Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photos, short videos, and messages to friends. One of the key features of Snapchat is the profile picture that users can set, which is often referred to as a DP or display picture. Understanding Snapchat slang like “DP” can help you better grasp how the platform functions and communicate with other users.
What is a Snapchat DP?
A Snapchat DP stands for “display picture.” It refers to the profile photo or avatar that users can set for their Snapchat account. This photo appears next to a user’s name on their profile and with any Snaps or Chats they send. Users can take a new photo directly within the Snapchat app or upload a photo from their camera roll to set as their current display picture.
The DP helps identify users on Snapchat. When you receive a Snap or Chat, you can tell who it’s from by the DP that appears next to their name. The Snapchat DP also represents a user’s identity and personal style or brand. By choosing a specific DP, users can craft the image they want to portray to friends on Snapchat.
Where Does the Term “DP” Come From?
The term DP is an abbreviation for the words “display picture.” It did not originate on Snapchat and is used on many other social media platforms and technology services. For example, platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and more allow users to set a display picture or profile photo for their accounts.
DP is simply a shortened casual way to refer to the display photo for a profile. The similar term “PP” means “profile picture.” Both PP and DP are slang terms commonly used in social media and technology to refer to the same concept – the primary photo representing a user’s account.
Other Snapchat Profile Pictures
In addition to the main Snapchat DP, there are a couple other profile photos users can set:
– Bitmoji: Snapchat acquired the company Bitmoji in 2016. Bitmoji allows users to create a personalized cartoon avatar and use it as their profile picture. The Bitmoji character will change facial expressions and poses based on your actions on Snapchat.
– Snapcode: The Snapcode is a personalized QR code that allows other users to easily add you as a friend on Snapchat. Users can replace their default DP with their unique Snapcode to make it simple for new friends to connect.
Changing Your Snapchat DP
One of the fun parts of Snapchat is customizing your profile and changing up your DP whenever you want. Here are some easy ways to change your Snapchat display picture:
– Take a Photo: Open the Snapchat app and tap on your profile icon in the top left. Then tap the camera icon to take a new photo with your device’s camera that will instantly become your new DP.
– Upload from Camera Roll: Instead of taking a new pic, you can also select a photo from your camera roll to upload as your new Snapchat display photo. Just tap the profile icon, then the edit icon, then tap on your current DP. This will bring up your camera roll photos to choose a new one.
– Use a Bitmoji: Create a Bitmoji avatar and link it to your Snapchat account. Then edit your profile and select your customized Bitmoji as your default profile picture. The Bitmoji will animate based on your Snapchat actions.
– Set a Snapcode: Create a unique Snapcode by going to your Snapchat profile, tapping the edit icon, then tapping on your Snapcode. This will let you generate a new code and also save it to use as your profile picture.
Why Change Your Snapchat DP?
There are a few different reasons Snapchat users like to change up their profile picture frequently:
– Represent current mood or status: Switching your DP to reflect how you feel or what you’re up to.
– Show off a new look: If you get a new haircut or want to display a fresher outfit, then changing your DP can update your image.
– Mark holidays or events: Putting up a holiday-themed DP or one from a recent special event you attended.
– Indicate relationships: Couples sometimes have matching DPs or pictures together to represent their relationship status.
– Refresh your style: Changing your DP regularly keeps your profile looking current and stylish.
– Privacy: Rotating through different DPs can make it slightly harder to identify you.
Using Emojis and Stickers
In addition to photos, Snapchat users can also set emojis and stickers as their display picture:
– Emojis: Snapchat has a wide variety of emojis you can select as your DP. This lets you choose an emoji that expresses your current mood or personality.
– Stickers: There are also decorative stickers available to use as your profile picture. Stickers let you adorn your DP with images like flowers, crowns, animals, and more.
– Geofilters: Snapchat’s location-based geofilters can additionally be saved and used as a DP or overlay on top of your photo DP.
Using fun emojis, stickers, and geofilters along with photos gives users creative ways to customize their Snapchat display picture.
Conclusion
Snapchat display pictures, commonly known as “DPs,” are the profile photos users can customize to represent their identity on the platform. The term DP stands for “display picture” and originated as social media slang outside of Snapchat. But DP is now commonly used by Snapchatters to refer to profile photos.
Setting a unique and stylish DP is part of the fun of the Snapchat experience. Users can take new selfies, choose camera roll pics, utilize their personalized Bitmoji, or show off their Snapcode as their DP. Frequently changing your Snapchat DP helps keep your profile fresh and expressive. So get creative with photos, emojis, stickers, and more to upgrade your Snapchat display picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Snapchat DP?
A Snapchat DP is a display picture or the profile photo/avatar set for your Snapchat account. It appears next to your name on your profile and with Snaps/Chats you send.
What does DP stand for on Snapchat?
DP stands for “display picture.” It’s Snapchat slang/shorthand for referring to your profile photo.
Do people notice when you change your Snapchat DP?
Friends you frequently chat with will likely notice when you change your Snapchat DP. But the platform has over 300 million users, so most people won’t notice minor DP changes.
How often should you change your Snapchat DP?
There’s no rule, but many users change their Snapchat DP every few weeks to stay fresh. You can modify it daily or weekly if you want.
Can you have 2 Snapchat DPs?
Unfortunately no, Snapchat only allows you to have one display picture set at a time. You can quickly switch between or rotate multiple DPs.
Can I set an emoji as my Snapchat DP?
Yes! Snapchat has a menu of emojis you can select as your profile picture. Stickers and geofilters can also be used.
Is it bad to not have a DP on Snapchat?
Not having a DP sets the default gray Snapchat “ghost” logo as your picture. This is fine, but setting a personalized DP is part of the fun of customizing your profile!
Setting Your Snapchat DP
Here are step-by-step instructions to change your Snapchat display picture on iOS and Android devices:
iOS Instructions
1. Open the Snapchat app and tap your profile icon in the top left corner
2. Tap the camera icon at the top of the screen
3. Take a new photo with your front or rear camera to instantly set it as your new DP
4. Alternatively, tap on your current DP, then tap the photos icon to access your camera roll
5. Select a photo from your camera roll to use as your new display picture
Android Instructions
1. Open the Snapchat app and tap your profile icon
2. Tap the edit icon (shaped like a pencil) at the top right corner of your profile screen
3. Tap on your current DP photo
4. This will bring up the option to take a new photo or choose one from your camera roll
5. Select your new desired display picture and tap the ✓ checkmark
6. Tap “Save” to confirm the DP change
Setting a Bitmoji DP
1. Make sure you’ve linked your Bitmoji account in Snapchat settings
2. Go to your Snapchat profile and tap edit
3. Scroll down and tap “Bitmoji” under the DP section
4. Choose the Bitmoji look you want and tap “Save”
It’s that easy to customize your Snapchat profile with a great new display picture! Change your DP regularly to keep things fresh.
Summary
– Snapchat DP stands for “display picture” and refers to your profile photo
– The term originated from social media slang and is commonly used on Snapchat
– Snapchat DP appears next to your name on your profile and Snaps/Chats
– You can take new selfies, upload camera roll pics, or use Bitmoji as a DP
– Changing your DP lets you express moods, styles, and events
– Have fun customizing your Snapchat profile with a personalized DP!