With Snapchat being one of the most popular social media platforms, especially among teens and young adults, many users want to know how to save or download snaps sent to them by their friends. While Snapchat’s premise is that photos, videos, and messages disappear after being viewed, there are some workarounds that allow you to save this content before it’s gone for good.
Why Would You Want to Save Someone Else’s Snap?
There are a few main reasons why someone may want to save another person’s snaps:
- To have a memento of fun memories with friends
- To make sure important information that was communicated via Snapchat is not lost
- To preserve snaps that contain evidence of something important
- To be able to view snaps again after they have disappeared from the app
While these can all be valid reasons, it is also important to consider consent and respect other users’ expectations of privacy when saving their content. The best practice is to always ask permission before capturing and saving someone else’s snap.
How Can You Save Someone Else’s Snap Without Them Knowing?
There are a few main techniques people use to covertly save others’ Snapchat content:
Using Another Device to Photograph or Record the Screen
One sneaky method is to use a second phone, camera, or other recording device to photograph or screen record the snap as you view it. This allows you to capture it before it disappears. However, the quality usually won’t be great.
Using Snapchat Save Apps or Extensions
There are third party apps and browser extensions designed specifically for saving Snapchat pics, videos, and stories. These tools run in the background to capture snaps as they come in. Some popular options include:
- Snapsave
- Snapbox
- Casper
The downside is that using third party apps violates Snapchat’s terms of service.
Rooting or Jailbreaking Your Phone
For Android users, rooting your phone can allow you to bypass restrictions and directly access and save all files. For iPhone users, jailbreaking makes it possible to install unsanctioned apps for saving Snapchat content.
However, this requires you to tamper with your device’s firmware in a major way. It also carries security risks and may void your warranty.
Ethical Ways to Save Someone Else’s Snap
If you want to save someone else’s snap in a more ethical, transparent way, here are some options:
Ask Their Permission First
The simplest way is to just ask the person if they’re okay with you saving their snap. Make sure to explain why you’d want to save it. If they say yes, problem solved!
Ask Them to Use the “Memories” Feature
Snapchat’s Memories feature allows users to intentionally save their own snaps. So you could request that the sender save the snap to Memories so that you can view it again.
Use the Replay Feature
With Snapchat’s Replay function, you are allowed one free replay of each snap per day. Use your Replay to view their snap again and screenshot it on the second viewing.
The main drawback here is that the app notifies them when you use your Replay.
Screen Record a Video Chat
If the snap you want to save is a video chat, you can screen record your end of the conversation. This captures your friend’s visual and audible reactions as well.
Be sure to tell them ahead of time before you start recording.
Third Party Apps and Legal Issues
While various third party apps and workarounds make it possible to save others’ snaps, it is important to note that most of these violate Snapchat’s Terms of Service and can get you banned. Unauthorized saving and distribution of snaps can also potentially lead to legal issues:
- Copyright law – Snapchat users retain copyright on the content they post.
- CFAA – Unauthorized access of private communications can violate anti-hacking laws.
- Stored Communications Act – Accessing stored Snaps without authorization is illegal.
- Child pornography laws – Sharing intimate content of minors breaks CP laws.
In many places, saving and sharing private Snaps without consent is illegal. So while it may be technically possible to covertly save someone else’s content, there are ethical concerns and legal risks to be aware of.
When Is It Okay to Screenshot a Snapchat?
As a rule of thumb, it is okay to screenshot or otherwise save someone else’s Snapchat if:
- They expressly gave you permission.
- The content does not reveal private personal details.
- There is some compelling reason of public importance.
- You are not distributing or posting the Snap anywhere else.
Examples where it may be justified to save another’s snap without their knowledge include:
- To preserve evidence of a crime or harassment
- To back up important communications about work, school, etc.
- To keep a heartwarming message from a loved one
But in general, common courtesy dictates that you should ask first before saving anything meant to be private and ephemeral. It comes down to respecting boundaries and consent.
Foolproof Ways to Save Your Own Snaps
If you just want to save content you have created yourself, Snapchat makes that simple with a few built-in options:
Memories
Snapchat’s Memories feature lets you intentionally save any of your own snaps, stories, or chats before sending them. To use it:
- Tap the Memories icon in the app.
- Create or open an existing snap/story.
- Tap the “Save” icon.
- Your content will now show up in Memories for downloading.
Chat Export
You can use Chat Export to save your chat conversations. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > Account Actions > Export Chat.
- Select which conversations you want to export.
- Tap Export and your chats will download.
Screenshots
The simplest option is to just screenshot your content before sending it. You can screenshot messages, images, stories, etc. The one catch is that the app notifies your contacts when you screenshot their chats.
But for saving your own snaps and stories, screenshots are quick and easy.
Conclusion
While Snapchat is designed for ephemeral sharing, there are ways to capture and save snaps you receive. You can use a second device, turn to third party apps, or jailbreak your phone. However, most of these violate Snapchat’s policies. It’s best to only screenshot with the express consent of the sender, especially if the content is private or intimate. With your own snaps, you can easily save them using Memories, Chat Export, and screenshots. Ultimately, respecting privacy and consent should drive how you handle saving Snapchat content from others.