Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. The app has become especially popular among teenagers and young adults who like the ephemeral nature of Snapchat content.
One of the most common questions about Snapchat is whether or not it is free to use. The short answer is yes, Snapchat is free to download, create an account, and use the basic features of sending and receiving Snaps.
Downloading and Creating an Account
Snapchat can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play Store for Android devices. After downloading the app, you can create an account by entering your email address and creating a password. There is no charge to create a Snapchat account.
Once you have created an account, you can start adding friends and sending Snaps right away. Sending and receiving regular Snaps is completely free. This includes sending photo and video Snaps, applying filters and lenses to Snaps, creating Snapstreaks with friends, and more.
Premium Features
While the core Snapchat app is free, there are some premium features that require payment. These include:
- Snapchat+ – This optional subscription provides exclusive features like pinning a friend as a #1 BFF, seeing who has rewatched your Story, and more. It costs $3.99 per month.
- Snapchat Story Replays – To replay a friend’s Story more than once, it costs $0.99 for each Replay.
- Custom Geofilters – Creating a custom geofilter for an event or location costs money, starting at $5 for 20,000 views.
- Snapchat Ads – Businesses can pay to create sponsored Lenses and Filters that appear to Snapchat users.
These premium features are completely optional. You can get full use of Snapchat’s core messaging features without needing to pay anything.
Data Charges
One thing to keep in mind is that while Snapchat itself is free, you may incur data charges from your wireless provider for using the app. Snapchat uses data to send and receive Snaps, access Stories, browse Discover content, etc.
If you don’t have an unlimited data plan, using Snapchat could lead to overage charges if you exceed your plan’s data limits. This depends on your specific cell phone plan.
You can reduce data usage by connecting to WiFi whenever possible, limiting how much video content you view, and adjusting your Snapchat settings. But in general, you should be aware that regular Snapchat use may impact your data limits.
Conclusion
Snapchat is free to download, sign up for, and use with no hidden charges or fees required. The only exceptions are if you choose to purchase optional premium features, or could incur data overages from heavy Snapchat usage. Otherwise, you can send Snaps and use the app at no cost as long as you have an internet-connected mobile device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it cost money to send Snaps?
No, sending and receiving standard photo and video Snaps is completely free. There is no limit on how many Snaps you can send to your friends.
Do I have to watch ads on Snapchat?
You don’t have to watch ads to use the core Snapchat app and messaging functions. However, there are ads in certain sections like Stories, Discover, and Lenses. You can skip or close most ads, but they help fund Snapchat’s free service.
Can I use Snapchat on multiple devices?
Snapchat was originally designed only for mobile, but you can now use Snapchat on both your smartphone and tablet if you link them. There is still no official desktop Snapchat app, but some third-party apps unofficially allow Snapchat access on computers.
Is there a Snapchat for kids?
There is no separate Snapchat app just for kids under 13. The main Snapchat app requires users to be at least 13 years old due to COPPA regulations. Some parents choose to let their kids use Snapchat with supervision, but this should be approached carefully due to privacy risks.
Can I undo a Snap if I send it to the wrong person?
Unfortunately no, there is no way to retrieve or undo a Snap after you have sent it. The ephemeral nature of Snaps means you need to double check that you are sending it to the right friend or group before tapping send.
Comparision of Snapchat with Other Apps
| App | Key Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Snapchat | Send disappearing photos/videos, lenses, stories | Free (optional in-app purchases) |
| Messaging, video calling, group chats | Free | |
| Photo/video sharing, Instagram Stories, Reels | Free (paid promotions) | |
| Facebook Messenger | Messaging, video chat, groups | Free |
As you can see, the core functionality of the major social/messaging apps is free. Additional capabilities or features sometimes require payment. But it costs nothing to download these apps and start using them for basic messaging or sharing.
Snapchat’s Revenue Sources
Given that Snapchat is free for users, how does the company actually make money? Snapchat has a few key revenue streams:
Advertising
Snapchat allows brands to pay to show ads to users. These include:
- Sponsored Lenses and Filters – Branded augmented reality lenses and photo filters that users actively choose to use.
- Commercials – Video ads that play in between content in Stories or Discover.
- Collection Ads – Scrollable ads within Stories.
Marketers like advertising on Snapchat because it provides access to the app’s young user base. Snapchat claims to have over 100 million monthly active U.S. users.
