Arrow: Shows that your Snap or chat has been opened by the receiver.
• Double Arrow (Screenshot): Appears when the receiver takes a screenshot of your Snap or chat.
• Replay Icon: Appears when your friend replays a Snap you sent.

1. Message Disappearing

Snapchat is known for its privacy and disappearing features of messages, whether text, photos, or videos. However, you can set the limit for your snaps or pics on whether they disappear after one view or 24 hours.

One thing to keep in mind: anyone can take a screenshot, but the Snapchat app will notify you if someone takes a screenshot.

2. Snapstreaks

Spanstreak is a major feature of Snapchat that connects two users to send at least one snap in 24 hours. There is no limit to how many days of streaks you can make with friends. It is a fun activity and lets you share your moments with loved ones.

Snapstreaks increase snapscore, and Snapchat shows special emojis and hearts called Snapchat planets in front of friends. These hearts and planets are assigned based on your activity and chats with your friends; for example, Snapchat’s yellow heart is a sign of happiness and loyalty to a friend.

3. Snap Map

Snapchat map is another great feature for finding your friends’ locations if they haven’t turned on ghost mode.

You can turn on ghost mode on Snapchat to hide your location; otherwise, your friends can see your location. The map also shows signs of any event or news anywhere in the world.

4. Snapchat Stories

Same as Facebook or Instagram stories, Snapchat Stories allow users to post photos and videos that remain visible to their friends for 24 hours. Users can create:

• Group Stories: Multiple friends contribute.
• Custom Stories: Choose a specific audience.
• Private Stories: Only for selected people.

5. Snapchat AI

Snapchat AI is a new feature on Snapchat. It uses NLP to converse like with human with humans. The developers have added this feature to offer a seamless user experience. You can ask anything as you question, and it provides robust answers based on web data.

6. Lenses and Filters

Snapchat pioneered augmented reality (AR) filters that can transform your appearance or add entertaining elements to your photos and videos. These include:

• Face Lenses – from cute dog ears to futuristic makeup.
• World Lenses – interact with your surroundings.
• Geofilters – unique to certain locations or events.
• Custom Filters – users can design their own for birthdays, weddings, or promotions.

7. Discover

The Discover section features content from publishers, creators, and brands in a magazine-like format. This content includes news, entertainment, and lifestyle pieces tailored to users’ interests.

8. Memories

Memories act as Snapchat’s private archive. You can save Snaps, Stories, and even organize them into collections. This feature blends Snapchat’s temporary nature with long-term storage for your favorite memories.

9. Spotlight

Snapchat’s version of TikTok or Instagram Reels, Spotlight, highlights short, engaging videos from users. Creators can reach massive audiences, and Snapchat even rewards top content creators through its Spotlight Terms.

10. Snap Score

Your Snap Score increases based on your activity on the platform, including sent and received Snaps, Stories posted, and other engagements. While primarily a gamification element, some users take pride in achieving high scores.

11. Bitmoji Integration

Snapchat owns Bitmoji, a personalized avatar system. You can create your own cartoon-style character to represent yourself across chats, games, and even in AR filters. This customization enhances identity and expression.

12. Snapchat+

Snapchat+ offers premium perks for users who want more control, such as:

• Custom app icons
• Priority Story replies
• Exclusive filters and lenses
• Story rewatch counts
• Ability to pin a friend as “Best Friend #1”.

The Snapchat Premium subscription cost very less and getting much popularity among advanced users and businesses.

13. Snapchat Games

Recently, Snapchat has also intruced the Snapchat Games through Lens Studio, users can play these game and can share their winning scores just like a snap to their friends.

Users play solo or with friends using different gesture controls. Unlike filters, they include turn-based mechanics, leaderboards, and social sharing via Snaps.

For Personal Use

• Authentic Communication: The temporary nature of content encourages more genuine, unfiltered sharing compared to platforms where posts remain permanently.
• Visual Expression: Extensive filters, lenses, and creative tools allow for playful, creative communication.
• Privacy Focus: Content that disappears by default offers greater privacy than permanent social media posts.
• Close Connections: Features like Snapstreaks encourage consistent communication with close friends.
• Stay Updated: Discover and Stories features keep users informed about friends’ activities and current events.

For Businesses and Marketers

• Reach Gen Z & Millennials: Snapchat dominates the under-35 demographic.
• Creative Ads: AR-based ads and sponsored filters drive high engagement.
• Influencer Collaborations: Boost brand exposure with creators.
• Community Engagement: Contests, challenges, and UGC campaigns perform well.
• Local Marketing: Use Snap Map and geofilters to target nearby audiences.

Snapchat Privacy and Safety Considerations

While Snapchat offers unique communication features, users should be aware of several privacy and safety aspects:

• Disappearing ≠ Deleted: Content can still be captured via screenshots or screen recording.
• Location privacy: Always be mindful of your location sharing settings in Snap Map.
• Friend requests: Consider limiting who can contact you through privacy settings.
• Content guidelines: Snapchat prohibits bullying, harassment, explicit content, and illegal activities.
• Parental controls: Parents can use Family Center to monitor their teen’s contacts while respecting privacy.

• Download the app: Available on iOS and Android devices.

• Create an account: Sign up with an email address and select a unique username.

• Add friends: Connect through phone contacts, usernames, Snapcodes, or nearby users.

• Customize settings: Adjust privacy preferences and notification settings.
• Explore features: Familiarize yourself with the camera, chat, Stories, and Discover sections.
• Consider Snapchat+: For power users, this subscription offers additional features like custom app icons, story rewatch indicators, and more.

Snapchat has come a long way from being a “disappearing photo app.” Today, it’s a creative platform with a blend of AR, AI, gaming, entertainment, and marketing into one platform.

Snapchat is often undervalued or underestimated by many as they don’t know its potential. Only a few have realized that this is not just an app, but it is an untapped way of growth.

If you want to experience the future of digital communication, raw, playful, and immersive. Snapchat is the app to try. Don’t underestimate it; it’s not just about streaks, it’s about building real, lasting connections in a this world.

If your business does not have a Snapchat account, this is high time to create one. Even if you’re new to Snapchat or trying to up your Snapchat game, we are sure that the strategies shown above are the most realistic, practical ones you can use.