What is Snapchat? Detailed introduction and tutorial on how to use the function

Part 1: What is Snapchat?

Snapchat is an instant messaging and social media app founded in 2011 by Stanford University students Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown. As a social app, Snapchat is characterized by its "burn after reading" mode, where a picture or video sent by a user (called a "Snap") automatically disappears within a short period of time after viewing. The feature is designed to provide a more private and immediate way to communicate, adapting to young people's need for quick, short sharing.

History and user growth

Snapchat initially attracted a large number of young users, quickly filling the gap between instant messaging and social media. By 2023, Snapchat will have more than 700 million monthly active users (MAU) worldwide, especially among young people aged 18 to 34. Despite competition from Instagram, TikTok and other platforms, Snapchat still maintains a high penetration rate among young people, especially in the United States, where the 10- to 29-year-old age group has a strong market share.

User age distribution

Snapchat's user base is mainly concentrated between the ages of 18 and 34, especially the users between the ages of 18 and 24 account for the largest proportion, accounting for about 70%. As a result, Snapchat has become an important platform for young people to interact socially.

Continuous innovation and development

As Snapchat continues to innovate, such as AR ads, shopping features, etc., it not only maintains the loyalty of young users, but also occupies an important position in the social media industry. Although the overall user base is not as large as Instagram and TikTok, its strong young user base still makes it a unique and popular platform.

Second, the function of Snapchat

Snapchat is feature-rich, with a focus on ephemeral content sharing, privacy protection, and augmented reality (AR) effects. Here are the key features of Snapchat to give you a better idea of what makes this app unique.

1.Snaps

This is the core feature of Snapchat and allows users to send photos or videos (known as "Snaps"). These contents usually disappear automatically after being watched, with a duration ranging from 1 second to 10 seconds, and the user can set the length of time. The content sent can only be seen by the recipient, and cannot be seen or screenshotted by others (although Snapchat will prompt the sender and the recipient will be notified when they take a screenshot). This nature of self-destructing messages has a lot of appeal in terms of privacy protection.

2.Stories

Snapchat's Stories feature allows users to share photos or videos to their friends or post them publicly, which disappear after 24 hours. Unlike Snaps, Stories can be viewed without restrictions. Users can concatenate multiple Snaps into a group to create their own stories. Friends and followers can view, comment, or reply to content in the story.

3.Chat

Snapchat is not only a picture and video sharing tool, but also has a live chat feature that allows users to exchange text, voice, and video messages with friends. Unlike traditional text messages, Snapchat's chats usually disappear after viewing them, unless the user manually saves the conversation.

4.Snap Map

Snap Map allows users to view the location of their friends and share their own location. This feature shows the location of friends and other Snapchat users on a map based on the user's geolocation. You can choose to keep your location private or public, and Snap Maps will show you trending stories from around the world. For example, if there's a particular event or location that's trending, Snap Map will show a live story of that place.

5.Lenses and Filters

Snapchat first gained popularity for its AR filters and facial recognition effects. Lenses allow users to change their face or background through real-time augmented reality effects, such as turning into animals, adding virtual makeup, changing hairstyles, and more. Filters, on the other hand, allow users to add a variety of visual effects to a photo or video, such as weather, location, time, and other topics. Users can mix and use different filters and lenses to create more interesting content.

6.Discover

Snapchat's Discover feature allows users to browse content published by brands, celebrities, and media outlets. This section includes news, entertainment, sports, fashion and other content, and is usually presented in the form of a combination of short videos and graphic texts. Users can explore a variety of topics or interests through the feature.

7.Spotlight

Spotlight is a short-form video content sharing feature launched by Snapchat, similar to TikTok. Users can post videos of up to 60 seconds and show them to a wider audience via Spotlight. In order to encourage users to create, Snapchat has set up a rich reward system, and users who upload popular content through Spotlight can receive cash rewards.

8.Snapchat Memories

Snapchat's Memories feature allows users to save the content of Snaps and Stories for future viewing. While Snapchat's original design idea was that content disappears in a short period of time, with the introduction of the Memories feature, users can choose to save their own Snaps or Stories to their personal "memories" and share them with others or keep them forever.

9.Bitmoji

Snapchat is closely integrated with Bitmoji, and users can create their own avatars (cartoonized self-images) and use these memes in chats and stories. Bitmoji is an important element of personalized expression, and users can choose from a variety of clothing, expressions, and movements to show themselves.

10.Snapchat Ads

Snapchat's advertising system allows brands and businesses to push ads to users through Snapchat. Snapchat's ads include:Snap Ads(full-screen video ads),Collection Ads(Users can click directly on the purchased item) andAR Ads(Augmented Reality Ads). Merchants can target users based on their interests, location, and behavior.

11.Snap Originals

Snapchat has also launched Snap Originals, which are skits, web series, and entertainment programs made specifically for the Snapchat platform. These shows are generally shorter, around 10 minutes per episode, and are designed to attract younger viewers and increase the platform's content creation.

