Can you make Snapchat conversations not disappear?

Snapchat is known for its disappearing messages that self-destruct after being viewed. This ephemeral nature is part of what makes Snapchat fun and different from other messaging apps. However, many Snapchat users wonder if there is a way to save Snapchat conversations before they vanish. There are a few different methods you can use to save Snapchat messages, photos, and videos before they disappear.

Why Snapchat Messages Disappear

Snapchat was created in 2011 by Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown as an app where users could send photo and video messages that would disappear after being viewed. The disappearing messages provided a sense of privacy and impermanence that set Snapchat apart from platforms like Facebook, Instagram and text messaging.

Some key reasons why Snapchat employs temporary messages include:

• Privacy – The disappearing messages allow users to share moments that they may not want permanently on record or cached on someone else’s phone.
• Increased Engagement – The ephemerality of Snaps encourages users to engage more frequently and in-the-moment, rather than passive scrolling.
• Authentic Interactions – Without a permanent record, users can share silly, embarrassing or uncensored moments without worrying about long-term consequences.
• Security – The ephemeral format limits evidence of conversations that could be compromising if hacked or exposed.

Overall, the impermanence creates a unique environment where users feel free to be more authentic, raw and uninhibited with their Snaps.

Ways to Save Snapchat Messages

While Snapchat’s fleeting messages are central to the app’s appeal, many users still want to save important conversations, silly Snaps from friends or memories from special events. Here are a few different ways to preserve Snapchat messages:

Screenshots

The easiest way to save a Snapchat conversation is by taking screenshots. To screenshot on Snapchat:

1. Open the Snapchat message you want to keep.
2. Take a screenshot by simultaneously pressing the power/lock button and volume down button on an Android device, or pressing the power/lock and home button on an iOS device.
3. The screenshot will be saved to your camera roll.
4. Make sure to crop out any contextual information (such as usernames) if you want to preserve the sender’s privacy.

Screenshots allow you to quickly capture one-off Snaps. But this method can be time consuming for long conversations spanning multiple Snaps.

Snapchat Memories

Snapchat Memories is the app’s built-in cloud storage where users can save their sent and unopened Snaps. To save a message to Memories:

1. Tap the three-dot icon while viewing a message and select ‘Save to Memories’.
2. The Snap will be stored in Memories and accessible in your Snapchat app for up to 30 days.

Using Memories is an easy way to quickly save important messages or media before they expire. However, Snaps saved to Memories still disappear after 30 days.

Third-Party Apps

Several third-party apps claim to allow you to save Snapchat messages permanently:

• SnapSave – A free web-based tool that lets you view and download Snaps. You must login through Snapchat to connect your account.
• SnapBox – An app that automatically saves your Snaps and lets you export them to your camera roll.
• SnapCrack – Software that runs in the background and stores your Snapchat data in files on your device.

However, be aware that many third-party services violate Snapchat’s terms of use. Using them could get your account banned. Some may be scams designed to compromise your account security.

Snapchat Chat Exporter

Snapchat officially provides the ability to request an archive of your chat conversations through Snapchat Support. Here’s how it works:

1. Go to the Snapchat Support website and log into your account.
2. Select ‘My Account and Settings’ > ‘My Data’ > ‘Submit Request’.
3. Enter your email and select ‘Chat History’ as your request type.
4. Snapchat will compile an archive of your chat conversations and email it to you.

The exported text conversations do not include any Snaps (photos/videos), but this is the only official method to save your chats without violating Snapchat’s terms.

Ways Friends Can Save Your Snapchats

In addition to saving your own Snaps, other Snapchat users may be able to save or record your messages without you knowing:

• Recipients can screenshot your Snaps just like you can.
• iOS users can use Airplane mode to view once and replay Snaps before they disappear.
• Apps like Snaphack can surreptitiously record and save Snaps on jailbroken devices.
• Android phones allow Snapchat photos to be saved in the notification preview.

Always be mindful when sending sensitive or compromising Snaps, as the recipient has some control over whether the message will truly disappear.

Does Saving Snapchats Notify the Sender?

An important question when preserving Snaps is whether the sender is notified when you screengrab or save their message. Here is how it works for the main methods:

Screenshots

Snapchat does notify the sender when you take a screenshot of their Snap. They will see a small notification saying you took a screenshot.

Memories

Saving a Snapchat to Memories does not trigger a notification to the sender. You can discreetly save their message without them knowing.

Third-Party Apps

Third party apps that allow saving Snaps typically do not send notifications to the sender. However, getting banned for Terms of Service violations may inadvertently tip them off.

Chat Export

Requesting a chat history export through Snapchat Support does not notify or alert the other users in your conversations.

Should You Save Snapchats?

While it is possible to preserve Snapchat messages, is it a good idea to do so? Here are some pros and cons to weigh:

Reasons to Save Snapchats

• Keep important memories and conversations.
• Store sentimental or funny Snaps from friends.
• Have a record of key info that was communicated.
• Ability to look back on inside jokes or experiences.

Reasons Not to Save

• Violates the spirit and intent of Snapchat’s impermanence.
• Could make your friends upset if they find out.
• Storage space required for numerous screenshots.
• Time consuming to constantly save Snaps.

The decision depends on your priorities. Do the benefits of keeping Snaps outweigh respecting their ephemeral nature and your friends’ expectations?

Conclusion

Snapchat was designed for spontaneous, authentic messaging that disappears without a trace. However, there are ways to preserve Snapchats via screenshots, the Memories feature, third-party apps and chat exports. Each method has trade-offs to consider regarding privacy, ethics and practicality. In the end, it comes down to a personal choice based on your motivations and priorities. With all its playful spontaneity, Snapchat still leaves you in control over what remains unseen forever, and what you choose to keep.