Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photo and video messages called Snaps. There are two main ways to communicate on Snapchat – sending a Snap and sending a Chat.
Sending a Snap
A Snap is a photo or video message up to 10 seconds long. When you take a photo or video in the Snapchat app and add filters, text, drawings or stickers, it becomes a Snap. Sending a Snap is the main way to communicate visually on Snapchat.
Here are some key things to know about sending Snaps:
- Snaps disappear after being viewed. You can choose how long the recipient can view the Snap for – from 1 to 10 seconds.
- By default, the recipient can only view the Snap once before it disappears. You can allow them to replay a Snap once.
- Snaps are displayed full screen to the recipient. They tap to view and tap to dismiss.
- You can add creative tools like filters, text, stickers and drawings to customize your Snaps.
- You can send a Snap to one recipient or multiple recipients at once.
- You’ll be notified when the recipient opens and views your Snap.
In summary, sending a Snap allows you to creatively communicate a photo or video message that disappears after being viewed once. Snaps are designed to be fun, visual ways to share moments with friends.
Sending a Chat
Chats on Snapchat are text messages sent between users. Sending a Chat is more like having an ongoing text conversation.
Here are the main things to know about sending Chats:
- Chats do not disappear. You can view past Chats at any time.
- You can only send a Chat to one recipient at a time.
- Chats have no creative tools like filters, stickers or drawings.
- You are notified when your message is delivered and read.
- You can reply directly in the Chat when receiving a message.
- Group Chats allow messaging up to 32 friends at once.
In summary, Chats allow you to have an ongoing text conversation with friends. Chats are better for having real conversations compared to the visual one-off nature of Snaps.
Differences between Sending Snaps and Chats
While both Snaps and Chats allow you to communicate on Snapchat, there are some key differences between the two:
| Sending a Snap | Sending a Chat |
|---|---|
| Visual photo/video message | Text-based message |
| Disappears after being viewed once | Remains visible indefinitely |
| Can customize with creative tools | No creative tools, plain text only |
| Typically sent to multiple people | Typically one-on-one messaging |
| Ephemeral sharing | Ongoing conversation |
In summary:
- Snaps are for fun, visual “in the moment” sharing that quickly disappears.
- Chats are for having conversations over time and keeping in touch.
When to Use Snaps vs Chats
Knowing when to send a Snap and when to send a Chat depends on what you want to communicate.
Here are some recommendations on when to use each:
Use Snaps to:
- Share fun moments from your day
- Send silly selfies and videos to make friends laugh
- Show off your location while travelling or at an event
- Let friends get a quick glimpse into your life
- Send photos and videos you want to disappear after being viewed
- Communicate visually about something simple in the moment
Use Chats to:
- Have conversations over time
- Discuss, plan and coordinate in real time
- Send information like directions, links, contact info
- Have deeper conversations
- Send text when a full screen Snap isn’t necessary
Of course, you can also use both Snaps and Chats together when communicating with friends on Snapchat. The key is to use each purposefully based on the situation.
Tips for Using Snaps and Chats
Here are some tips to use Snaps and Chats effectively on Snapchat:
For Snaps:
- Keep it brief – remember Snaps disappear after being viewed!
- Use creative tools to make fun visuals
- Add captions to give context
- Make sure your message is clear in a few seconds
- Reply to Snaps directly with a Snap for quick visual conversations
For Chats:
- Start Chats to have ongoing conversations
- Reply promptly when you have time to chat
- Limit Chat when a Snap will do to avoid information overload
- Use Group Chats to coordinate with multiple friends
- Send useful information like links and locations through Chats
Mixing Snaps and Chats together creates a fun and engaging social experience on Snapchat. Think visually for Snaps and conversationally for Chats.
Conclusion
Snaps and Chats give Snapchat users two ways to communicate:
- Snaps are visual, ephemeral photo and video messages.
- Chats are ongoing text conversations.
Know when to use Snaps for in-the-moment sharing versus Chats for conversations over time. Mix both together to get the full Snapchat experience of quick visual communication combined with deeper messaging.
With Snaps that disappear after viewing and Chats that create an ongoing record, Snapchat provides the ultimate communication app for today’s mobile world.