Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media platforms, especially among younger users. The app allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. One of Snapchat’s signature features is its wide variety of icons, emojis, and symbols that appear next to friends’ names and throughout the interface. These icons indicate different types of snaps, statuses, and more. Understanding what each Snapchat icon means can allow users to get the most out of the app.
Snapchat Interface Icons
These icons appear in the main Snapchat interface and relate to general functions and statuses on the app.
Unopened Snap
A solid arrow icon next to a contact’s name means you have received a snap from that person that you have not yet opened. Once you view the snap, the icon will disappear.
Opened Snap
An outlined arrow icon next to a contact’s name means you have received a snap from that person that you have opened. The number next to the arrow indicates how many total snaps you’ve exchanged with that person within the last 24 hours.
Sent Snap
A solid arrow icon pointing to the right indicates a snap you have sent to someone that they have not yet opened. Once they view it, the icon will change to an outlined arrow.
Pending Sent Snap
An hourglass icon means your snap is still pending and the recipient has not yet received it. This usually occurs due to poor internet connection.
Replayed Snap
A looping, circular arrow means you or a contact has replayed a snap within the last 24 hours. You can replay a snap once before it disappears forever.
Screenshotted Snap
A small box with arrow icon means you or a contact took a screenshot of a snap before it disappeared. Snapchat will notify you when someone takes a screenshot of your snap.
Camera Icon
The circular camera shutter button at the bottom center of the screen opens the camera to take a new snap. Tap to capture a photo snap or hold down to record a video snap.
Pending Notification
A red notification dot on the camera icon means you have pending notifications. Tap the icon to view details about your notifications.
Viewed Stories
A “viewed” notification means someone has viewed your story within the last 24 hours. Stories remain viewable by all friends for 24 hours.
Snapchat Chat Icons
These icons appear next to individual snaps and chat messages.
Text Chat
A simple chat bubble icon indicates a text message sent through Snapchat chat. Double tap to open and read the message.
Video Snap
A play button icon indicates a video snap. Hold down to view the video, or tap to pause and resume playback.
Image Snap
No icon next to the arrow means a basic image snap. Tap to view the image.
Voice Call
A phone receiver icon means you’ve received an incoming voice call over Snapchat chat. Tap to answer or ignore the call.
Audio Message
A voice note icon next to a message means someone sent you an audio recording. Tap to listen to the recording.
Forward Icon
An arrow curving left indicates a snap you have forwarded to someone else. The icon will be colored if you forwarded a snap you received or gray if you forwarded one of your own.
Screen Recording
A video icon with radiating lines means you have received a screen recording of what’s on someone’s device. Tap to view the recording.
Chat Reply
A folded reply arrow on a chat bubble means your friend replied to an individual message. Tap to expand and view the full conversation thread.
Snapchat Notification Icons
These icons relate to notifications you may receive.
Added Friend
A heart icon next to a friend’s name means they recently added you as a friend. Tap to send them a snap.
Birthday
A birthday cake icon appears if a friend has a birthday. Tap to send them birthday wishes.
New Story
A blue circle means a friend has posted a new story. Tap to watch it before it disappears in 24 hours.
Replayed Story
A looping arrow means someone has replayed your story in the past 24 hours.
Location Sharing
A pin icon next to a friend’s name means they are currently sharing their location with you. Tap to see their location on a map.
Verified Account
A blue checkmark indicates a friend has a verified Snapchat account. Verification is reserved for public figures, celebrities, and brands.
Snapchat Lens & Filter Icons
While taking a snap, various icons allow you to add creative effects.
Color Filters
Tap the infinity icon to access Snapchat’s photo filters that add color overlays to your snaps. Browse through the options and tap a filter to apply it.
Face Lenses
Face lens icons along the bottom let you apply real-time special effects and transformations to faces in your snaps. Options range from silly to pretty.
Geofilters
Location pin icons indicate geofilters that can overlay your snaps with artistic designs related to local landmarks and businesses when you are in certain locations.
Timestamp
The clock icon adds a timestamp overlay displaying the current time. You can position the timestamp before taking the snap.
Speed Filter
The speedometer icon displays your current speed in mph or km/h if you are moving. The speed will be shown on your snap.
Temperature
The thermometer icon adds the current outdoor temperature at your location as an overlay on your snap.
Snapcode Icon
Your unique Snapcode is a QR-style code that allows friends to easily add you as a contact by scanning it. Your Snapcode reflects your username and Bitmoji if you have one linked.
Snap Map Icons
These icons appear on the Snap Map which lets you share your location and see friends’ locations:
Your Location Pin
Your Bitmoji or profile icon shows your exact location on the map for friends to see when location sharing is enabled.
Friend’s Location Pin
When friends opt to share their location, their Bitmoji or profile icon will show their location.
Heatmap
Color-coded hotspots on the Snap Map indicate concentrated areas of Snapchat activity. Red is high activity, yellow is moderate, and green is low.
Conclusion
Snapchat’s wide range of icons allows you to understand what type of snap or message you’ve received andwhat different statuses mean. Icons also add creativity with special effects, filters, and more. Now that you know what Snapchat’s icons represent, you can use them to create fun snaps and keep up with your Snapchat friends.