Snapchat is a popular social media app that is used by millions of people around the world to share photos and videos. One of the defining features of Snapchat is that the videos and photos shared on the platform have reduced quality compared to the original. This is by design and there are several reasons why Snapchat intentionally lowers the video quality.
Compression to Save Server Space and Bandwidth
One of the main technical reasons why Snapchat reduced video quality is to save server space and bandwidth. Snapchat servers have to handle billions of videos and photos every day. If all these were stored and transmitted in full quality, it would take up tremendous amounts of server space and bandwidth.
By compressing and reducing the video quality, Snapchat is able to save a huge amount on storage and bandwidth costs. The company has said that this allows them to keep the service free and accessible to more users around the world. Most other social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter also use compression to reduce costs, but not to the same extent as Snapchat.
Faster Upload and Download Times
Another benefit of compression is that it allows videos and photos to be uploaded and downloaded faster. Full quality videos, especially in HD, take a long time to upload and download. But with Snapchat’s compression, the file sizes are much smaller, so they take far less time to send and receive.
This is important for Snapchat because the platform is built around quick sharing of spontaneous moments. Users want to be able to quickly send snaps to their friends without having to wait too long for uploads and downloads. The compression allows fast sending of videos as users don’t have to wait too long even on slower connections.
Ephemeral Nature of Snapchat
Snapchat was originally designed as an ephemeral platform where photos and videos would disappear after being viewed. The videos and photos shared on Snapchat are not meant to be saved and stored permanently like on other platforms.
Since Snapchat media is meant to be temporary, there is no need to have full HD quality videos that take up a lot of space. Lower quality compressed videos are good enough for short term sharing and viewing. Reduced video quality matches the ephemeral nature of Snapchat.
Focus on Messaging Over Perfection
Snapchat aims to be more of a messaging and communication platform rather than a place to share perfect photos and videos. Users are encouraged to share quick casual moments and conversations rather than high quality media.
The poor image quality adds to the informal vibe of Snapchat. Users don’t feel pressured to take perfect selfies and videos with advanced cameras. This makes the app more fun and authentic in many ways.
Reduced File Sizes for Quick Viewing
The small file sizes of Snapchat videos due to compression allows them to load and start playing faster. When friends are exchanging numerous Snaps back and forth, small file sizes enable quick viewing without much waiting or buffering delays.
If the videos were HD quality, they would take much longer to load and view, which would disrupt the real-time messaging and viewing experience Snapchat is designed for.
Focus on Vertical Video
Snapchat’s video recording and viewing is optimized for vertical video shot on phones. Vertical videos do not need HD quality to look good on phone screens. Vertical videos look fine even at lower resolutions.
Snapchat decided to go all in on vertical videos early on. This allowed further reduction of quality without significantly impacting the viewing experience on phones. The focus on vertical video means quality can be lowered beyond what would be acceptable for horizontal HD video.
Distinct Look and Feel
While poor image quality is objectively worse, it does make Snapchat videos have a distinct vintage look and feel. This can be part of the charm of Snapchat for many users who enjoy the nostalgic retro vibe.
The less than perfect quality reminds people of old home videos shot on clunky camcorders. Some users appreciate this characteristic imperfect style that is different from the flawless images on other platforms.
Allows More Videos in Limited Storage
Phones have limited storage space. By reducing video quality, Snapchat allows more videos to be saved and stored on phones.
For example, a user can save 10 compressed Snapchat videos in the storage space occupied by 1 HD video. This is a major factor allowing heavy Snapchat users to exchange more Snaps from limited phone storage.
Saves Phone Battery and Data
Higher quality videos consume more battery when recording and more mobile data when sending/receiving. Lower quality Snapchat videos require less processing power to record, send and view, thus saving phone battery life.
Lower data consumption also helps users stay within their cellular data limits and save money. For people with limited data plans, the small size of Snapchat videos helps them avoid going over their monthly limits.
Reduced Quality Masks Imperfections
Ironically, the poor video quality on Snapchat masks skin imperfections and blemishes. Things like acne, scars and wrinkles are less visible at lower resolutions. Peoplelook better in selfies and videos on Snapchat versus HD quality.
