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Why can’t everyone contact me on Snapchat?

Why can’t everyone contact me on Snapchat?

Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. It has grown into a platform used by over 280 million daily active users. While Snapchat offers a fun way to communicate with friends, there are some limitations on who can contact you.

Understanding Snapchat’s Contact System

Snapchat has a symmetric contact system. This means that in order to chat with someone, you both need to add each other as friends. If another user tries to send you a Snap and you haven’t added them back, you won’t receive their message. You’ll only see Snaps from users you have on your Friends list.

There are a few exceptions. Snapchat allows you to subscribe to public Stories from certain brands, publishers, celebrities, and influencers. You’ll see their public Stories even if you don’t follow them. Users can also submit their Snaps to public Our Stories based on location, events, or interests. These also can be viewed by anyone on Snapchat.

Outside of these public options, Snapchat works on a mutual basis. Both users need to agree to connect before private chatting is enabled. This is different from platforms like Instagram or Twitter that operate using a followers model. Your account is more private and closed off from unsolicited contact attempts.

Reasons Snapchat Limits Who Can Contact You

There are a few reasons why Snapchat decided to make a symmetric, mutual contact system:

  • Privacy – By limiting messages to friends only, Snapchat offers a more private experience. Users don’t have to worry about unwanted contact from strangers.
  • Reduces spam – Requiring both people to add each other cuts down on spam messages from unknown accounts.
  • Discourages harassment – The mutual system helps prevent harassment since you can block or ignore unwanted friend requests.
  • Authentic connections – Snapchat tries to help users build real relationships on the platform by encouraging connections between people who know each other offline.

Overall, Snapchat values privacy and intimate sharing between close connections. The contact system reflects a different approach than the open, public interactions on platforms like Twitter or Facebook.

Ways Strangers Try to Contact You on Snapchat

While Snapchat’s system makes it harder for strangers to reach you, some people still try creative ways of making contact:

  • Commenting on public Stories – They may see your public Story on Our Stories and leave a comment hoping to connect.
  • Guessing your username – Some try guessing your Snapchat username and adding you before you can confirm.
  • Sending a Snap using a phone number – If they have your number, they can try sending a Snap using just the phone without needing your username.
  • Meeting in real life – They may try to meet you in person and then ask to add each other on Snapchat.

These methods have mixed success since you still need to accept a stranger’s friend request for chatting to begin. The system makes it difficult, but some persistent strangers still find workarounds.

Should Snapchat Change to Allow More Open Contact?

Some users argue Snapchat should change its contact system and adopt a followers model like Instagram or Twitter. Here are some potential benefits of allowing open contact from anyone:

  • Increase reach – People could contact you easily for business or promotional purposes.
  • Discover new connections – You could interact with new people outside your existing circles.
  • No more friend limits – Snapchat wouldn’t need friend limits if contacts weren’t mutual.
  • Simplify messaging – Chat could work like texting or email, without needing to add friends.

However, there are also reasons why open contacts may be problematic:

  • Loss of privacy – Users lose control over who can message them if contacts aren’t mutual.
  • Increased harassment – Opening contact may lead to more bullying, spam, and abuse issues.
  • Overwhelming notifications – Too many messages could make Snapchat overwhelming to use.
  • Diluted experience – An influx of messages from strangers may dilute intimate sharing with real friends.

Overall, Snapchat will likely maintain its symmetric system as a key differentiation from other platforms. While limited contacts impact reach and discovery, it helps Snapchat provide private communication focused on real relationships. The system reflects Snapchat values of intimacy over virality.

Ways to Grow Your Snapchat Contacts

Despite its limited system, there are still ways to grow your Snapchat contacts and reach a larger audience. Consider these tips:

  • Add close friends and family – Build out your Friends list with all the people you know in real life.
  • Connect other social media – Cross-promote your Snapchat handle on Instagram, Twitter, etc. to find followers to add.
  • Add by Snapcode – Share your Snapcode publicly or in-person to let others easily scan and add you.
  • Leverage public profiles – Use Snapchat’s new public profiles to showcase your account and prompt adds.
  • Run Snapchat ads – Consider paying to promote your Snapchat account through Snapchat’s advertising platform.
  • Partner with influencers – Work with influencers in your niche to have them promote your Snapchat handle.

While Snapchat’s system limits organic reach, there are still opportunities to gradually build your network and audience on the platform through promotion across other channels.

Conclusion

Snapchat’s symmetric contact system intentionally limits messaging to mutual friends only. This reflects Snapchat’s greater focus on privacy and intimate communication compared to other social platforms. While the closed system restricts viral growth opportunities, it creates a safer environment with more authentic interactions. As Snapchat continues to evolve, it likely won’t fully open up contact to all users. But through creative promotion and mutually adding contacts, you can continue growing your Snapchat audience and connections.