SNAPCHAT MADE EASY
More popular than Twitter, it’s the app that’s got everyone snapping. Here’s the lowdown to get you started
IF YOU’RE on social media you’ve probably seen those cute pics of a friend with puppy ears or weird pictures of two people with their faces “swopped” and wondered how they did it. Wonder no more – it’s called Snapchat and it seems everyone is getting in on the fun. Initially what set this social-networking app apart was that – unlike Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – the messages, videos and photos you shared with your friends would automatically vanish a few seconds after being viewed unless you screen-grabbed them.
The simple idea Snapchat was based on – which made founder Evan Spiegel, now 26 and the company’s CEO, a billionaire at the age of 25 – is that the moments we share with others are temporary.
Just like face-to-face communication, something that’s happening less and less 1 The Snapchat app can be downloaded free from the Google Play and iTunes app stores. Once you’ve downloaded it this is the screen you see. You need to tap on Sign Up. in our plugged-in world, you share moments then they disappear (which is why the icon for the app is a ghost).
Little wonder then that it proved especially popular among users wanting to send naughty pics or messages.
Snapchat’s auto-delete function gave them peace of mind – their posts wouldn’t wind up being aired for the world to see.
Whatever the reason, people are clearly hooked – Snapchat’s daily active users now exceed 150 million, beating Twitter’s 140 million.
Although young people love it – more than two-thirds of users are under the age of 25 – many older folk are using it too.
Even US first lady Michelle Obama (52) has a Snapchat account.
But in spite of the fact that its temporary nature is what sets Snapchat apart, the company has just introduced a new feature called Snapchat 2 You must provide your name, surname and date of birth then choose a username and set a password. Then you’re asked for either your email address or cellphone number to verify your account. GHOST ICON: Here you can find new friends and check to see who’s added you. LIGHTNING BOLT: Use this icon to turn the flash on and off. CIRCLE: Tap here to take a picture. BLUE MESSAGE ICON: Tap here to access the Chat function. THREE CIRCLES: Tap here to access recent updates and check if any of your friends have posted Snaps. 3 Once you’ve logged in, the app requests access to your contacts and lists those active on Snapchat. You can then add them to your Snapchat friend list. Once you’ve added someone they receive an alert and you’re only able to view their snaps once they’ve accepted you.