Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media platforms, especially among younger users. A big part of Snapchat’s appeal is the ephemeral nature of its content – photos, videos, and messages sent through Snapchat disappear after being viewed. This provides a sense of privacy and allows users to share moments more freely. However, Snapchat’s terms of service make it clear that the company has broad rights to any content you post through the app. So who really owns your Snapchat content?
What rights does Snapchat have to your content?
According to Snapchat’s terms of service and privacy policy, you retain copyright ownership over any content you post through the app. However, by posting that content, you also grant Snapchat a broad license to reproduce, modify, and re-share that content.
Specifically, Snapchat’s terms state:
“You grant Snap Inc. and our affiliates a worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable, and transferable license to host, store, use, display, reproduce, modify, adapt, edit, publish, and distribute that content.”
This license remains in effect even after you delete content from Snapchat. So Snapchat has the right to continue using, modifying, and distributing any content you post, even after it’s deleted from your account and no longer visible to you.
What does this license allow Snapchat to do?
The license Snapchat requires allows them to do a variety of things with your content, including:
- Store and reproduce your content on Snapchat’s servers
- Display your content within the Snapchat app
- Modify or adapt your content, such as by applying filters or special effects
- Republish or redistribute your content on other Snapchat services or apps
- Use your content for promotional purposes or ads
Essentially, Snapchat can continue using and remixing any content you share on the platform for almost any purpose. The only limitation is that they can’t sell your specific content to third parties without your permission.
Does Snapchat own my content?
No, Snapchat does not outright own the copyright on content you post. Legally, you retain the copyright and original ownership. However, the broad license Snapchat requires allows them to use and control the content almost as if they did own it.
Because of this license, Snapchat may continue using your content long after you’ve deleted it from your account. So even though you authored the content, Snapchat gains long-term rights to do what they want with it across their various apps and services.
Can I revoke Snapchat’s access to my content?
Unfortunately, there is no way to revoke Snapchat’s license or remove their access to content you’ve previously posted. The license Snapchat requires applies indefinitely to any content published through their platform.
Even if you delete your Snapchat account entirely, this does not revoke their rights and license over any content you posted before deleting your account.
The only way to fully revoke Snapchat’s access to your content would be to never post it in the first place. So it’s important to be selective about what types of content you share on Snapchat if you want to limit the company’s rights to use it.
What about content I saved from Snapchat?
Snapchat’s terms only apply to content posted directly through their service. If you save Snapchat photos, videos, or messages through third-party apps or via screenshots, Snapchat does not gain rights to use that saved content.
For example, if you use an app to save your Snapchat stories before they disappear, Snapchat only has a license to the version that was originally posted through their platform. They don’t gain rights to versions saved externally without their knowledge.
Strategies for protecting your rights
While Snapchat’s broad terms make it impossible to fully control what happens to your content once posted, there are some strategies you can use to protect your rights:
- Avoid posting content that you want full control over. Snapchat is better suited for ephemeral content you don’t mind them using.
- Consider watermarking or adding your name/handle to identify content as yours if it gets reshared.
- Save copies of content externally before sharing on Snapchat so you retain an original version.
- Report unauthorized use of your content if you notice Snapchat has shared it in ways you aren’t comfortable with.
- Read Snapchat’s terms fully so you understand exactly what rights you are granting.
Can I take legal action against Snapchat?
In most cases, you will not have grounds to sue Snapchat for how they use content posted on their platform. Their broad terms of service allow them to license and utilize user content across their apps and services.
However, there may be certain situations where you could take legal action, such as if:
- Snapchat uses your content for purposes outside of their terms, like selling it directly to a third party.
- Snapchat uses your content in ways that harm your reputation or going against your wishes.
- Snapchat excessively relies on your content for their own commercial gain without proper compensation.
But overall, Snapchat reserves very broad rights, so you have limited recourse once content is posted. This is why it’s critical to be selective about what you share on Snapchat if you want to maintain ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request Snapchat delete my content?
You can request that Snapchat remove specific content you have posted by reporting it through their support options. However, because of the rights Snapchat retains, they are not obligated to delete content on your request.
What if someone else saves or shares my Snapchat content?
Snapchat’s terms only apply to what users post directly through their service. If another user captures and re-shares your content through screenshots or other means, that is outside Snapchat’s control and terms.
Can I post copyrighted material on Snapchat?
No, posting copyrighted material you don’t own rights to would violate Snapchat’s terms. They do not allow sharing content on their platform that you do not have rights or permission to use.
Does Snapchat own content posted by brands/companies?
The same terms apply – brands and companies retain copyright ownership over their content, but grant Snapchat a broad license to use it by posting through their platform and services.
Conclusion
Snapchat’s terms of service give the company broad rights to use, modify, and distribute any content you share on their platform. While you retain copyright ownership as the creator, the license Snapchat requires means they maintain significant control over how your content is utilized even after you delete it.
To maintain your rights over content, it’s best to be selective about what you share on Snapchat, or save copies externally before posting. Overall, recognize that any content published through Snapchat becomes fair game for the company to continue using long after it disappears from your account.