Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send disappearing photos, videos, and messages to friends. One of Snapchat’s key features is the ability to make video calls with friends through the app. This raises an important question – when you make a Snapchat video call, can the other person see you?
The short answer is yes, the person you are video calling can see you during the call if you have your camera turned on. Snapchat video calling works similarly to other video calling apps like FaceTime or Skype. When you initiate a video call on Snapchat, your front facing camera will turn on automatically and begin streaming video to the friend you are calling. They will be able to see you on their screen as long as the call is connected.
There are a few important things to know about Snapchat video calls and privacy:
You can turn your camera off
If you don’t want the other person to see you during a Snapchat video call, you have the option to turn your camera off. This will prevent your video from being shared while still allowing you to see the other person. To turn off your camera, look for the camera icon in the bottom left corner during a call and tap it. The icon will have a slash through it to indicate your camera is off.
Both callers must accept the call
For a Snapchat video call to connect, both the caller and recipient must accept the call. This helps ensure that no one’s camera is turned on unexpectedly or without their permission. If you initiate a call, the other person will get a notification asking them to join – they can choose to accept or ignore the call request.
Video calls disappear after they end
Like other content on Snapchat, video calls disappear after the call ends. This means the video from the call is not saved or stored anywhere. Once your call screen closes, the live video will be gone for good. However, it is possible for someone to take screenshots or use another device to record during a call without you knowing.
You can chat and use filters
Snapchat allows you to chat simultaneously while on a video call. You can type messages back and forth or use Snapchat’s array of fun filters, stickers, and AR lenses during your conversation. Of course, anything you send through chat will be viewable to the other caller.
When can someone see you on Snapchat video call?
There are a couple specific situations when the person you are talking to can view your live camera feed during a Snapchat video call:
When you first answer the call
As soon as you accept an incoming Snapchat video call and the call connects, the other person can see you right away before you even have time to react or adjust the camera. There is no delay or pause before the video streams. The call starts instantly.
Anytime during the length of the call
Once you are on a Snapchat video call with someone, they can see you at any point during your conversation as long as both cameras remain on. This includes when you are actively chatting with the other person or sitting silently. As mentioned before, you can turn your camera off if you don’t want to be seen for a period of time.
When you switch between front and rear cameras
If you swap between using your front and rear cameras during the call, whatever camera is active will be visible to the person you are talking to. When your rear camera is on, they will see whatever you are pointing the camera at.
When you exit the call
Finally, the person you’re talking to can see you up until the moments right before you hang up the call. As soon as you tap to end the call, your video will cut out. But they will be able to see you clearly in that final second as you reach to exit the call.
Can someone take a screenshot of you on Snapchat video call?
Yes, it is possible for someone to take a screenshot of you on a Snapchat video call, even though the call itself disappears after ending. This is because taking a screenshot simply captures whatever is currently being displayed on their phone’s screen. Snapchat cannot prevent others from taking screenshots.
However, Snapchat will notify you if the other person takes a screenshot during your call through a pop-up notification. This allows you to be aware if someone saved an image from your video. Unfortunately, there are still ways around this security feature.
Here are some ways someone could potentially take a screenshot without you knowing:
- Using another device – They can use a second phone or camera to take a picture of their screen during your call.
- Third party apps – There are apps that can disguise screenshots or allow covert screenshots.
- Rooted or jailbroken device – This gives them full access to bypass built-in restrictions.
The possibility of covert screenshots means you ultimately don’t have full control over whether someone saves images from a Snapchat video call. So it’s important to keep that in mind before you choose to share live video.
Can someone record you without consent on Snapchat?
Unfortunately, yes it is technically possible for someone to secretly record your Snapchat video call without your knowledge or consent. This can be done through a few methods:
Using a secondary device
Just like taking screenshots, they can use a separate phone, camera, laptop, etc. to record the video directly from their screen. You would not get any notification if they use a secondary device.
Apps that enable call recording
There are third party apps like Google Play Game Recorder that can be used to record calls. Some require root access.
Built-in recording on Android
Some Android devices allow screen recording through Quick Settings or Game Launcher. Users can toggle it on before a call.
Can you find out if someone recorded your Snapchat call?
There is no definite way to know for sure if someone has recorded one of your Snapchat video calls, since apps and techniques exist to record secretly. However, here are some signs that may indicate your call was possibly recorded:
- They seem to reference parts of your conversation that you didn’t take screenshots of.
- You notice odd background noises during the call that could be another device recording.
- The call quality seems slightly distorted at times.
- They mention specific outfit details or gestures you made that would not be visible in a screenshot.
While not definitive proof, these signs might raise suspicion that your calls are being recorded without your consent. If you have strong reason to believe someone is doing this, you should consider not video calling them in the future.
Can police obtain Snapchat call records?
Yes, law enforcement can legally request and obtain Snapchat call records and data in certain situations according to Snapchat’s law enforcement guide. Some examples include:
- Police have a valid search warrant or court order
- Snapchat receives a subpoena from law enforcement
- There is an emergency involving danger of death or serious physical injury
However, Snapchat cannot provide authorities with the actual disappearing video content from a call. But they can provide metadata like the usernames involved in a call, time and date stamps, etc. This data could be used as evidence.
Tips for being careful on Snapchat video call
While Snapchat calls provide a fun way to visually chat with friends, it’s important to keep privacy and security in mind. Here are some tips:
- Be aware that anything you send can potentially be saved. Don’t share anything you wouldn’t want someone to keep.
- Make sure you completely trust the person you’re calling. Consider their character and past behavior.
- Watch their reactions and look for any odd behavior that seems invasive or suspicious.
- Turn off your camera any time you want to block their view during a call.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and who might be able to see you if you are in public.
Conclusion
Snapchat video calling allows your friends to see you in real-time during a call when the camera is turned on. While the call itself vanishes after ending, there are ways others can potentially screenshot or record you without consent. Being thoughtful about what you share and who you call can help keep your Snapchat video calls positive and private. Ultimately, nothing is 100% foolproof but being smart goes a long way.