Snapchat has grown from a simple photo sharing app to a robust social media platform. One of the features it offers is the ability to have a public profile that anyone can view, even people who don’t follow you. But what is the purpose of a public Snapchat profile and should you have one?
Allowing Strangers to View Your Content
The main purpose of a public Snapchat profile is to allow people who don’t follow you on Snapchat to see your content. Snapchat stories, photos, videos, and other content you post to your profile can be viewed by anyone with a Snapchat account. This allows your content to reach a wider audience beyond just your friends list. Here are some key things to know about public profiles on Snapchat:
- Anyone can view your public profile content without following you or being your friend.
- You can choose exactly which content you want to be public – stories, photos, videos, etc.
- Public content remains visible on your profile until you delete it.
- You can see who has viewed your public profile and content.
Having a public profile essentially turns your Snapchat account into a public feed that gives anyone access to the content you choose to share. This can be advantageous if you want to use Snapchat to reach audiences beyond your existing social network.
Gaining More Followers and Views
Another purpose of public Snapchat profiles is to help gain more followers and views. By making your profile public, it allows Snapchat users to discover you when browsing the app. Some ways this can increase followers and views include:
- Appearing on public stories and content – Snapchat curates public content into stories and sections like Snap Map which can expose your profile to new viewers.
- Showing up in search results – users can search Snapchat for profiles, usernames, places, etc. A public profile means you can be discovered this way by more users.
- Viral content – public profiles allow content to spread organically to viewers who can then share with others.
Essentially, the public nature gives more opportunity for Snapchat users to stumble upon your profile and content, follow you, view your content, and potentially share it with others. This can lead to a steady increase in followers and views on Snapchat.
Promoting a Brand, Business, or Organization
Public Snapchat profiles are commonly used by brands, businesses, public figures, and organizations to promote themselves. Some key ways include:
- Sharing content, special offers, products, and events to reach both existing and new customers.
- Engaging followers and converting them into customers or email list signups.
- Building a consistent brand presence on Snapchat as another social media touchpoint.
- Advertising via Snapchat ads and linking to public profile.
The public nature allows brands to tap into Snapchat’s large user base and demographic (teens/young adults) that may not follow them on other social platforms. Snapchat presents a unique opportunity for brands to engage and attract new customers.
Connecting with Friends and Community
For everyday Snapchat users, a public profile can also help connect with friends and build community. Ways this can happen include:
- Finding friends and contacts who also have public Snapchat profiles.
- Joining public Snapchat stories and groups to connect around shared interests.
- Making it easier for acquaintances to find you and view your public content.
- Interacting with followers who view your public content and stories.
By putting yourself out there with a public profile, you open up opportunities to connect with both your close friends and peers as well as new friends with similar interests and hobbies.
Potential Drawbacks of Public Profiles
While public Snapchat profiles provide benefits, there are also some drawbacks and risks to weigh:
- Loss of privacy – your content becomes visible to strangers which some users may not be comfortable with.
- Negative or unwanted attention – public profiles open you up to interactions from strangers, including potential bullying, harassment, etc.
- Time commitment – maintaining a public profile requires dedicated time and effort to consistently produce engaging content.
- Pressure for popularity – public metrics like follower count and views can negatively impact mental health.
These cons should be carefully considered, especially for younger users before creating a public profile. Enable privacy settings as needed and be selective in what content you share publicly.
How to Make Your Snapchat Profile Public
Here are simple steps to make your Snapchat profile public:
- Open your Snapchat profile by tapping the Bitmoji icon in the top left corner.
- Tap the gear icon to access your profile Settings.
- Under the “Who Can” section, tap Contact Me.
- Toggle the switch next to Allow Public Profile to turn this on.
- Tap back to return to your profile which is now public!
You can always return to your Settings and turn off Allow Public Profile at any time to revert back to a private profile. You can also adjust individual settings like Who Can View Stories to customize exactly what content is public.
Optimizing Your Public Snapchat Profile
To maximize the benefits of a Snapchat public profile, here are some tips:
- Fill out your Snapchat bio – this info is displayed on your public profile.
- Set a distinct profile photo and Bitmoji to brand your profile.
- Showcase your best content – only share high-quality, engaging snaps publicly.
- Post consistently – aim for daily story and feed updates to retain public viewers.
- Leverage links in snaps – drive traffic to your website, YouTube, offers, etc.
- Respond to public comments and messages – foster engagement with your audience.
- Analyze profile analytics – check views, interactions, growth over time.
Putting effort into your public profile makes it more likely to be discovered and followed by a wider Snapchat audience.
Conclusion
A public Snapchat profile allows any user to view and engage with your profile content without following you. The main benefits are increased discoverability and reach for your content, potential to gain more followers and views, brand/business promotional opportunities, and connecting with friends and community. However, the public nature also brings risks like loss of privacy that should be evaluated. Overall, a Snapchat public profile can be a great way to expand your audience and presence – but only if you actively maintain it with high-quality, consistent content.