Snapchat is one of the most popular social media apps, with over 293 million daily active users as of Q2 2022. For developers, distributing beta versions of Snapchat apps via TestFlight provides an easy way to get feedback before launch. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do TestFlight for Snapchat.
Prerequisites
Before you can distribute your Snapchat app via TestFlight, there are a few requirements you need:
- An Apple Developer account
- Your Snapchat app added to App Store Connect
- Testers added in App Store Connect
- Your Snapchat app configured for distribution in App Store Connect
Let’s go through each of these in more detail:
Apple Developer Account
To distribute apps via TestFlight, you need an Apple Developer Program membership. This is a paid annual subscription that gives you access to App Store Connect and tools like TestFlight. You can enroll for an individual or organization membership on the Apple Developer website.
Add Snapchat App in App Store Connect
Once you have a developer account, you need to add your Snapchat app in App Store Connect. This is where you configure and manage apps for distribution on the App Store and TestFlight. To add your Snapchat app:
- Log in to App Store Connect and click on “My Apps”
- Click the “+” button to add a new app
- Enter your app name, bundle ID, platforms, and other required information
- Upload your app binary in Xcode if it isn’t there already
- Make sure your Snapchat app shows up in App Store Connect
Add Testers
Before sending out a TestFlight beta build, you need to add testers in App Store Connect. These are the users who will get access to install and test your beta app. You can add up to 10,000 external testers.
To add testers:
- In App Store Connect, go to Users and Access > TestFlight > Testers
- Click the “+” to invite new internal or external testers
- Enter email addresses and optional first/last name for testers
- Click “Invite” and testers will receive an email to accept the invite
Configure for Distribution
The final prerequisite is to configure your Snapchat app for distribution in App Store Connect. This involves setting up app information, screenshots, privacy policy and more. Make sure to also select the build you want to distribute in the TestFlight section.
Upload Build to TestFlight
Once all the prerequisites are met, you can upload a build of your Snapchat app to distribute to testers. Here are the steps:
- In Xcode, archive your Snapchat app for distribution
- Validate the archive and fix any issues
- Upload the archive to App Store Connect
- In App Store Connect, go to TestFlight > All Builds
- Select the build and click “Distribute to Testers”
Your selected testers will now receive an email inviting them to install the TestFlight beta build. Make sure to re-build and distribute your app whenever you want testers to get the latest version.
Testers Install Build
On the tester side, here are the steps to install a TestFlight beta build:
- Open the TestFlight email invite on your iPhone
- Tap “View in TestFlight” or open the TestFlight iOS app
- Tap “Accept” to accept the beta invite
- Tap “Install” to download and install the beta build
- Open the app to start testing!
Testers can share feedback directly in TestFlight or by emailing the developer. They’ll get notified whenever a new build is available.
Getting Feedback
The main goal of TestFlight is to gather feedback from real users so you can improve your Snapchat app before launch. As a developer, here are some tips for getting useful feedback:
- Provide clear testing instructions so testers know what to focus on
- Ask specific questions about features, design, bugs, etc.
- Monitor crash reports and logs in App Store Connect to identify issues
- Respond to feedback and keep testers in the loop on changes
- Use a beta testing service like TestFairy that provides more analytics
Quality testers and engaged users will provide the best real-world testing data on your Snapchat app. Leverage their feedback to create the best possible user experience.
Best Practices
Here are some best practices to keep in mind for a successful TestFlight beta test:
- Test core functionality thoroughly yourself first before releasing to external testers
- Add meticulous testers who will provide detailed feedback
- Fix critical bugs first before distributing new builds
- Respond promptly to tester questions and issues
- Update your app frequently based on tester feedback
- Provide a beta testing agreement with clear guidelines for testers
- Automate build distribution with continuous integration tools
- Gradually expand your tester base as launch approaches
Benefits of TestFlight
Here are some of the main benefits of using TestFlight for your Snapchat app beta:
- Easy tester management in App Store Connect
- Streamlined build distribution directly to testers
- Test on devices instead of just simulators/emulators
- Get feedback from real-world users before launch
- Identify bugs and issues that may not have been caught before
- Receive crash reports and analytics from App Store Connect
- Free service included with Apple developer membership
Conclusion
Following this TestFlight guide, you should now understand how to distribute beta versions of your Snapchat app to testers. The overall process includes:
- Configuring your app in App Store Connect
- Uploading builds using Xcode
- Distributing builds to testers
- Collecting feedback and addressing issues
- Iterating frequently with new builds
Using TestFlight allows developers to get their Snapchat apps in the hands of real users pre-launch. This makes it easy to identify and fix problems that may not surface otherwise. With an engaged tester base and actionable feedback, TestFlight provides immense value for improving quality before releasing your Snapchat app publicly.