Skip to Content

What most people use Snapchat for?

What most people use Snapchat for?

Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media platforms, especially among young people. The app allows users to share photos, videos, and messages that disappear after being viewed. But what exactly are most Snapchat users utilizing the platform for? Here is an in-depth look at the main ways people are using Snapchat in 2023.

Messaging Friends

One of the primary uses of Snapchat is messaging friends and family. The app makes it easy to carry on conversations through photos, videos, text, audio messages, video calls, and more. Users can create group chats and communicate in real-time with multiple people at once. Some key stats on Snapchat messaging:

  • Over 5 billion snaps are created every day on average
  • 71% of Snapchat users say they use the app to communicate with friends
  • 60% of users say Snapchat is their main platform for daily communication

The ephemeral nature of Snapchat messages gives conversations a more casual and intimate feel. Users don’t have to worry about messages sticking around forever like other platforms. Overall, messaging is the most ubiquitous use case on Snapchat.

Sharing Life Updates

Snapchat also serves as a platform for users to share personal life updates and “snap” moments throughout their day. The stories feature allows users to post photos and videos that compile into a 24-hour narrative. Common types of life updates shared on Snapchat stories include:

  • Hanging out with friends
  • Attending events and parties
  • Traveling and vacations
  • Daily routines like working out or coffee runs
  • Major life events like graduations, new jobs, etc.

Snapchat stories provide a way for users to share visually appealing and candid glimpses into their lives. The casual, authentic content shared makes followers feel connected and gives Snapchat a more intimate vibe compared to other platforms. 60% of users say they primarily use the app to keep up with friends’ lives.

Entertainment

Snapchat has evolved into an entertainment hub, providing users with fun ways to pass the time. Some entertainment use cases include:

  • Filters and lenses: Snapchat is known for its huge library of filters and augmented reality lenses that allow users to alter their appearance and surroundings in quirky ways. Playing with filters accounts for over 70% of time spent on the app.
  • Games: Snapchat offers original mini-games that users can play together like Bitmoji Party. These provide a casual gaming experience.
  • Shows and content: There is now a Discover section with content from major publishers, creators, and media companies. Users can watch everything from reality shows to news broadcasts.
  • Influencer content: Many popular social media influencers produce exclusive content for Snapchat in the form of stories, profiles, and shows.

Snapchat has grown into much more than just a messaging app. The options for entertainment and levity make it a fun break from everyday life for users.

Self-Expression

Snapchat also provides a space for users to express themselves through creative tools and features. Ways Snapchat enables self-expression include:

  • Bitmoji: Users can make personalized avatars that represent themselves.
  • Filters and lenses: As mentioned, these tools allow users to play around with their appearance and environment.
  • Snap Map: The map feature lets users share their locations and see where their friends are.
  • Spotlight: Public videos posted to Spotlight give users a stage to share their creativity.
  • Story reactions: Users can overlay different emojis on friends’ stories to share reactions.

With all of these creative tools, Snapchat provides an engaging space for users to explore self-expression and identity. This enhances the fun, casual vibe of the platform.

Staying Up to Date

Another way Snapchat is utilized is to stay current on news, events, and trends. Snapchat has emerged as a source for digestible information. Ways users stay informed include:

  • Discover: As mentioned, Discover features content from major news organizations and publishers.
  • Our Stories: These are curated collections of snaps related to newsworthy events and trends.
  • Friend stories: Friends often post about current events and breaking news.
  • Influencer and brand accounts: These accounts will post news relevant to their niche and industry.

With short-form video content, Snapchat provides engaging news and info users can quickly process throughout the day. 53% of users say they get news from Snapchat, especially younger demographics.

Shopping and Brand Engagement

Snapchat has also become a go-to for brands to engage their audience and drive commerce. Ways brands leverage Snapchat include:

  • Ads: Snapchat provides a platform for video and collection ads brands can run.
  • Shoppable lenses: Some lenses allow users to browse products and make purchases right within Snapchat.
  • Shoppable stories: Brands can tag products that users can swipe up to purchase.
  • Loyalty programs: Brands offer special filters, lenses, and stickers for loyalty program members.

This seamless blending of commerce and advertising provides value for brands while also letting users discover and buy products they love.

Connecting with Communities

Snapchat has also emerged as a platform to connect with niche communities and fandoms. Users can explore and join public group stories and chats focused on specific interests. Some examples include:

  • Gaming communities for titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty
  • Fandom groups for TV shows and movies like Euphoria or Marvel
  • Student groups for specific colleges and universities
  • Fan communities for influencers and creators

These group stories and chats let users share content and communicate about specific topics they are passionate about. Over 25 million users have joined public groups and find Snapchat as a home for their communities.

Conclusion

While Snapchat originally gained attention mainly for its ephemerality and privacy, the platform has evolved into so much more. It has become one of the most dynamic social apps, providing users with a fun and casual space to communicate, get entertained, express themselves, stay informed, and explore communities. The immersive experience keeps users engaged and coming back throughout their day. Although the core functionality remains messaging friends, Snapchat continues to expand its capabilities and use cases. The blends of features like commerce, gaming, AR, and video give Snapchat broad appeal as both a social utility and entertainment hub.