Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. While Snapchat originated as a mobile app, there is now a web version that provides much of the same functionality. Here is an overview of what you can do on Snapchat for web.
Send Snaps
The core functionality of Snapchat is the ability to send photo and video messages known as “Snaps”. On Snapchat for web, you can easily take a Snap using your webcam or upload a photo or video from your computer to send as a Snap. You can preview your Snaps before sending and decorate them with text, drawings, filters, lenses and more. Your friends will be able to view your Snap once, after which it will disappear from the chat. This provides a fun, temporary way to share moments with friends.
View Stories
In addition to sending Snaps to individual friends, Snapchat allows you to post Snaps to your Story where they will be visible to all your friends for 24 hours. On the web version, you can watch Stories that your friends have posted to get a peek into what they are up to throughout the day. You can also post your own Stories via the webcam or uploading photos/videos. Posting to your Story allows you to share your daily life in a casual way with all your Snapchat connections.
Chat
Snapchat’s chat feature allows you to have conversations with your friends. On the web, the chat interface is similar to what you get on mobile. You can send text chats, exchange Snaps within a chat and see when your friends are typing. Chatting on Snapchat provides a more visual, multimedia messaging experience compared to standard text messaging.
Add Friends
To connect with friends on Snapchat, you first need to add them. On the web, you can search for friends by username or name and send them a friend request. Once they accept, you’ll be able to send each other Snaps and view one another’s Stories. You can also see which of your other contacts are already on Snapchat to easily find friends to add.
Customize Your Profile
Your Snapchat profile allows you to express your personality. From the web, you can customize your profile by adding a Bitmoji avatar, updating your bio text, adding links to other social media profiles and more. You can also manage your friend list, adjust notification settings and enable/disable location sharing from the profile page. Keeping your profile updated allows your friends to learn more about the real you.
Discover Content
In addition to connecting with friends, Snapchat provides content from top publishers and the Snapchat community on the Discover page. On the web, you can scroll through various channels to find news stories, entertainment updates, fun quizzes and more. The Discover page is a great way to learn about what’s happening in the world via engaging, bite-sized content.
Snap Map
The Snap Map lets you see where your friends are and what they are up to around the world. With access from the web, you can zoom in and out on the map to view Snaps that have been shared from various locations. This gives you a sense of what are the hip spots in different cities or what cool events might be happening around you. The Map lets you explore the world through the Snaps of the Snapchat community.
Snap Games
Snapchat offers a selection of multiplayer games that you can play with your friends right within the app. Games include classics like Bitmoji Party, Checkers and Zombie Rescue Squad. On the web, you can start playing these games with friends who also have the web version open. Snap Games provide a way to connect and have fun with friends even when you aren’t physically together.
Snap Minis
Snap Minis are lightweight apps made for Snapchat that focus on fun interactions with friends. Different Minis give you the ability to do things like quiz friends on how well they know you, get feedback from friends on a decision, plan an evening out together and more. Snap Minis provide specialized ways to engage with your closest connections.
Lens Explorer
One of Snapchat’s most popular features is the huge library of lenses and filters that allow you to alter your appearance. From the Lens Explorer on the web, you can browse through categories like food, nature and music to find lenses that match your mood. You can preview lenses before sending them in a Snap or applying to your Story. Lenses make expressing yourself creatively fun and amusing.
Memories
With Snapchat Memories, you can access and edit old Snaps you have previously posted to Our Story or your own Story. On the web, you can go through your Memories, edit with stickers or text and repost the old Snaps if you want friends to see them again. Memories provide a way to give your favorite old Stories a second life.
Snap Originals
Snapchat has expanded into original video content through Snap Originals. From the web, you can watch serialized Shows and docuseries produced exclusively for Snapchat across genres like drama, comedy, horror and more. Snap Originals provide engaging new video content to enjoy by yourself or share reactions with friends.
Conclusion
Snapchat for web provides almost all of the same core features that mobile users have access to. You can chat with friends, view Stories, play games, explore lenses and share your own Snaps from the convenience of your desktop. While some newer Snapchat capabilities may originate on mobile, the web experience makes it easy stay connected with friends and up-to-date on Snapchat happenings even if you don’t have your phone on hand.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Send Snaps | Take and send photo/video messages that disappear after being viewed once |
| View Stories | Watch photo/video stories posted by your friends |
| Chat | Have real-time text, photo and video chats with friends |
| Add Friends | Search for and connect with friends on Snapchat |
| Customize Profile | Personalize your profile with Bitmoji, bio text, links, etc. |
| Discover Content | View publisher Stories and community content |
| Snap Map | See where your friends are and what they’re doing around the world |
| Snap Games | Play real-time multiplayer games with friends |
| Snap Minis | Use mini apps focused on fun interactions with friends |
| Lens Explorer | Browse and try out new lenses/filters for your Snaps |
| Memories | Revisit and edit old Snaps you’ve previously posted |
| Snap Originals | Watch exclusive Shows and docuseries produced for Snapchat |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Snapchat on a computer?
Yes, you can access a web-based version of Snapchat by going to snapchat.com and logging in with your Snapchat username and password. This provides core Snapchat functionality like sending Snaps, chatting, viewing Stories and more on your computer.
Is Snapchat web the same as mobile app?
Snapchat on the web has most of the key features available on mobile, including sending Snaps, chatting, adding friends, watching Stories, accessing Snap Map and Snap Games, applying lenses and more. However, it may lack some newer capabilities that originated first on mobile.
Can I only use Snapchat on web?
You can use Snapchat exclusively through the web if you prefer, without ever needing to install the mobile app. However, you’ll need to create and access your account initially through the Snapchat mobile app before using the web version.
Is Snapchat web safe to use?
Using Snapchat on the web is just as safe as the mobile app. Your data and privacy are protected through full encryption and you have complete control over what you share. As always, exercise caution about what you share publicly or with individuals.
Can I post Snaps from my computer?
Yes, you can take Snaps using your webcam to share quick moments with friends. You can also upload photos and videos from your computer to send as Snaps. Your friends will be able to view your Snaps once before they disappear.
Does Snapchat web work on all browsers?
Snapchat is optimized for and officially supported on Chrome and Firefox browsers. Safari and Edge may work, but Chrome or Firefox will provide the best experience.
Can I chat on Snapchat website?
You have full access to Snapchat’s chat capabilities from the web. You can have real-time text chats as well as exchange Snaps, audio notes, video notes and other multimedia messages within your conversations.
Can I post Stories from computer?
Yes, you can post photo and video Snaps to your Story from the Snapchat web experience using your device’s camera. All your friends will be able to view your Story for 24 hours as they would on mobile.
Is Snapchat for web free?
Yes, accessing and using Snapchat via the web-based platform is completely free, just like the mobile app. All core features are available without needing to pay or upgrade your account.
What are the system requirements for Snapchat online?
Snapchat for web works best on relatively modern systems and browsers. You’ll need a computer with at least 2GB of RAM, a dual core processor and an up-to-date version of Chrome or Firefox browser installed.
Conclusion
Snapchat’s web version provides convenient access to Snapchat’s core features like Snaps, Stories, Chat, Lenses and more. While the mobile app may get certain new capabilities first, Snapchat for web lets you stay connected with friends and up-to-date on Snapchat content from anywhere with a computer and internet access. So if you prefer to Snap from desktop or simply don’t have access to your phone, you can still enjoy the full Snapchat experience on the web.