Many Snapchat users have found themselves wanting to delete their Snapchat account permanently, but have been unable to find the option to fully delete their account. There are a few reasons why Snapchat does not allow users to permanently delete their accounts.
Retaining User Data
One of the main reasons Snapchat does not allow account deletion is because they want to retain user data. Snapchat collects a huge amount of user data including contacts, location information, interests, behaviors, and more. This data is highly valuable to Snapchat in order to improve their services, target advertising, and analyze user engagement. If they allowed users to permanently delete accounts, Snapchat would lose access to this data.
Maintaining Active Usership
Snapchat also wants to maintain an active user base for attracting advertisers and investors. If it was easy for users to delete their accounts forever, Snapchat’s total number of monthly active users would decrease. High monthly active usage is key to Snapchat’s continued success and profitability.
Possibility of Returning Users
Snapchat also realizes that users who want to delete their accounts may end up wanting to reactivate their accounts in the future. Snapchat wants to keep accounts “on ice” so that if a user changes their mind, they can easily log back in and reactivate their old account. If users could permanently delete their accounts, Snapchat would lose out on the possibility of regaining returning users.
How to Delete Snapchat
While permanent account deletion is not an option, here are the ways you can delete Snapchat:
Deactivating Your Account
The closest option to fully deleting Snapchat is deactivating your account:
- Go to your profile page in the Snapchat app
- Tap the cog icon in the top-right corner
- Scroll down and tap “Delete My Account”
- Enter your password and tap “Continue”
- On the next page confirm “Delete My Account”
This will deactivate your account for 30 days. Within those 30 days, you can still reactivate your account by logging back in. After 30 days, your account will be permanently deleted.
Deleting the App
Another option is simply deleting the Snapchat app from your mobile device. This will remove access to your account without deactivating it. You can always reinstall the app and log back in with your credentials. Your account data will still be retained by Snapchat even if you delete the app.
Account Deletion Request
If you truly want your account permanently deleted, you can send an account deletion request to Snapchat.
To do this:
- Go to Snapchat’s Account Deletion page
- Enter your username
- Solve the reCAPTCHA and click “Submit Deletion Request”
Snapchat states that by submitting this request you are asking to permanently delete all your account data. They will try to fulfill all complete requests within 30 days.
However, Snapchat reserves the right to retain certain account information even after a deletion request:
- When required by law
- To prevent fraud or illegal activity
- To resolve disputes, collect fees, or enforce Snapchat’s terms
So even if you submit a deletion request, Snapchat may choose to keep some of your data.
Why Snapchat Doesn’t Allow Full Account Deletion
Here are some of the main reasons why Snapchat is reluctant to offer permanent account deletion:
Ads and Revenue
Snapchat is an ad-supported platform, generating revenue by serving ads to users. More monthly active users means more ad views. If users could easily delete accounts, Snapchat’s revenue would decrease.
| Year | Revenue (in millions) | Active Users (in millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $404.5 | 158 |
| 2017 | $824.9 | 187 |
| 2018 | $1,180 | 186 |
As you can see in the above table, as monthly active users grew, so did revenue. Snapchat needs to maintain usership to make money.
Data Mining
Snapchat’s parent company Snap Inc. leverages user data for ad targeting purposes. The data collected on Snapchat users allows them to train AI systems. If they lost data from users deleting accounts, it would set back their algorithms.
Network Effects
Snapchat depends on network effects – the phenomenon where increased numbers of people using a service increase its value. Snapchat is more appealing the more friends and connections you have on it. Mass user deletion would significantly degrade Snapchat’s network effects.
Appeasing Investors
Snapchat is a publicly traded company, with investors to appease. Snap Inc. needs to show continuous user growth to keep investors happy. Allowing users to easily deactivate accounts could negatively affect user growth metrics and investor sentiment.
The Argument for Allowing Account Deletion
While Snapchat wants to retain user data, there are good arguments for allowing full account deletion:
User Privacy
Users should have a right to permanently delete an account if they desire privacy and to have their data erased. Forcing retention of personal data raises ethical concerns.
Reduced Liability
By minimizing stored user data, Snapchat also minimizes risk in case of a data breach. Keeping data intact leaves Snapchat liable if hacks were to occur.
Competitive Differentiation
Allowing account deletion could set Snapchat apart from competitors like Instagram and TikTok. This feature could attract users who value privacy controls.
Ad Targeting
Snapchat can still monetize users who opt-in through contextual advertising. Accounts don’t need to be retained for ad targeting.
Focus on Quality
Prioritizing engaged users who actively want to use Snapchat, rather than inactive accounts, could improve overall app quality and community.
Conclusion
In summary, Snapchat avoids account deletion mainly to retain user data, preserve monthly active user counts, and maintain ad revenue. Snapchat provides the options to deactivate temporarily or delete the app, but full account deletion is unavailable. Users can request account deletion, but Snapchat may still retain some data. While Snapchat has valid business reasons to keep accounts active, there are also arguments for allowing users more control over permanent account deletion. The debate over data retention versus user privacy continues as Snapchat aims to balance business success with ethical concerns.