What is Snapchat?
In this practical tip, we explain what Snapchat is and what the app can do.
Snapchat - what is it?
- Snapchat is a messenger app (iOS / Android). The special thing about it: Snapchat cannot send text or voice messages, but only pictures and videos. In addition, your recipients can only view the message for a maximum of 10 seconds. After this, a second fade-in is not possible because the photo or video should then be deleted. The countdown of the set time begins after opening the photo or video.
- Before you send an image or video to selected contacts, you can add text or drawings to it. So the app is not entirely textless.
- Snapchat is already widely used in the United States and is traded as an alternative to Facebook or Whatsapp. With the app, users literally send snapshots that should be as fleeting through the countdown as the moment the photo was taken.
- By the way, for the full range of functions, the Messenger requires a connection to the mobile Internet or a WLAN network.
Tips for beginners at Snapchat
- With Snapchat you can also send short videos to your followers. However, these must not be longer than one minute.
- If you want to add new friends, simply tap on your profile name. There you can enter your friends' username under "Add friends" and add them.
- You can see your contacts on the start page. If this has sent you a snap, you will see this on a red square. Tap the name to see the snap.
- To send your own snap, you must first take a photo in the app. Swiping to the right allows you to apply filters or add other objects such as emojis.
- Then choose who you want to send the Snap to. There can also be multiple contacts.
- We have summarized even more tips and tricks for Snapchat in another place for you.
Deceptive security of the messenger
Due to the high security standards and the countdown, users weigh themselves in security. That is why the app is often used for sexting - that is, for sending revealing photos. However, you shouldn't rely too much on Snapchat to actually delete your photos.
- Do not send photos and videos that could harm you. You always have to expect that one of your recipients will take a screenshot.
- In addition, various Snapchat photos have already been found on Google several times. Security gaps within the app therefore ensure that you should not rely on 100% protection.