12.Snapchat Spectacles (Glasses)

Snapchat has launched smart glasses called Spectacles, which have a built-in camera that captures what users see and uploads it directly to Snapchat. Users can use glasses to take perspective shots without having to take out their phones, further enhancing the unique experience of Snapchat.

13.Memories vs. Story Archive

For those who want to save or view content shared in the past, Snapchat has introduced the Memories feature. This feature gives you the option to save your own Snaps, Stories, or other content that can be saved in the cloud and viewed or shared at any time.

3. How to register a Snapchat account

Signing up for a Snapchat account is very easyMobile phoneOr inPC sidecan be done, but note,Snapchat web does not support account registration, Snapchat web client only supportsloginandBasic featuresuse.

Snapchat account registration tutorial on PC computer:

1. Download the Snapchat app: Download and install the Snapchat app in the Microsoft Store

2. Once the download is complete, open the Snapchat app and click on the "Sign Up" button on the screen to create a new account.

3. Enter the basic information:

• Name: Enter your name and Snapchat will use it to appear on your account.
• Date of birth: Make sure to enter an accurate date of birth, as Snapchat needs to make sure that you meet the age requirement to use the platform.
• Username: Choose a unique username that will be your identity on Snapchat and that other users will find you through. Please note that the username cannot be the same as someone else's.
• Password: Set a strong password to ensure the security of your account.

4. Human-captcha verification: Confirm that you are not a robot with CAPTCHA puzzle verification or audio verification.

5. Enter your phone number or email address: Snapchat will ask you to enter your phone number or email address. Once entered, you'll receive a verification code to confirm your identity by verifying your mobile number or email address. (Note: Due to regional restrictions, account registration only supports mobile phone numbers/some email addresses in some countries!) ）

6. Complete your account setup

7. After entering the basic information and verification code, you can enter Snapchat. The app may prompt you to add friends, allow you to import contacts from your address book, or search for friends by username.

Mobile Snapchat account registration tutorial:

1. Download the Snapchat app

First, you need to download and install the Snapchat app on your phone. It can passApp Store(for iPhone users) orGoogle Play Store(For Android users) to download.

2. Open the app and tap Sign up

Once the download is complete, open the Snapchat app, tap on the screenSign Up(Register) button to create a new account.

3. Enter your basic information

Snapchat will ask you to provide the following information:

• Name: Enter your name and Snapchat will use it to appear on your account.
• Date of birth: Make sure to enter an accurate date of birth, as Snapchat needs to make sure that you meet the age requirement to use the platform.
• Username: Choose a unique username that will be your identity on Snapchat and that other users will find you through. Please note that the username cannot be changed once selected.
• Password: Set a strong password to ensure the security of your account.

5. Enter your mobile phone number or email address

Snapchat will ask you to enter your mobile phone number or email address. Once entered, you'll receive a verification code to confirm your identity by verifying your mobile number or email address.

6. Create a Bitmoji (optional)

Snapchat allows you to create and personalize yoursBitmoji, which is a virtualized cartoon avatar that is used to express oneself in chats and stories. You can choose to skip this step and create it later.

7. Complete your account setup

Once you've entered your basic information and verified your verification code, you'll be able to enter Snapchat. The app may prompt you to add friends, allow you to import contacts from your address book, or search for friends by username.

8. Set up privacy and notifications

When you first use Snapchat, you can also set privacy options, such as who can see your Snaps, Stories, and how to manage friend requests. At the same time, you can also set up notifications to decide when to receive messages.

9. Start using Snapchat

10. Once you're all set up, you can start using Snapchat's various features, including sending Snaps, creating Stories, adding friends, and browsing content.

Fourth, how to add friends on Snapchat

Method 1: Search for friends

1. Open the Snapchat app and log in to your account.

2. On the home screen, tap your profile picture in the top left corner to go to your profile page.

3. Click on the "Add Friends" button in the top right corner.

4. Choose how you want to add friends

• In the "By Username" field, enter your friend's Snapchat username. Find the user you want to add and click the "Add" button to send a friend request.
• Select From Contacts. Snapchat scans your phone's contacts to find people who have signed up for Snapchat, and you can choose to add them as friends.
• Select the Scan Snapcode option. Point your camera at your friend's Snapcode and the system will automatically recognize and prompt you to add as a friend.

How do I find Snapcode?

Download Snapcode on your desktop:

1. Click on your profile picture in the top left corner and find "Account Settings"

2. Click on "Account Settings" and find "My Snapcode"

3. Select "DOWNLOAD SNAPCODE" to download the Snapcode

Download Snapcode on your phone:

1. Click on your profile picture in the top left corner to enter your profile homepage

2. Click on your profile picture in the top left corner of your profile page

3. Choose to download or share the Snapcode

Method 2: Add friends by searching for people nearby

Snapchat also allows you to find and add friends through the "People Nearby" feature. Here's how:

1. Open the Snapchat app.
2. From the Home screen, swipe right to enter the Snap Map.
3. On the map, you'll see nearby friends and other users. Click on a person's icon to view their profile and choose whether to add as a friend.

