Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photos, videos, and messages that disappear after being viewed. One of Snapchat’s key features is the camera, which comes with various lenses and effects that users can apply to their snaps. A common question many Snapchat users have is whether it’s possible to put a timer on the Snapchat camera when taking photos or videos.
Can You Use a Timer on the Snapchat Camera?
The short answer is yes, there is a way to set a timer for the Snapchat camera. Snapchat has a built-in “self-timer” feature that can be enabled in the Snapchat camera settings.
Here are the steps to set a timer on the Snapchat camera:
- Open the Snapchat app and swipe over to the camera tab.
- Tap and hold on the camera shutter button at the bottom of the screen.
- A menu will pop up – tap on the settings gear icon in the top-right corner.
- In the settings menu, tap on “Timer” and select your desired timer duration – 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds.
- The timer option will now be enabled. Whenever you take a photo or video, the camera will countdown the set duration before capturing.
So in summary:
- Open Snapchat camera
- Tap and hold on the capture button
- Tap the settings icon
- Select a timer duration
The Snapchat self-timer can be used for both still photos and videos. It’s handy for taking group shots where you want to be able to get into the frame before the photo is taken. Setting a 5 or 10 second timer gives you enough time to get ready for the snap.
Customizing the Timer Settings
By default, the Snapchat self-timer offers 3 options – 3 seconds, 5 seconds and 10 seconds. However, there is a way to customize the timer duration even further using Snapchat’s advanced settings:
- In the Snapchat camera settings, tap on the “Timer” option again
- At the bottom, tap on “Advanced”
- Here you can manually set the timer countdown anywhere from 1 second to 60 seconds
This lets you really fine-tune the countdown timer to your preferred length. For example, you could set it to 8 seconds or 15 seconds if you wanted something in between the default options.
Using the Timer for Snapchat Video
The timer function works the same way for recording video snaps as it does for photos. Simply follow the same steps above to set the timer before hitting the record button. This gives you time to get ready before the video starts recording.
One thing to note is that the maximum video length on Snapchat is 60 seconds. So if you set a longer timer, make sure your video itself is less than 60 seconds – otherwise it will cut off when the timer is done.
For example, if you set a 10 second timer, your video length should be 50 seconds max. This way you get the full 10 second countdown, then it records 50 seconds of video before automatically ending the recording.
Turning Off the Timer
Once you’ve enabled the timer, you may want to turn it off for subsequent snaps. Here’s how to quickly disable the timer again:
- Open the camera settings menu
- Tap on “Timer” and select “Off”
This will disable the self-timer and return to taking regular photos/videos without a countdown.
Alternatively, you can just tap on the timer icon shown at top of the camera screen to toggle it on or off.
Timer Limitations
While the Snapchat timer is useful, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- You can’t use the timer and flash at the same time. Enabling flash will automatically disable the timer.
- The timer only works within the Snapchat app camera. You can’t set a timer when using lenses or taking photos from your phone’s photo library.
- There’s no way to set separate timer defaults for photos and videos. The setting applies to both.
- The maximum countdown is 60 seconds, so you can’t set extremely long timers.
Using Timer Apps as an Alternative
If the built-in Snapchat timer has limitations, there are some third party timer camera apps you can use as an alternative. Options like Countdown Camera allow you to set longer timers, use flash with timer, and configure separate defaults for photo and video.
To use these timer apps:
- Download and install the third party timer app from the App Store
- Open the app and set your desired timer duration
- Switch back to Snapchat and open the camera
- Take your snaps as normal while the timer app counts down
- The camera will automatically capture once the countdown hits zero
The advantage of using these dedicated timer apps is having more customization options compared to Snapchat’s built-in timer. Just make sure to follow Snapchat’s guidelines if uploading snaps taken with third party apps.
Sharing Snaps Taken with Timer
Once you take photos or videos using the Snapchat timer, you can share them just like regular snaps:
- Tap the preview thumbnail in the bottom left
- Edit the snap if desired by adding captions, drawings, filters etc.
- Send privately to friends or add to your Story
The timer functionality works when capturing the snap, butdoesn’t carry over or show on the actual snap itself once shared.
Conclusion
Being able to use a timer for the Snapchat camera can be incredibly handy when taking certain shots or videos. While somewhat hidden, the feature is built right into Snapchat’s camera settings.
Activating the timer is as easy as swiping to the camera, tapping the settings gear, and selecting your desired countdown duration. You can choose between 3, 5 or 10 seconds, or even set a custom timer up to 60 seconds.
The timer works seamlessly when taking photo and video snaps. Just remember to account for the countdown time within Snapchat’s 60 second video limit. And if you need more customization, third party camera timer apps can provide greater flexibility.
So next time you’re looking to get perfectly framed group selfies, record smooth video clips, or capture any type of timed photo, be sure to take advantage of Snapchat’s built-in self-timer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Snapchat have a built-in timer?
Yes, Snapchat has a built-in self-timer feature that can be enabled through the camera settings. It allows you to set a 3, 5, or 10 second countdown before taking a photo or video snap.
How do you set the timer on Snapchat?
To set the Snapchat timer, open the camera tab, tap and hold on the capture button, tap the settings icon, and select your desired countdown duration. You can choose between 3, 5, or 10 seconds.
Can you make the Snapchat timer longer?
In the advanced Snapchat timer settings, you can manually adjust the countdown duration up to 60 seconds maximum. Tap the “Timer” option, select “Advanced”, then adjust to your preferred length.
Does the timer work for videos too?
Yes, you can use the Snapchat timer for capturing videos as well. Just remember videos are limited to 60 seconds total, so account for the timer length in your video duration.
Can you turn off the Snapchat timer?
Yes, after enabling the timer you can tap the settings icon again, select “Timer”, and choose “Off” to disable the countdown and return to normal photo/video capture.
Are there any Snapchat timer limitations?
Limitations include: can’t use timer and flash together, only works in Snapchat app camera, no separate defaults for photos/videos, max duration 60 seconds.
What apps can I use as an alternative Snapchat timer?
Some good third party timer camera apps include Countdown Camera, Intervalometer, and Camera Timer. These provide greater customization like longer durations, flash with timer, and separate photo/video settings.
How do I share snaps taken with the timer?
Edit and share the snaps just like normal – the timer only applies while capturing. Tap the preview, edit if desired, then send privately or add to your Story. The timer itself won’t show up on the actual snap.
| Timer Duration | Use Cases |
|---|---|
| 3 seconds | Quick selfies or reaction shots |
| 5 seconds | Group shots with a few people |
| 10 seconds | Large group shots, gives more time to get in place |
| 15+ seconds | Recording video clips, gives time to start capture |
This table summarizes common timer durations and example use cases when using the Snapchat self-timer for taking photos and videos.
A 3 second timer works well for quick solo shots. 5 seconds gives a few people time to get in the frame for group pics. Use 10+ seconds for large groups or to get yourself into position for videos. Adjust length as needed based on your purpose!