Snapchat+ Subscriptions
As mentioned earlier, Snapchat released a $3.99 per month subscription plan in 2022 called Snapchat+ that unlocks exclusive features. This provides direct revenue from users who choose to pay for the premium service.
Spectacles
Spectacles are Snapchat’s signature camera-enabled glasses that can record Snaps hands-free from the user’s perspective. While not a huge part of the business, Spectacles serve as both a revenue stream and branding play for Snapchat.
Acquisitions
Snapchat has made a number of acquisitions that bring in additional revenue, technology, and talent. These include buying social mapping app Zenly for $250 million in 2017 and fashion recommendation app Fit Analytics for $124 million in 2022.
By acquiring innovative startups, Snapchat can monetize their capabilities while also enhancing the Snapchat app experience.
History of Snapchat
Here is a brief timeline of how Snapchat was created and evolved into the app it is today:
- April 2011 – Snapchat is founded by Stanford University students Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown.
- July 2011 – The original Snapchat iOS app launches on the App Store.
- May 2012 – Snapchat adds the ability to send photos and videos.
- October 2012 – Snapchat introduces Stories, where images/videos remain visible for 24 hours.
- November 2014 – Snapchat rolls out Snapcash to send money transfers between users.
- September 2015 – Snapchat debuts Lenses, its popular augmented reality face filters.
- February 2017 – Snap Inc. goes public with a $33 billion valuation, making Snapchat a publicly traded company.
- April 2017 – Snapchat introduces its first hardware product, camera glasses called Spectacles.
- November 2017 – Snapchat rebrands as Snap Inc. and acquires Zenly for $250 million.
- April 2022 – Snapchat+ subscription is launched for $3.99 per month.
Over a decade, Snapchat has grown from a simple disappearing photo app into a diverse social media platform by introducing new capabilities that resonate with users.
Tips for Using Snapchat
Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of Snapchat:
Add Friends
Build up your Snapchat friends list by adding people you know, celebs, brands, creators, and more. You can search using names or phone numbers.
Personalize Settings
Customize your Snapchat experience in Settings. You can manage notifications, privacy, account actions, App Appearance, and more.
Try Lenses
Have fun with Snapchat’s huge variety of augmented reality Lenses. New ones are added every day to transform your look.
Use Geolocation Filters
Geofilters are unique overlays based on time, location, events, and more. Enable Location Services for access to geofilters.
View Stories
Check out Stories from your friends, publishers, influencers, and community Stories based on events and locations.
Discover Content
The Discover tab offers entertainment and news content from top providers. Browse different channels or let Snapchat suggest.
Stay Engaged
Be an active Snapchat community member by frequently sending Snaps, commenting on Stories, using creative Lenses, joining Groups, and more.
Snapchat Celebrities
Snapchat is home to many top influencers, creators, and celebs who attract millions of engaged followers. Here are some of the biggest Snapchat celebs:
Charli D’Amelio (@charlidamelio)
Charli D’Amelio is the most followed creator on Snapchat with over 56 million followers. She is a TikTok superstar known for viral dance videos.
Khloe Kardashian (@khloekardashian)
As part of the famous Kardashian-Jenner clan, Khloe Kardashian has accumulated over 20 million Snapchat followers.
Justin Bieber (@rickthesizzler)
Global pop icon Justin Bieber uses Snapchat to give fans a glimpse into his daily life and upcoming music projects.
Billie Eilish (@billieeilish)
Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish provides edgy and creative content to over 18 million Snapchat subscribers.
Shawn Mendes (@shawnmendes)
Shawn Mendes leverages Snapchat to promote his music and tours to his 18 million followers.
These are just a few examples of how superstar creators use Snapchat to engage followers with a more raw, unfiltered side of their brands.
Conclusion
In summary, Snapchat is a free mobile app that makes photo and video messaging fun withephemeral Snaps, creative Lenses, and engaging Stories. While supplemental services or in-app purchases may cost extra, it costs nothing to download Snapchat and enjoy the core functions of sending temporary Snaps to friends.
Snapchat has become one of the world’s most popular social apps by frequently innovating with new capabilities that resonate with – and sometimes even define – youth culture. The app will likely continue evolving over time, but the basic Snapchat experience will always center around quick, fun sharing of moments between friends.