Calling on Snapchat is completely free! Snapchat allows users to make voice and video calls to friends without any fees or charges. This feature makes it easy and convenient to connect with your Snapchat contacts.
How calling works on Snapchat
To make a call on Snapchat, simply open a chat with one of your friends and tap the phone icon in the top right corner. This will initiate a voice call. If you want to upgrade to a video call, just tap the video icon after starting the voice call.
Calls made through Snapchat utilize your device’s internet connection rather than your cellular plan minutes. As long as you have WiFi or mobile data, you can chat as long as you want without incurring any call charges.
Some key things to know about Snapchat calls:
- One-on-one calls only – You can only call one friend at a time
- Data usage – Video calls use more data than voice calls
- Call quality – Depends on the strength of your internet connection
- No recording – Calls cannot be recorded or saved
Are there any fees for calls?
Nope, Snapchat does not charge anything for calls! They are 100% free. This free calling extends to both domestic and international calls.
The only possible cost consideration is the data required for the call. Since calls rely on mobile data or WiFi, you will use some of your monthly data allowance while on a Snapchat call. However, data usage is generally minimal, especially for voice calls. The exact amount used will depend on call duration and whether video is enabled.
Why are Snapchat calls free?
Snapchat is able to offer free calling through an approach known as “over-the-top messaging.” This means that calls are routed using the internet rather than a cellular network.
Specifically, Snapchat calls use Voice over IP (VoIP) technology. VoIP allows voice and video chats to be transmitted via the internet as data packets rather than being switched through phone lines. This allows companies like Snapchat to avoid telecommunication carrier fees.
Snapchat parent company Snap Inc. has negotiated data agreements with carriers in order to manage Snapchat calls without passing on costs to users. Snapchat itself also generates revenue through advertising and partnerships, allowing it to offer services like calling for free.
How does Snapchat make money?
While Snapchat offers free calling and messaging, the app itself generates billions in revenue annually. This comes from a few key business streams:
Advertising
The majority of Snapchat’s revenue comes from selling advertising spots on the platform. Advertisers can pay to promote their content to Snapchat’s millions of daily active users.
- Sponsored lenses, filters, and geofilters
- Sponsored stories and discover content
- Snap ads between stories and messages
Premium services
Snapchat now offers some premium paid services like:
- Snapchat+ subscription with exclusive features
- Spotlight challenges with cash prizes
- Bitmoji merch and apparel
Partnerships and sales
Snap Inc. has also grown revenue through business partnerships and hardware sales like:
- Deals with companies to develop branded lenses and filters
- Revenue share from 3rd party apps integrated with Snap Kit
- Sales of Snap Spectacles smartglasses
Ecommerce
Snapchat is expanding into ecommerce as well by letting creators add “Shoppable” tags to content linking to products for sale. It can collect a commission on purchases driven through the app.
How does Snapchat calling work technically?
The key technology powering Snapchat’s free calling feature is Voice over IP (VoIP). Here’s an overview of how it works:
VoIP
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It allows voice and video calls to be made over the internet, instead of through a cellular network like traditional phone calls.
With VoIP, your voice and video are converted into data packets that can be transmitted over IP networks like the internet. This allows the call data to be handled just like any other internet traffic.
Session establishment
When you initiate a call on Snapchat, it first sets up a connection between you and your friend. This involves:
- Your app sends a call request to Snapchat’s servers
- The servers alert your friend’s device that you are calling
- Your friend’s device sends an acceptance message
- A session is established directly between your devices
Streaming
Once connected, your call data – whether voice or video – streams between the devices in real-time over the IP session:
- Your mic captures audio and camera captures video
- This data is encoded and packetized
- Packets are sent over the internet to your friend
- Your friend’s device assembles and decodes the packets
- This repeats rapidly back and forth to stream the call
Quality of service
Snapchat incorporates optimization like quality of service (QoS) to prioritize call data packets and ensure reliable call connectivity even on congested networks.
Comparing Snapchat calls vs traditional calls
Here is a comparison of some key differences between making calls through Snapchat vs traditional telephony networks:
| Feature | Snapchat Call | Traditional Call |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Airtime rates apply |
| Technology | Voice over IP | Cellular (3G, 4G, 5G) |
| Network | Internet | Telephony network |
| Device used | Smartphone | Any phone |
| Number | Snapchat username | Phone number |
| Call quality | Depends on internet connection | Depends on cellular coverage |
Pros of Snapchat calls
Using Snapchat for calls has some great advantages including:
- Free – No airtime, long distance, or roaming charges
- Easy – Just open a chat and tap the icon to connect
- Flexible – Switch seamlessly between voice and video
- Feature-rich – Utilize AR lenses, filters during video calls
- Cross-platform – Works on both iPhones and Android phones
Cons of Snapchat calls
There are also a few limitations to consider with Snapchat calling such as:
- Internet required – Doesn’t work without WiFi or mobile data
- No emergency calls – Cannot call emergency services numbers
- Limited participants – Max of 16 participants on Group Calls
- Call quality varies – Dependent on each user’s connection strength
- Device compatible only – Does not work on tablets or computers
Fun things to do on Snapchat calls
Beyond just chatting, Snapchat calls open up some fun interactive possibilities. Here are some things you can try:
Use lenses and filters
Snapchat’s huge library of AR lenses and filters can make video calls way more fun. Try masks, effects, and distortions during your call.
Draw and annotate
Use the markup tools during a video call to draw, write notes, and annotate on the screen as you chat.
Play games
You can play mini Snapchat games together on call like Sketch Heads and Bitmoji Party.
Co-watch Snapchat shows
Tune-in together to binge Snapchat exclusive shows and content while on a voice or video call.
Take a Snapchat tour
Give your friend a “tour” of your surroundings by taking your call on the go and sharing what you see.
Tips for making Snapchat calls
Here are some tips for making the most of Snapchat’s calling capabilities:
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection
- Use headphones to avoid echo and background noise
- Position camera at eye level for flattering angle
- Try the voice transformer to play with your voice during calls
- Turn on “Do Not Disturb” to avoid disruptions
- Use the Snap Map to make location-based calls
- Leverage group calls to connect with multiple friends
Conclusion
Snapchat provides a fun and convenient free calling option that lets you easily connect with friends right from your smartphone. While traditional phone calls still have their place, turning to Snapchat is a great way to enjoy a more interactive, multimedia calling experience without any costs.
So go ahead and call up your close friends on Snapchat to catch up, collaborate on projects, or just hang out without worrying about phone bills. Just be sure you have a solid WiFi or cellular data connection before making those calls!