Snapchat video calls allow users to have face-to-face conversations through the app. Since launching in 2014, Snapchat video chat has become a popular way for Snapchatters to communicate visually with friends and family.
But this real-time video feature raises questions around privacy and security. Specifically, Snapchat users wonder if the person they are video chatting with is able to record them without their knowledge.
Below we’ll look at how Snapchat video calls work, whether the other person can secretly record you, steps you can take to protect your privacy, and how to screenshot a Snapchat video call properly.
How Do Snapchat Video Calls Work?
Snapchat offers one-on-one video chatting through its video call feature. To start a Snapchat video call:
- Open a Snapchat message thread with a friend.
- Tap the video icon in the top right corner.
- The friend will receive a notification inviting them to join the video chat.
- Once your friend accepts the request, the video call will begin.
During the call you can switch between front and rear facing cameras by tapping the camera icon. You can also flip the camera image by double tapping the screen.
Snapchat notes that video calls are brief experiences, usually lasting no more than a few minutes. Currently there is no limit on the length of Snapchat video calls.
Can Someone Record You on Snapchat Video Call?
The short answer is no, another user cannot secretly record your Snapchat video call on their phone.
Snapchat has confirmed that when on a Snapchat video call, users are unable to take screenshots, screen recordings, or otherwise capture the live video.
This prevents someone from recording you without your consent and then sharing or posting the video elsewhere.
According to Snapchat, the app prohibits taking screenshots during video calls for privacy reasons. Technically speaking, Snapchat does not allow users to access device recording functions while the app is open during a call.
Why You Can’t Record Snapchat Video Chats
There are a few reasons why Snapchat prevents recording during video calls:
- Privacy – The biggest reason is to give users privacy and prevent unwanted sharing of conversations.
- Live ephemeral experience – Snapchat is designed as an ephemeral platform, with content disappearing after it’s viewed. Video calls align with this temporary experience.
- Prevent cyberbullying – Stopping recordings also protects against cyberbullying and harassment from saved Snapchat videos.
What Happens If You Try to Record
If you attempt to screenshot or record during a Snapchat video call, the app will present you with a popup message that says:
“Screenshots and video recordings are not allowed during video calls”
The screen will then go black for a couple seconds before returning you to the active video call screen.
But even though Snapchat prevents saving video call footage on the user’s device, that doesn’t stop someone from using another recording device pointed at their phone’s screen.
Can Someone Use Another Device to Record?
Although Snapchat blocks built-in iOS and Android recording functions, someone could theoretically point a separate camera or recording device at their phone to record video call footage.
For example, your friend could set up a camcorder or second phone to record their Snapchat screen during your call.
In this case, the Snapchat app itself is not saving or permitting recordings. But the user finds a workaround to capturing footage using external equipment.
While technically possible, this would be fairly difficult to coordinate and execute in real time without you noticing. But it illustrates there are limits to Snapchat’s ability to prevent video call recordings.
How to Prevent Being Recorded on Snapchat
Despite Snapchat’s mechanisms to block video call recordings, you may want to take a few extra precautions for peace of mind and privacy:
- Be aware of your surroundings. Look for anything suspicious that could be used to record you.
- Consider your clothing and background. Avoid showing anything you wouldn’t want potentially recorded.
- Disable notification previews. So if your friend takes screenshots elsewhere on Snapchat, you won’t see them.
- Only chat with people you know and trust. Avoid video calls with strangers.
- Watch their reactions during the call. If they seem focused on something off-screen, that could be a red flag.
Ultimately you have to use your own judgment when video chatting. If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe during a Snapchat call, you can end it immediately.
How to Screen Record on Snapchat
Outside of Snapchat video calls, there are ways to record other Snapchat content properly with permission from friends.
You can save Snapchat photos, videos, and stories using the following methods:
Using Snapchat’s Screenshot Feature
- To take a screenshot, tap the screenshot icon in the lower left when viewing a snap.
- Screenshots can only be taken of snaps designated as “My Eyes Only” or if your friend has allowed replay.
- Screenshots will notify your friend that you took one. You can find all your screenshots in Snapchat Memories.
Using an External Screen Recording App
- You’ll need to install a third party screen recording app from the App Store.
- Launch the screen recorder and Snapchat.
- Record your device’s screen while viewing your desired snap.
- Screen recordings do not trigger notifications to your friend.
Using Snapchat Replay
- Each snap can be replayed once per day.
- Tap the replay icon to view a snap again.
- Screen record or screenshot the snap on the second viewing.
- Replays do notify your friend that you viewed their snap twice.
Conclusion
Snapchat prevents users from saving or recording video calls within the app itself. This provides a degree of privacy protection and reassurance when chatting face-to-face.
However, it’s technically possible for someone to use external recording devices to bypass these restrictions if they were highly motivated to do so.
By being aware of your surroundings, selective with whom you call, and staying alert to any suspicious behavior, you can confidently use Snapchat video chat while keeping control over your privacy.