Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to share photos, videos, and messages that disappear after being viewed. While Snapchat is known for its emphasis on privacy, users do have the option to create a public profile that is visible to anyone.
What is a public profile?
A public profile on Snapchat allows anyone to view your profile information, Snapcode, public Stories, friend list, and custom Story. Users have to actively choose to make their profile public – profiles are private by default. Public profiles function similarly to an Instagram or Facebook profile that anyone can access.
Here are the key things that can be viewed on a Snapchat public profile:
- Snapcode – This is the unique QR code that allows other Snapchat users to add you as a friend.
- Bitmoji – If you have a Bitmoji account connected, your customizable avatar will be displayed.
- Custom Story – These are Stories that are visible to all Snapchat users for 24 hours. You can create custom Stories specifically meant for your public profile.
- Public Stories – Any public Stories you contribute to via Our Story or events will be visible.
- Friend List – Anyone can see the list of people you are friends with on Snapchat.
- Username – Your Snapchat username is displayed and accessible by anyone.
Snapchat clearly labels public profiles with a special emoji icon, so it’s easy to identify profiles that have chosen to be public. There is also a “Back to Private Profile” button on public profiles to easily switch back at any time.
Why would someone make their profile public?
There are a few main reasons someone may want to make their Snapchat profile public:
1. Expand reach and gain followers
Creators, influencers, artists, businesses, and other public figures can expand their audience by allowing anyone to view their profile. This gives people the chance to preview their content and follow them if interested.
A public profile on Snapchat essentially functions the same as any other public social media account. It’s a way to be discovered by new people, build a following, and spread your reach.
2. Promote business or brand
A public Snapchat profile can be a great marketing tool for brands and businesses. Custom Stories, Snapcodes, Bitmojis, and usernames make it easy for customers to find, identify, and connect with brands on Snapchat.
Businesses like restaurants, shops, artists, content creators, influencers, and more can all benefit from a public presence on Snapchat to promote themselves and attract new customers.
3. Share events
Users attending conferences, festivals, concerts, sports games, and other public events may want to make their Snapchat public specifically during the event. This makes it easy to share content from the event to a wider audience through Stories visible to all.
Temporary public access allows people to publicly share event experiences in real-time without permanently making their profile public all the time.
4. Network and connect
Making your profile public can help expand your connections and network on Snapchat. With mutual friends visible and an open profile, it’s easier to connect with new accounts, brands, influencers, and contacts.
A public profile allows you to connect beyond just your existing friend circle and potentially collaborate or share content with a wider range of Snapchat users.
How to make your Snapchat profile public
Here are simple step-by-step instructions to make your Snapchat profile public:
- Open your Snapchat app and tap on your Profile icon in the top left corner
- Tap on the Settings gear icon in the top right of your profile
- Scroll down and tap “Who Can…” under the Additional Services section
- Tap on “View My Story”
- Select “Everyone” to make your profile fully public
And that’s it! Snapchat will now label your profile with the special public profile emoji icon. Anyone who views your profile will now be able to see your content and friend list.
How to make your Snapchat profile private again
You can easily revert back to a private profile again at any time. Here’s how:
- Go to your Snapchat profile and tap the Settings gear icon
- Tap “Who Can…” under Additional Services
- Tap “View My Story”
- Select “My Friends” to make your profile private again
Your profile will go back to being fully private. Only your friends will be able to view your content and no one will be able to find you through a public profile search.
Benefits of a public Snapchat profile
Here are some of the main benefits of making your Snapchat profile public:
- Reach a broader audience beyond just friends
- Promote your brand, business, talents to new people
- Gain more followers, engagement, and connections
- Share content publicly for events or special occasions
- Allow networking and collaboration with wider range of Snapchat users
- Showcase your best content to the Snapchat community
- Increase potential for going viral and getting content shared
Risks of a public Snapchat profile
While there are benefits, some risks include:
- Loss of privacy – all content is visible publicly
- Harassment or bullying by strangers is possible
- Harder to limit who can contact or add you
- Stalkers or creeps can potentially find you
- Scammers may target you
- Some employers may frown upon party photos or videos being public
Tips for managing a public profile
Here are some tips if you do make your Snapchat public:
- Use privacy settings to control who can contact you, view friend list, etc.
- Block users who are abusive or inappropriate
- Avoid sharing content you wouldn’t want an employer or family to see
- Be cautious about sharing locations or personal details
- Use a separate Snapchat account just for your public persona or brand if desired
- Remember public profiles can still be reported for community guideline violations
Conclusion
A public Snapchat profile allows any user to view your profile content, Stories, friend list, and more. It can be used to expand your reach, promote brands and businesses, share events publicly, and connect with new audiences.
While there are promotional benefits, also be mindful of privacy risks and use appropriate caution when sharing to the public. With the right approach, a public Snapchat profile can be a valuable tool for spreading brand awareness and creativity.