What is Snapchat?

Snapchat is a free messaging and social networking app for smartphones. Available for both Android and iOS, Snapchat allows you to send text messages, pictures, andshort videos to friends and family. What makes Snapchat unique is that most of these messages are temporary. For example, after someone views a photo or video you’ve shared, it will disappear and cannot be viewed again.

Why use Snapchat?

While these temporary messages might sound a bit impractical, they’re actually a big part of what makes Snapchat so popular. Most social networks will save posts indefinitely, which can be a bit embarrassing after a few years—if you’ve ever come across an unflattering photo on Facebook, this feeling might sound familiar.

Because most of the things you post on Snapchat aren’t permanent, it makes it easier to share silly photos, goofy videos, and small moments from your daily life. Snapchat also includes special features that let you add drawings and illustrations to your photos before sharing. Here’s an example of the type of picture you might share on Snapchat:

a snapchat photo

And if you just don’t like the idea of sharing something you can’t see again, don’t worry—the Memories feature allows you to save your favorite photos and videos to view again later.

Installing the app

To get started, search for Snapchat in your smartphone’s app store. Once you’ve downloaded the app, simply open Snapchat and follow the instructions to create an account. You’ll also be able to connect with any of your existing contacts who already use Snapchat.

downloading Snapchat from the iOS app store

Sign Up For Snapchat

snapchat sign upOnce downloaded and installed, signing up is easy.

Enter your email address, password andbirthday on the signup prompt window. As stated on the screenshot, you have to be over the age of 13 to create a Snapchat account.

On the next screen, enter your desired username. This username will be displayed on your public profile and on the contacts list of your friends. It is the name by which others can find and add you on Snapchat. Choose carefully as you cannot change your username later.

The next screen will ask you for your phone number. Do it. Snapchat will use your number to find friends and also help others to find you.

Using Snapchat

Now that you’ve created an account, you’re ready to start using the app to send messages, which are called Snaps in Snapchat. Note that many new users find the app’s interface confusing at first. Snapchat actually has a lot of different features, and it’s not immediately obvious how they all work.

the snapchat interface

OK! Those are the basics of using Snapchat!

The best way to learn about all of Snapchat’s features is simply to start using the app. So what are you waiting for? Go download this app and start sharing some silly photos today!