Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to share photos, videos, and messages that disappear after being viewed. Here are 5 fascinating facts about the development and growth of Snapchat.

Origins

• Snapchat was created in 2011 by Stanford University students Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown. Originally called Picaboo, the app was rebranded as Snapchat in 2012.
• The original idea for Snapchat came about because the founders wanted to create an app that allowed people to share moments that disappeared after being seen. This distinguished Snapchat from other social media networks where content is persistent.
• Research from Stanford was an inspiration for the disappearing messages concept. Messaging apps with impermanent content could better mimic face-to-face conversations.

Growth

• Snapchat reached the milestone of 100 million daily active users by May 2016. This was just 5 years after launch.
• As of 2022, Snapchat has 363 million daily active users globally. It has become one of the top social media apps in the world.
• A big source of Snapchat’s growth was popularity among younger demographics. Over 90% of Snapchat users were between the ages of 13 and 24 in the early years.
• Snapchat is now expanding beyond its original Millennial and Gen Z base, attracting older users as well. Around 40% of Snapchat’s users are now over the age of 25.

Features

• Snapchat popularized features such as filters, lenses, and disappearing messages that have now been adopted by other social networks.
• Stories allow users to post content that remains visible for 24 hours. Over 250 million Snapchatters use Stories every day.
• AR Lenses are augmented reality effects that overlay digital imagery onto a person’s face or surroundings through the camera. Lenses help drive engagement on Snapchat.
• Discover is Snapchat’s content platform where leading publishers like ESPN, CNN, and Buzzfeed release made-for-mobile videos and stories.

Advertising and Commerce

• Snapchat Ads are vertical, full screen video ads optimized for mobile. Advertisers can reach Snapchat’s young user base with engaging video ads.
• Shoppable AR Lenses allow users to interact with products through augmented reality and then purchase directly within the Snapchat app.
• Snapchat supports creators through its Spotlight platform where users can earn money when their content goes viral. Top performers have earned over $1 million.

Impact on Communication

• Snapchat drove adoption of ephemeral, visual-first communication. It made posting casual content that disappears after viewing more acceptable.
• Stories transformed what people share online, making social media less performative and more authentic. People post everyday moments, not just life highlights.
• Filters and Lenses added fun and creativity to online conversations. Snapchat brought personality and humor to digital communication.

FAQ about Snapchat

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Snapchat:

• Who founded Snapchat? Snapchat was founded in 2011 by Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown when they were students at Stanford University.
• How do you use Snapchat? Users take or upload snaps (photos/videos), add filters or lenses, specify how long the snap will be viewable (1 to 10 seconds), and share with friends. Friends can view snaps, draw or add text, and send replies.
• What are Snapchat trophies? Trophies are emojis you earn for using different Snapchat features. They denote your expertise level on the app.
• Is Snapchat free? Yes, the basic Snapchat app is free to download and use. Snapchat does offer paid subscription services with additional features.
• How old do you have to be to have Snapchat? Snapchat’s terms of service require users to be at least 13 years old. The app is intended for teens and adults.
• Can you recover deleted Snapchats? No, the disappearing aspect of snaps means they cannot be recovered after being viewed. However, users can save snaps before sending by using Memories.
• How does Snapchat make money? Snapchat earns revenue through advertisements, sponsored lenses/filters, and its subscription services like Snapchat and Snapchat Premium.
• How is Snapchat different from other apps? Snapchat popularized ephemeral messaging and Stories. It also utilizes cameras in creative ways with lenses and filters. The app offers a more authentic, visual communication style.