Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. Snapchat was originally designed as a mobile-only app, but over time methods have been developed to use Snapchat on a computer as well.
Using the Snapchat Website
The main way to use Snapchat on a computer is by visiting the Snapchat website. The Snapchat website has limited functionality compared to the mobile app, but it allows you to view snaps and stories from your friends and create new stories. Here’s what you can do on the Snapchat website:
- View snaps and stories – You can view photo and video snaps sent to you as well as stories posted by your friends.
- Create stories – You can create public stories visible to all your friends using photos and videos from your computer.
- Edit profile – You can edit your profile details like your name, username, and Bitmoji.
However, there are some key Snapchat features that are not available on the website, including:
- Send snaps – You cannot send photo or video snaps to friends.
- Use filters and lenses – Snapchat’s augmented reality filters and lenses cannot be used.
- Add friends – You cannot search for and add new friends.
So the Snapchat website is fairly limited in functionality compared to the mobile app. It’s best for viewing existing content from friends rather than actively creating new snaps and interacting.
Using Snapchat Desktop Apps
In addition to the official Snapchat website, there are also some third-party desktop apps that aim to bring more Snapchat features to computers:
Snap Camera
Snap Camera is a desktop app created by Snapchat for Windows and Mac. Key features include:
- Lenses – You can apply Snapchat lenses and filters to your face during video calls and live streams.
- Broadcasts – You can broadcast yourself to friends using lenses via the app.
However, Snap Camera does not actually let you use core Snapchat messaging features. It’s focused specifically on bringing Snapchat’s augmented reality effects to desktop.
Bluestacks
Bluestacks is an Android emulator for Windows and Mac. It allows you to run Android apps on a computer, including the official Snapchat mobile app. Using the Snapchat Android app via Bluestacks gives you access to features like:
- Messaging – You can send and receive photo/video snaps and chat messages.
- Filters and lenses – You can access the full suite of Snapchat lenses and filters.
- Add friends – Search for friends and see Stories globally.
However, there are limitations to running mobile apps on an emulator. Performance and camera integration may not be as smooth as on a mobile device.
Other third-party apps
There are other third-party desktop apps like Snapcat and Snapper that aim to bring Snapchat messaging features to desktop using unofficial APIs. However, Snapchat does not officially support these apps and may block their functionality at any time.
Ways to Use Snapchat on Web Browsers
In addition to desktop apps, there are also some creative ways to access Snapchat through web browsers:
Remote access via mobile
You can use remote access apps like TeamViewer to view and control your mobile device remotely from a computer. This gives you access to the full Snapchat mobile experience through your web browser.
iOS web-based emulators
Services like iPadian and iEmulators allow you to run an iOS emulator through the browser. You can then load the iOS Snapchat app within the emulator and use it through your browser.
Chrome extensions
Some Chrome extensions like SnapTools claim to give you access to Snapchat via browser. However, these have limited functionality and Snapchat often blocks them.
Is using Snapchat on a computer against the rules?
According to Snapchat’s terms of service, you are only supposed to use their official apps or websites. Using third-party apps or emulators to access Snapchat on desktop is technically prohibited.
In practice, accessing Snapchat on a computer is very common. Snapchat tends to look the other way, as long as you don’t abuse their services or use third-party apps for spam/harassment.
The pros and cons of using Snapchat on a computer
Here are some key pros and cons to keep in mind:
Pros
- Larger screen – Viewing Snaps and Stories is more enjoyable.
- Easier to type – Typing out chats and captions is faster on a keyboard.
- Multi-tasking – You can easily use Snapchat alongside work/school tasks.
Cons
- Limited functionality – Most third-party apps don’t offer the full Snapchat experience.
- Against ToS – Technically prohibited by Snapchat, although not heavily enforced.
- No push notifications – You won’t get notifications on your computer for new Snaps.
Conclusion
While there is no “official” way to use the full Snapchat service on a computer, there are some limited workarounds like the Snapchat website and third-party apps. However, the experience is often degraded compared to mobile. For best results, it’s recommended to use Snapchat on your smartphone if possible.
Accessing Snapchat via desktop can be convenient in some situations, but ultimately Snapchat was designed as a mobile messaging app. So if you want to use all of Snapchat’s core features, there’s no true substitute for having it on your phone.
| Method | Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snapchat Website | Web |
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| Snap Camera | Windows, Mac |
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| Bluestacks | Windows, Mac |
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This table summarizes some of the main methods for accessing Snapchat on desktop platforms along with their key pros and cons.
As you can see, while some methods offer partial Snapchat functionality, none currently provide the complete, seamless experience you would get directly on your mobile device. Ultimately, mobile is still the best way to use Snapchat.
That said, the options for desktop access are improving over time. As mobile emulation and remote access technology advances, we may see more robust ways to use Snapchat on a computer in the future. But for now, Snapchat remains designed as a mobile-first social platform.
Regardless of platform, it’s important to use Snapchat responsibly. Make sure to think carefully about what you snap, remain respectful to friends and contacts, and avoid using any third-party services that violate Snapchat’s terms of use.
Is it worth using Snapchat on desktop?
At the end of the day, whether or not it makes sense to use Snapchat on desktop comes down to your specific needs and preferences as a user. Here are some things to consider:
- If you want to primarily view content from friends, the Snapchat website may be enough for your needs.
- If you want to fully chat and create new snaps, mobile access is likely better.
- Using Snapchat alongside work and multitasking is easier on desktop.
- Performance and usability is superior on mobile devices.
- You need to be comfortable with unofficial third-party apps and workarounds.
- It depends how heavily you rely on push notifications and active Snapchat use.
For most users, accessing Snapchat through mobile is recommended if possible. But desktop can be a convenient complement for more passive, casual use cases like viewing stories and checking in throughout the day. The choice ultimately depends on your priorities and how you prefer to interact with the Snapchat service.
As methods for accessing Snapchat on desktop continue to evolve, the experience gap may narrow over time. But for now, mobile provides the most complete and optimized Snapchat user experience.