How do you join the Snapchat beta program?

Snapchat is one of the most popular social media apps, allowing users to send disappearing photos and videos called snaps. The app is constantly adding new features to improve the user experience. Before rolling out updates to all users, Snapchat often tests unreleased features with a small test group through its beta program. Here is what you need to know about joining Snapchat’s beta program.

What is the Snapchat beta program?

The Snapchat beta program, also known as Snapchat Beta or Snapchat TestFlight, allows select users to try out new Snapchat features before they are released to the general public. Participants of the program get early access to test experimental and unreleased features. This helps Snapchat identify and resolve issues before launching updates globally.

Testing new features through a beta program is a common practice among major social media platforms and tech companies. It allows them to get real user feedback in a controlled environment. The insights gained through beta testing help improve products before public release.

What are the benefits of joining the Snapchat beta?

Here are some of the key benefits of joining Snapchat’s beta program:

Get early access to try out new Snapchat features before anyone else
Preview and test experimental features not yet available to all users

Have a say in shaping new products by providing feedback to Snapchat
Experience the latest Snapchat innovations before they go mainstream
Troubleshoot bugs and issues before public rollout

Beta testers get the exciting opportunity to explore new Snapchat features in the works, ranging from filters and lenses to interface changes and more. You can enjoy cutting-edge developments on Snapchat before the rest of the community and influence product improvements with your feedback.

How to join the Snapchat beta program

Joining Snapchat’s beta program is simple and straightforward if you meet the eligibility criteria. Here are the steps to join:

Make sure your Snapchat app is up to date to the latest version available in your device’s app store.
Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon in the top left corner.
Go to the Settings screen and scroll down to find the “Become a Beta Tester” option.

Tap “Join” to submit your interest in beta testing new features.
If accepted, you will see a confirmation that you have been added to the Snapchat Beta program.
Update your Snapchat app when new beta versions are released to test unreleased features.

The “Become a Beta Tester” setting may not be available to all users. Snapchat appears to randomly select users to join its beta program. If you don’t see the option, you likely have not been chosen yet.

What are the requirements to join the beta?

Snapchat has not officially outlined specific requirements to join its beta program. Based on reports from accepted testers, here are some potential criteria:

You must be on the latest version of Snapchat available in the app store

Your Snapchat account should be several weeks or months old
You need to be an active Snapchat user who frequently engages with the app
Your device software should be updated to the latest iOS and Android versions

You may need to enable TestFlight (iOS) or become a beta tester (Android)

Snapchat appears to look for experienced users on updated devices to beta test new features. Having an older, frequently used account and being actively engaged on Snapchat seem to help get an invite. There is no guaranteed way to qualify for the beta program though.

How many users are in the Snapchat beta?

Snapchat has not revealed the exact number of testers in its beta program. But it is likely a small subset of Snapchat’s total user base, which exceeded 363 million daily active users as of Q2 2022. A few thousand users is probably the testing pool at any given time.

Keeping the beta group small allows Snapchat to focus on a targeted segment for quality feedback, rather than widespread testing. The limited testing also prevents experimental features from being revealed too broadly before public release.

What features has Snapchat beta tested?

Snapchat beta has previewed many new features over the years prior to official launch, including:

Snap Map location sharing

Creative Kit for integrating Snapchat tools into apps
Snap Games platform for multiplayer games
Snap Minis for using services within Snapchat

Bitmoji for Games avatar integration in games
Director Mode for creating multi-snap videos
Dual Camera feature to use front and rear cameras simultaneously

TestFlight beta testers also get early previews of changes to Snapchat’s core messaging, camera, stories, lens, bitmoji, chat, and media features. Snapchat beta is a chance to shape the future of the app.

How do you provide feedback in the beta program?

Snapchat may send beta testers occasional surveys to collect feedback on new features being evaluated. There may also be an email associated with your TestFlight account to submit comments.

However, your usage data and behavior while using beta versions is also valuable feedback. Snapchat observes how beta testers interact with experimental features to identify issues and gauge interest levels. So thoroughly exploring new additions and reporting any encountered bugs is also helpful.

Can you leave the Snapchat beta program?

Yes, beta testers can leave Snapchat’s testing program if they no longer wish to participate. On iOS, you can stop getting TestFlight beta updates by:

Going to the TestFlight app
Tapping on Snapchat Beta

Scrolling down and tapping “Stop Testing”

On Android, you can leave beta testing by:

Visiting the Google Play Store page for Snapchat

Going to Snapchat’s Beta program page
Clicking “Leave” to opt out of further beta updates

After unenrolling, you will no longer receive beta versions of Snapchat. Your app will revert back to the standard version available in the app store.

What happens if you leave the beta?

If you decide to stop beta testing Snapchat and leave the program, here is what will occur:

You will stop getting early previews of unreleased Snapchat features
Your Snapchat app will revert to the current public version

Any experimental features you were testing will no longer be visible or usable
Your chat history and data will remain intact
You can rejoin the beta again in the future if spots reopen

Leaving the beta program will simply remove access to testing in-development features. All your friends, snaps, and account details will stay unchanged. You can opt back in if beta testing spots become available down the road.

Conclusion

Snapchat’s beta program gives select users an exciting opportunity to preview and help shape the future of the popular messaging app. Getting early access to new Snapchat features requires a frequently used account on the latest app version. Providing user feedback and reporting bugs as a beta tester can help influence positive product changes. While the program has limited space, joining Snapchat’s beta lets you enjoy cutting-edge developments firsthand.