Snapchat launched in 2011 as an app for sending disappearing photo and video messages. Over the years, Snapchat has evolved with additional features like Stories, messaging, filters, lenses, and more. One aspect of Snapchat that has changed significantly is user profiles.
When Snapchat first started, profiles were public by default. Anyone could search for and view another user’s profile to see their posted content. However, in 2015, Snapchat made profiles private by default. This means users must now opt-in to have a public profile that others can view.
So can you still make a public profile on Snapchat in 2023? The answer is yes, but the process is a bit different than it used to be. Here’s what you need to know about making a public profile on Snapchat.
What is a public profile on Snapchat?
A public profile on Snapchat allows anyone to search for and view your profile content without needing to add you as a friend. Public profiles showcase users’ posted stories, moments, and trophies to anyone who comes across their profile.
With a private profile, which is now the default setting, only friends you’ve added on Snapchat can view your snaps and stories. Your profile is invisible to anyone else on the app.
So a public profile essentially makes your Snapchat presence open to the public instead of just friends you approve. This allows for greater discoverability, especially for influencers, businesses, creators, and public figures looking to expand their audience on Snapchat.
How to make a public profile on Snapchat
Here are the steps to make your Snapchat profile public:
1. Open your Snapchat app and tap on your profile icon in the top left corner.
2. Tap the gear icon in the top right to access your Settings.
3. Under the “Who Can” section, tap Contact me.
4. Toggle the switch next to “Allow users to contact me” to the ON position. This makes your username searchable.
5. Toggle the switch next to “Show me in Quick Add” to the ON position. This makes your profile visible when people browse profiles on Snapchat.
That’s it! With these two settings enabled, anyone will be able to search for and view your public Snapchat profile. Keep in mind you can toggle these back to private at any time if you change your mind.
Snapchat’s shift away from public profiles
Snapchat’s decision to make profiles private by default reflects a purposeful shift away from public sharing and discoverability. Here are some reasons Snapchat moved in this direction:
– Protect user privacy and safety – Public profiles meant anyone could view snaps, stories, and trophies with no relationship to the user. This created safety concerns. Private profiles give users more control.
– Promote real friend connections – Public profiles focused more on followers and vanity metrics. Private profiles encourage real connections between friends who actively communicate.
– Differentiate from other social networks – Snapchat wanted to set itself apart from more public social networks like Instagram and Facebook. The focus is on sharing temporary moments with close friends.
– Attract older users – Snapchat’s original audience skewed very young. The app matured over time to appeal to older users who value privacy. Making profiles private appealed to these demographics.
While you can still opt for a public profile, Snapchat has made it clear that privacy is a priority. The default setting reflects who Snapchat feels its core users are – real friends sharing private, ephemeral moments. But the choice ultimately lies with each user based on their preferences.
Benefits of a public Snapchat profile
While Snapchat now focuses on private sharing, there remain some benefits to unlocking a public profile. Here are a few examples:
– Showcase your brand – Businesses, creators, influencers, and public figures can use a public profile to promote their brand and content to a wide audience. This expands reach and discovery beyond just friends.
– Gain followers – Those looking to gain followers, grow an audience, and increase visibility can benefit from the discoverability of public profiles.
– Express yourself – Users can publicly exhibit their lifestyle and aesthetic through the photos and videos highlighted on their profile. This allows for self-expression.
– Discover new connections – A public profile allows you to connect with like-minded individuals, brands, influencers, and creators that you may have never encountered before.
– Increase engagement – More profile views and discoverability can lead to higher engagement rates on Snaps and Stories.
If any of these benefits are a priority, switching to a public profile may be worth considering. But don’t feel pressured to be public for the sake of vanity metrics. Focus on the connections you find most meaningful.
Risks of a public Snapchat profile
While going public has its upsides, there are also a few potential downsides to keep in mind:
– Less privacy and control – Complete strangers will be able to view all your public content without any relationship to you. Some users may not be comfortable with this lack of privacy.
– Unwanted attention – Public access leaves you open to messaging, comments, and reactions from strangers. Some attention may be unwanted or inappropriate.
– Stalkers and bullies – Unfortunately, a public profile also makes it possible for stalkers, bullies, and harassers to target you if they discover your profile. Moderation and blocking tools may be required.
– Misinterpreted content – When anyone can view your profile, Snaps and Stories could be taken out of context, misconstrued, or shared without your permission.
– Children safety – Public profiles raise risks if underage users don’t take precautions to protect themselves or overshare sensitive content. Youth privacy education is critical.
If any of these risks sound problematic, keeping your profile private is likely the smarter choice. Safety should be the number one priority.
How to make a Snapchat profile private again
If you make your Snapchat profile public but later change your mind, switching back to private is easy:
1. Open Snapchat settings.
2. Tap “Contact Me”.
3. Toggle “Allow users to contact me” to the OFF position.
4. Toggle “Show me in Quick Add” to the OFF position.
And that’s it! Your profile will now revert to being private and invisible in searches. Only your approved friends will be able to view your content again.
You can change this setting as often as you like with just a few taps. Some users only go public temporarily, such as when promoting a product launch or campaign. Then they’ll switch back to private after. Customize your privacy based on your needs and comfort level.
Who views your public Snapchat profile?
If you opt for a public profile, here are some of the ways other Snapchat users may come across and view your profile:
– Searching your unique username – Your username is searchable if you turn on the “contact me” setting.
– Browsing Quick Add – You’ll appear as a suggested profile in Snapchat’s Quick Add section.
– Viewing public Stories – Anyone viewing public Stories you contribute to may tap your profile.
– Seeing public content – If your content is reshared by others publicly, viewers can tap through.
– Verified profiles – Verified accounts stand out and may receive more profile views.
– Mutual friends – Friends of friends may come across and check out your profile.
– Influencer fans – Your brand and content may organically attract an audience of fans.
– Paid promotion – You can pay to promote your profile and content via Snapchat Ads.
The more engaging your content, the more ways potential new viewers will discover your public Snapchat presence!
Tips for using a public Snapchat profile
Here are some best practices as you use Snapchat with a public profile:
– Show your personality – Let your profile communicate your identity, lifestyle, interests, aesthetic, and what makes you unique.
– Highlight your best content – Curate the Snaps and Stories on your profile to put your best foot forward. Rotate through recent highlights.
– Engage consistently – Post high-quality Snaps regularly to give your audience a reason to keep viewing your profile and content.
– Monitor comments – Keep an eye on comments and feedback to your public content and moderate if needed.
– Turn off messaging – Disable incoming chat requests from strangers if needed for privacy and safety.
– Use a unique username – Having a recognizable branded username makes it easy for fans to find you.
– Promote cross-platform – Link to your other social profiles to drive traffic between platforms.
– Analyze insights – Check Snapchat Insights to see key metrics on your followers, views, and engagement.
– Have fun! – Don’t take your public presence too seriously. Snapchat is meant for enjoying real moments and creativity!
Conclusion
While Snapchat has moved away from public sharing in many regards, users still have the option to have an open, public-facing profile. This allows increased discoverability and expanded reach for those looking to grow their personal brand or creative presence on Snapchat.
However, privacy risks must be considered carefully. The wisest choice for many is keeping their profile private for close friends only. But influencers, businesses, creators, or those just wanting to express themselves publicly can benefit from the option to showcase a bit more of their Snapchat presence.
As with all social media, it comes down to finding the right balance of controls that makes you comfortable. Snapchat’s flexibility empowers you to customize your settings. So whether you go public or not, focus first on sharing meaningful moments with the people who matter most.