While objectively the image clarity is worse, some users may prefer how it makes them look and hides perceived facial flaws. The quality reduction acts as a built-in airbrushing filter of sorts in some ways.
Allows Use on Basic/Older Phones
Reduced video resolutions allow Snapchat to support more phones, including cheaper lower end models and older phones with lower processing capabilities. Poor video quality enables these basic phones to handle recording and sharing Snaps through the app.
If Snapchat relied on HD quality, it would limit usage only to expensive phones with top of the line cameras and chipsets. Compression allows wider access across various device capabilities and costs.
Saves Money for Snap Inc
All the technical advantages of compression add up to big cost savings for Snapchat’s parent company Snap Inc. Billions of Snaps per day would cost vastly more to handle if done in HD quality. The money saved in bandwidth, servers and processing helps Snapchat’s bottom line.
These cost savings allow Snap Inc to invest in future innovation and growth of the platform. The business incentives are aligned in favor of lower quality for now. Perhaps quality will be improved once revenues grow in the future.
Familiarity and Habit
At this point Snapchat users are very familiar and comfortable with the low quality style. Even if Snapchat starts offering HD video, many users may prefer sticking with what they are habituated to.
Using HD could also cause some anxiety and self-consciousness for users who are used to how they look and present themselves at the current video resolution. Changing the style could lead to fewer videos being shared.
Focus on New Camera Features Over Quality
Snapchat seems more interested in adding new capabilities and filters to the camera rather than improving fundamental video quality. The platform regularly rolls out innovative lenses, geofilters, captions and other camera features.
Developing these smart camera functions likely takes engineering resources away from rebuilding Snapchat to support HD video. The focus is on innovative captures rather than high definition captures.
Conclusion
While Snapchat’s low quality videos may seem lacking compared to competitors, there are some good technical and business reasons for this approach. The reduced quality saves costs for Snap Inc. and offers users faster performance and more convenient sharing.
The lower resolution videos are also more aligned with Snapchat’s informal, fun and ephemeral sharing style compared to other more “professional” platforms. Overall the benefits of compression currently seem to outweigh the drawbacks for Snapchat, even if the videos look less sharp.
Of course, as technology improves and costs reduce, Snapchat may decide to increase video quality in the future once it makes economic sense. But for now, the poor video quality is an intentional choice that is unlikely to change soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Snapchat reduce both photo and video quality?
Yes, Snapchat compresses and reduces the quality of both photos and videos shared on the platform. This saves costs for the company and allows for quicker sharing.
Can you increase Snapchat video quality?
No, there is no setting in Snapchat currently to adjust the video resolution or quality. The compression is applied automatically by the app before sending.
Does Snapchat reduce quality less on certain phones?
No, the compression happens on Snapchat’s servers, so video quality is reduced the same irrespective of which phone you use.
Does Snapchat reduce quality on Android and iOS devices differently?
The video compression algorithms are applied equally on Android and iOS. There is no difference in how much quality is reduced on different platforms.
Will Snapchat improve video quality in the future?
Perhaps in the future once costs reduce and storage and bandwidth become even cheaper. However, in the near term Snapchat is likely to maintain low quality as that aligns with their product strategy.
Do Snapchat competitors like Instagram have better video quality?
In general yes, apps like Instagram allow higher resolution uploads and have less compression than Snapchat resulting in better quality.
Can you tell Snapchat to not compress your videos?
Unfortunately no, all videos go through automatic compression by Snapchat before sending. Users currently have no way to disable this.
Does Snapchat quality reduction depend on video length?
Yes, longer videos tend to have more compression applied to make file sizes manageable. But quality is lowered either way regardless of duration.
Will video quality be reduced less on the next Snapchat update?
Unlikely, major changes to Snapchat’s compression algorithms require large engineering investments. Quality will remain low for cost and performance reasons.
Is the poor video quality a disadvantage for Snapchat?
Depends on perspective. Poor quality could be a downside for some users. But the benefits like reduced costs and quicker performance outweigh quality issues for Snapchat currently.