Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. There are two main ways to add friends on Snapchat – by username and by search. Both methods allow you to expand your friend network, but there are some key differences between adding by username versus adding by search.
In the opening paragraphs, we will provide a quick overview answering what is the difference between added by username and added by search on Snapchat. Then, we’ll dive deeper into comparing the two methods.
Quick Answer
The main differences between adding friends by username vs search on Snapchat are:
- Adding by Username: You need the exact username to add someone. This is more private and confirms that person wants to connect with you.
- Adding by Search: You can browse and find friends by name, email, phone number or Snapcode. This is more open but less certain the person wants to connect.
Overall, adding by username gives you more control over who can add you, while adding by search gives you more options to find and connect with new friends. The choice depends on your preferences for privacy vs discoverability.
Adding Friends by Username
Adding friends by username on Snapchat involves entering the exact username of the person you want to connect with. Here is a step-by-step guide:
How to Add by Username
1. Open your Snapchat app and tap on your profile icon in the top left corner.
2. Tap the “Add Friends” option.
3. Tap the “Add by Username” tab.
4. Enter the exact username of the person you want to add. Usernames are not case sensitive.
5. Tap the “Add” button.
The friend request will be sent to that user. Once they accept it, you will be connected on Snapchat.
Pros of Adding by Username
Adding friends by username has some advantages:
- More private – Users must share their username directly in order to connect.
- Confirms the person wants to connect with you before adding them.
- No risk of adding the wrong person since you need the exact username.
Overall, this method gives you more control over who can add you on Snapchat, since you have to directly give someone your username first.
Cons of Adding by Username
The limitations of adding friends by username include:
- You need to know the exact username ahead of time.
- Harder to discover and add new friends who you may not know the username of.
- No search or browse options to find people you may know.
Essentially, adding by username makes it harder to discover and connect with new Snapchat friends unless you already know their username.
Adding Friends by Search
Adding friends by search involves finding friends by browsing Snapchat’s search options. You can search by name, number, email or Snapcode.
How to Add by Search
1. Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon.
2. Tap “Add Friends”
3. Tap the “Add by Snapcode” tab. This lets you scan a friend’s Snapcode to add them.
4. Alternatively, tap the “Add by Contacts” tab. Here you can search for friends by name, phone number or email registered with Snapchat.
5. Tap the “Add” button next to contacts you want to friend on Snapchat.
The friend request will be sent to matched users, who can then accept or deny the request.
Pros of Adding by Search
Adding by search offers some benefits:
- Discover new friends easily by browsing name, contact info or Snapcode.
- Don’t need to know the username ahead of time.
- Can find friends with common connections more easily.
Overall, this method makes it much easier to find and connect with new Snapchat friends and expand your network.
Cons of Adding by Search
Some downsides to adding friends by search include:
- Less private – People can find your profile and add you without consent.
- Higher risk of unwanted friend requests or adding the wrong person.
- Must manage friend requests more carefully since it’s open to search.
Essentially, adding by search opens up your profile to being discovered by anyone, which means less control over who can add you on Snapchat.
Key Differences
To summarize, here are the key differences between adding friends by username vs search on Snapchat:
Adding by Username
- Need the exact username to send a request
- More private and selective
- Confirms user wants to connect with you
- Harder to find and meet new friends
Adding by Search
- Can browse by name, contacts, Snapcode
- More open and public
- Easier to find new connections
- Less control over who can add you
Comparing Ease of Use
In terms of ease of use, adding friends by search is generally quicker and simpler than inputting specific usernames, especially for finding new connections.
However, adding by username gives you more precision and control in curating your friends list. While adding by search is faster for discovery, taking the time to add by username ensures both parties mutually consent to connecting.
Here is a comparison table summarizing the ease of use:
| Ease of Use | Adding by Username | Adding by Search |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Slower to input specific usernames | Faster to browse and find friends |
| Simplicity | Requires knowing the exact username | Just tap to send request |
| Discovery | Harder to find new connections | Easy browsing makes discovery simpler |
Comparing Security
In terms of security and privacy, adding by username gives you more control while adding by search opens up your profile to anyone.
Here is a comparison of the security implications:
| Security | Adding by Username | Adding by Search |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy Control | Username must be shared intentionally | Profile can be found by anyone |
| Mutual Consent | Both parties confirm connection | One party can add without consent |
| Unwanted Requests | Lower risk as username is private | Higher risk of unwanted requests |
Overall, adding by username provides more privacy control, mutual consent, and less risk of unwanted requests. But adding by search offers easier discovery at the cost of privacy.
Recommendations
Here are some recommendations on when to use each method:
- Use adding by username for contacts you know and trust, who mutually agree to connect.
- Use adding by search to find new connections outside your known contacts.
- Limit search and browse time to curate friends carefully based on profile info.
- Toggle your settings to limit who can see your profile and send requests if needed.
In summary:
- Adding by username prioritizes privacy and mutual consent.
- Adding by search prioritizes open discovery and new connections.
- Find a balance based on your preferences and needs.
Conclusion
Adding friends by username and adding friends by search offer different benefits on Snapchat. Adding by username provides more control over connections while adding by search enables easier discovery.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preferences for privacy vs openness. Finding a balance can allow you to connect with those you know while safely expanding your friend network. Carefully manage settings and friend requests to ensure a positive experience.
With an understanding of the key differences in privacy, ease of use and discovery, you can tailor your Snapchat friend-adding experience based on your unique needs and style.