Snapchat is a popular messaging app that allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. One of Snapchat’s features is the ability to make audio calls with friends right in the app. Here is an in-depth look at how Snapchat’s audio calling feature works.
Overview of Snapchat Audio Calls
With Snapchat audio calls, users can have real-time voice conversations with friends without having to use their actual phone numbers. These calls use data or WiFi and allow users to connect no matter where they are in the world.
Some key things to know about Snapchat audio calls:
- Audio calls can be made to any friend within your Snapchat friends list.
- There is no limit on the length of calls.
- Call quality depends on the strength of each user’s internet connection.
- Snapchat uses end-to-end encryption for call privacy.
- Calls can be made in both individual and group chats.
- There are fun options like voice filters that can be used during calls.
Initiating an Audio Call
Making a Snapchat audio call is very straightforward. There are a couple different ways to start a call:
- Open a chat with a friend, then tap the phone icon in the top right corner. This will immediately start ringing the friend.
- In a group chat, tap the phone icon at the top to start an audio conference call with everyone in the chat.
- On someone’s profile page, tap the phone icon to begin a 1-on-1 call with them.
Once you tap the phone icon, Snapchat will begin ringing your friend. The call will start when they answer. If they miss the call, you’ll have the option to leave a voice message that they can listen to later.
Interface During an Audio Call
The interface during a Snapchat call is simple and intuitive. Here are the main features:
- The main screen shows the duration of the call so far.
- There is a camera button that lets you switch over to a video call if desired.
- A microphone button mutes or unmutes your audio.
- Volume buttons control the call volume specifically.
- Filter and sticker buttons add entertaining audio effects.
- The red phone button ends the call.
Having the basic call controls right on the screen makes it easy to manage your Snapchat calls. There are no hidden menus or buttons to worry about during a conversation.
Video vs. Audio Calls
Snapchat gives users the flexibility to seamlessly switch between audio and video calls. Here is how the two options compare:
| Audio Calls | Video Calls |
|---|---|
| Uses less data | Allows you to see your friend live |
| Conserves battery life | More fun with filters, lenses, etc. |
| Keeps full focus on the conversation | Higher quality creates more personal feel |
In general, audio calls are best for casual conversations when you want to multitask or conserve battery. Video calls make sense for deeper conversations or when you want to fully focus on the chat.
Audio Call Quality
The overall quality of Snapchat calls depends mainly on the strength of the internet connection on each end. Here are some factors that influence call quality:
- Cellular vs. WiFi – WiFi typically provides better call quality with less glitches or lag time.
- Signal strength – Weak cellular signals or poor WiFi coverage can degrade audio quality.
- Hardware – Higher quality microphones and speakers improve sound clarity.
- Background noise – Loud environments make it harder to hear the caller clearly.
Snapchat uses compression algorithms to optimize audio quality across different network conditions. But users get the best experience under optimal connectivity conditions in quiet locations.
Using Filters and Lenses
One fun aspect of Snapchat calls is the ability to add filters, lenses, and other audio effects. Here are some of the ways to enhance calls:
- Voice filters – Change your voice to sound like a robot, alien, and more.
- World lenses – Augmented reality lenses alter your appearance.
- Stickers – Fun sounds and music to spice up the conversation.
- Caption stickers – Text captions that appear in cool fonts/styles.
Snapchat is continually expanding its audio offerings. The voice alteration filters are especially popular for getting laughs during calls with friends. Anything that brings a little more fun and creativity into the mix!
Using Snapchat Audio Calls
Here are some best practices for maximizing your Snapchat calling experience:
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
- Find a quiet area without too much background noise.
- Use headphones to prevent echo and enhance sound isolation.
- Speak clearly and directly into the microphone for best voice pickup.
- Adjust volume settings to maintain optimal sound levels.
- Switch to video calling when you want more personal connection.
- Have fun with the filters, lenses, and stickers as desired.
Taking a few simple steps goes a long way towards having smooth, pleasant calls with friends in Snapchat. The convenience of calling without using actual phone numbers makes it easy to connect anytime.
Group Audio Calls
In addition to 1-on-1 calls, Snapchat allows group audio calls with up to 16 people at once. Here’s an overview of how group calls work:
- Start a group call the same way – tap the phone icon in a Group Chat.
- All members of the Group Chat will be notified to join.
- As people join, their Bitmoji will appear in a bar at the bottom.
- Tap a Bitmoji to make them the prominent speaker, enlarged on screen.
- Swipe left/right on the Bitmoji bar to view different friends.
Group calls follow the same interface and controls as a 1-on-1 call. The only difference is the management of multiple callers. Switching the screen focus from friend to friend makes group conversations easy to follow.
Conclusion
Snapchat audio calls provide a fun way to connect with friends in real-time while on the go. The calling feature is intuitive and easy to use once you get familiar with the basic interface. Audio quality varies based on connectivity, but filters and lenses add a touch of novelty either way.
In summary, here’s a quick rundown of how Snapchat audio calls allow you to keep in touch:
- Make 1-on-1 or group voice calls by tapping the phone icon.
- Calls use data/WiFi instead of your actual phone number.
- Convenient features like filters, stickers, and captions.
- Seamlessly switch over to video chat at any time.
- Wide compatibility across iOS and Android devices.
So next time you want to have an engaging real-time conversation on the fly, turn to Snapchat audio or video calling as an easy option.