5. How to delete Snapchat account

If you decide that you no longer use Snapchat, or if you want to delete your account, you can permanently delete your account by following these steps. It's important to note that Snapchat will keep your data for 30 days after you delete your account, and if you don't log back in within 30 days, the account will be permanently deleted.

Delete your account through the Snapchat website

1. Open the Snapchat app and log in to your account.

2. Click on your profile picture in the top left corner to enter your profile page.

3. Click on "Account Settings" in the top left corner.

4. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select "Delect Account".

5. Enter your account password and click Continue.

6. The account is deleted

3.Precautions

• Once you delete your account, Snapchat retains your account information for 30 days. During this time, if you log back in, your account will be restored and your data will not be lost. After 30 days, the account will be permanently deleted and all of your data (including Snaps, chats, etc.) will not be recovered.
• Only one Snapchat account can be linked to an email address. If you try to register a new account with the same email address that you have logged out, the system will recognize that the email address has been associated with another account until the end of the 30-day recovery period after the cancellation or the email address is completely deleted from the system.
• Once you delete your account, your username will no longer be available and cannot be recovered.

6. How can cross-border e-commerce sellers use Snapchat?

For cross-border e-commerce sellers, Snapchat offers a variety of unique ways to expand the market, increase brand exposure, and increase customer loyalty. Here are a few strategies that cross-border e-commerce sellers can use to take advantage of Snapchat:

1. Connect with buyers and offer unique content

Snapchat's "burn after reading" feature makes content more private and personalized, which provides a unique way for cross-border e-commerce sellers to connect with buyers. Sellers can attract users' attention by posting unique content such as product teasers, behind-the-scenes footage, limited-time offers, and more. Compared to other social platforms, the immediacy and ephemeral nature of Snapchat makes the content more engaging, able to stimulate users' curiosity and desire to buy.

• For example, cross-border e-commerce sellers can post exclusive discounts, limited-time promotions, or showcase products through Snapchat's unique filters and lenses to increase interactivity and fun.

2.Create a brand story and engage with your fans on a regular basis

Snapchat's "Stories" feature is great for building brand stories. Cross-border e-commerce sellers can take advantage of this feature to regularly publish content about brand background, product usage guides, customer reviews, etc., so that fans can often come into contact with the brand in their daily lives and form brand awareness and loyalty. In addition, sellers can also interact with fans through Snapchat, respond to comments or directly participate in topic discussions, enhancing brand affinity and user stickiness.

• For example, Snapchat Stories can show the story behind the brand, the founder's philosophy, or the production process of the product, increasing the authenticity and transparency of the brand and building a stronger connection with fans.

3.According to the Snapchat user profile, choose the right product to promote

Snapchat's user base is dominated by young people, especially those between the ages of 18 and 34, which is an important market opportunity for cross-border e-commerce sellers. Sellers can choose products suitable for this age group to promote according to the user portrait of Snapchat. For example, fashion, beauty, and technology products all have high appeal on Snapchat. Through targeted advertising and creative content, sellers can accurately reach potential customers and improve marketing effectiveness.

• For example, if your store sells young and fashionable clothing, you can use Snapchat to post fashion matching videos, buyer shows, or limited release announcements to attract the attention and purchase of young people.

7. Frequently Asked Questions:

1.Is Snapchat a social software?

Yes, Snapchat is a social media app. Its main function is to let users interact with friends by sending ephemeral pictures and videos, known as "Snaps". Users can also post "Stories" to share their daily lives, use augmented reality (AR) filters and lenses, and have instant chats with friends. Snapchat emphasizes privacy and temporary, and its content automatically disappears after viewing.

2.Does Snapchat use a lot of people?

Yes, Snapchat has a huge user base. According to 2023 data, Snapchat has exceeded 700 million monthly active users (MAU) worldwide, especially among young people. The majority of users are concentrated between the ages of 18 and 34, especially young people between the ages of 18 and 24, who account for 70% of the total number of users. Although Snapchat has a slightly smaller overall user base than Instagram and TikTok, it still has a high penetration rate and user stickiness among young people.

3.What country is Snapchat software?

Snapchat is developed by Snap Inc., an American company. The app was originally founded in 2011 by three Stanford students (Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Ricky Brown) and quickly gained popularity around the world. It was originally launched as a more private, informal communication tool designed to provide younger users with an easier and faster way to communicate.

4.Is Snapchat available in China?

Due to internet censorship and blocking in China, Snapchat is not working properly in Chinese mainland. Users in Chinese mainland cannot download Snapchat through the normal app store and cannot access its website. If you use Snapchat in China, you'll need a tool to bypass the internet block in order to access and use the app properly. In addition, Snapchat has less support for the Chinese market, so the experience of Chinese users may suffer.