With over 249 million daily active users, Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media apps for sharing photos, videos, and messages. While Snapchat promotes impermanence by automatically deleting Snaps after they have been viewed, there are ways to save and download Snap information before it disappears.
Saving Snapchat Photos and Videos
There are a few different ways to save Snaps on Android and iOS devices before they expire:
- Screenshot the Snap – Open the Snap you want to keep and take a screenshot. This will save the Snap to your camera roll.
- Use a third-party app – Apps like SnapSaver, SaveMySnaps, and Casper allow you to download and save Snaps. You’ll have to download the app and connect your Snapchat account.
- Save the file – On Android devices, you can connect your phone to a computer and locate the Snapchat folder in the phone’s files. The photos and videos are stored here temporarily before being deleted.
Keep in mind the other person will get a notification if you screenshot their Snap. You can turn this feature off in your Snapchat settings. Using a third-party app to save Snaps is not detectable.
Downloading Snapchat Data
Snapchat allows you to download certain account information and Snap history through its Download My Data feature:
- Open the Snapchat app and go to your profile page
- Tap the gear icon to access Settings
- Scroll down and select ‘Download My Data’
- Enter your password when prompted
- Tap ‘Submit Request’
It can take up to 30 days for Snapchat to compile and process your data request. Once ready, you’ll receive an email with a link to download your data file. This ZIP file contains:
- Your Profile Information – Your name, phone number, email, username, etc.
- Friends – Your Snapchat friends list.
- Chat History – Saved chat logs between you and your friends.
- Story History – Snaps and Chats sent in stories over the past 30 days.
- Memories – Saved photos and videos from your memories over the past 30 days.
- Purchase History – Any purchases made on Snapchat.
- Other Account History – Your login history, verification codes, etc.
Note that Snapchat does not provide all of your sent/received Snaps. Only Snaps posted to your story in the last 30 days are available. The downloaded data allows you to see your general account details and conversation history for the past month.
How Long Does Snapchat Store Your Data?
Snapchat states that they store user data until it is no longer necessary for operating Snapchat’s products and services. Here are the general retention periods Snapchat abides by:
- Account Information – Until account is deactivated.
- Messages/Snaps/Chats – Up to 30 days.
- Stories – 24 hours.
- Memories – Stored until deleted by user.
- Location Data – Up to 60 days.
Snapchat permanently deletes accounts that have been deactivated, as well as associated Snaps, Chats, device data, cookies, etc. However, certain data may persist in backup copies for extended time for legal and operational reasons. Your information may also continue to appear in Snaps sent by others, even after your account is deactivated or deleted.
| Data Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Account Information | Until account deactivated |
| Messages/Snaps/Chats | Up to 30 days |
| Stories | 24 hours |
| Memories | Until deleted by user |
| Location Data | Up to 60 days |
Third-Party Apps and User Privacy
Using third-party apps to save Snaps without the sender’s knowledge raises user privacy concerns. While saving Snaps locally may not be detectable, uploading them to external servers is more invasive. Here are a few tips on using third-party apps responsibly:
- Read the app’s privacy policy to understand how your data will be used, stored and shared.
- Avoid apps that upload all your Snaps to their servers.
- Tell friends if you plan to save their Snaps so they can consent.
- Delete any sensitive or private Snaps you’ve saved after viewing.
- Disable notification alerts if you’re recording Snaps secretly.
- Use ethical judgment on which Snaps are appropriate to save.
While technology makes it possible to secretly save others’ content, consider how you would feel if roles were reversed. Always respect friends’ privacy and wishes when using third-party apps.
Conclusion
Snapchat offers several options to download your personal account data, chat history, and memories. While the app promotes ephemerality, you can save Snaps using screenshots, third-party apps, and local device files. Be mindful of user privacy when saving Snaps without consent. With responsible use, saving Snapchat data can let you cherish memories while still embracing the app’s temporary content ethos.