Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media platforms, especially among younger users. One unique feature of Snapchat is the ability for users to have public profiles that showcase content to their subscribers. But what exactly does it mean to have subscribers on Snapchat?
What are Snapchat public profiles?
Snapchat introduced public profiles, also known as custom profiles, in 2017. Public profiles allow Snapchat users to share content with followers who aren’t on their friends list. This provides more opportunities for building an audience and connecting with other Snapchat users.
With a public profile, Snapchatters can:
- Customize their profile with a photo, bio, website, and more
- Post content to their Story that is visible to subscribers
- Add links to other social profiles like Instagram or YouTube
- Show off creative content through Spotlight challenges
Public profiles function similarly to an Instagram profile – anyone can visit and subscribe without needing to be friends. This makes it easy for Snapchat users to build a following around shared interests, talents, brands, and more.
How do you get subscribers on Snapchat?
In order to get subscribers on Snapchat, you need to have a public profile set up. Here are some tips for gaining Snapchat subscribers:
- Link your Snapchat profile in your bio on other social platforms like Instagram or TikTok. This allows your existing followers to find and subscribe to your Snapchat profile.
- Use relevant hashtags like #Snapchat so people can discover your profile when searching.
- Engage with other Snapchat users by reacting to their public content and commenting.
- Post frequently to your Snapchat Story with content tailored to your audience. This gives people a reason to subscribe.
- Run contests and promotions like Snapchat takeovers to generate excitement. Offer prizes to people who subscribe and engage with your profile.
- Collaborate with other Snapchat influencers or brands to cross-promote each other to new audiences.
It takes consistency and participation to build a subscriber base on Snapchat. But leveraging other social platforms, creating engaging content, and interacting with the Snapchat community can help profiles gain more followers over time.
What does the number of subscribers mean?
The number of subscribers shown on a Snapchat profile indicates how many users are following that account. Here’s a breakdown of what Snapchat subscriber numbers mean:
- 0-50 subscribers – A smaller follower count likely means the profile is personal or just getting started building an audience.
- 50-500 subscribers – Mid-level subscriber count shows a profile gaining traction and community interest.
- 500-5,000 subscribers – Profiles with thousands of subscribers have succeeded in building an engaged following.
- 5,000+ subscribers – Profiles with over 5,000 subscribers have cultivated a sizable Snapchat audience. This follower count is typically seen from brands, influencers, creators, and celebrities.
Typically, larger subscriber numbers represent a strong Snapchat presence and content that resonates with many viewers. However, subscriber counts don’t necessarily guarantee high engagement or views. Ultimately, building a meaningful connection with subscribers leads to a successful Snapchat profile.
Why do subscriber counts matter?
Here are a few key reasons why Snapchat subscriber counts matter:
- Measure audience reach – The number of subscribers shows how many Snapchat users a profile can reach with its content.
- Indicate influencer status – Higher subscriber counts signify an influential Snapchatter who has built an audience.
- Attract partnerships – Brands look for profiles with high subscriber counts to partner with for sponsored content and ads.
- Show credibility – In some cases, subscribers indicate a credible source of content that resonates with Snapchatters.
- Increase distribution – Snapchat’s algorithms may share profiles with more subscribers to a larger portion of the Snapchat audience.
While subscriber counts shouldn’t be the sole focus, they do help Snapchatters understand the size of their audience and reach. For those trying to monetize their following, subscriber counts also matter for securing brand deals and partnerships.
Can you see who subscribed to your Snapchat?
Unfortunately, there is currently no way to see a list of users who have subscribed to your Snapchat profile. The total subscriber count is visible on your profile, but Snapchat does not make the list of individual subscribers viewable.
There are a few potential reasons why Snapchat keeps individual subscribers private, including:
- Protect user privacy
- Prevent targeting or harassment
- Encourage organic engagement based on content, not follower lists
- Reduce social comparison or competition based on subscribers
While not being able to see subscribers may be frustrating, the privacy-focused approach does encourage Snapchat profiles to focus on creating great content rather than obsessing over analytics. This cultivates an authentic and engaged community.
Can you see who viewed your Snapchat story?
Snapchat does allow you to see who has viewed your Story within the last 24 hours. To see Story viewers:
- Go to your Snapchat profile
- Tap on the Story thumbnail
- Swipe up on the screen to reveal the list of friends who have viewed your Story
This visibility into recent Story viewers gives you some insight on engagement. But overall, Snapchat limits profile transparency to keep the focus on sharing compelling Snaps.
Is there a way to check Snapchat subscribers?
While Snapchat doesn’t allow users to view a list of individual subscribers, there are third-party apps that claim to offer more insight into Snapchat profile analytics like follower counts, views, and screenshots.
Some examples include:
- Snaplytics
- Snapchat+.io
- Social Ranker
However, it’s important to note that these third-party apps are not endorsed or verified by Snapchat. Sharing login credentials via unverified apps also raises security concerns. Proceed with caution when considering third-party Snapchat analytics apps.
Safely checking subscribers on Snapchat
For those who want to get more detail on their Snapchat profile safely, a few options include:
- Frequently checking your Snapchat subscriber count for growth.
- Asking loyal Snapchat friends to share feedback on your content.
- Posting a Snap poll to survey your audience.
- Gauging Story view counts as a metric for engagement.
- Running a follower-focused Snapchat contest to understand your audience.
While third-party apps may seem appealing, protecting your account privacy is most important. Focus on creating content your followers will genuinely enjoy rather than obsessing over vanity metrics.
Tips for growing your Snapchat subscribers
Here are some proven tips for growing your Snapchat subscriber base organically:
- Optimize your profile – Include a descriptive bio, profile and header images, website links, and contact info.
- Post consistently – Share daily content to your Story to give followers a reason to keep viewing.
- Leverage hashtags – Use relevant Snapchat community hashtags in your content for discoverability.
- Engage with your audience – React to Snaps, answer questions, and foster a connection with subscribers.
- Collaborate with influencers – Partner with Snapchatters in your niche to tap into new audiences.
- Run contests/giveaways – Encourage subscribers to invite friends or create content for prizes.
- Cross-promote – Market your Snapchat profile on other social platforms to drive new subscribers.
- Analyze performance – Pay attention to viewership data to optimize content strategy.
Growing a strong Snapchat community requires patience and consistency. But taking a strategic approach tailored to the platform’s norms can help profiles gain more quality subscribers over time.
Conclusion
Having subscribers on Snapchat signifies an audience of engaged followers. While Snapchat keeps the list of subscribers private, the total subscriber count allows profiles to benchmark their reach and influence. Building an authentic connection with subscribers through compelling Snaps is more important than obsessing over vanity metrics alone. With time and effective strategy, Snapchat profiles can achieve steady subscriber growth by leveraging the platform’s creative and community-oriented design.