Snapchat is a fast, camera-first communication app designed to make sharing moments quick, playful and visually rich. At its core are “Snaps” — short photos or videos that can be sent to friends or added to a personal Story. Snaps emphasize spontaneity: they can be decorated with filters, lenses, stickers, text and drawings, letting users add humor, effects or context in just a few taps. Beyond one-to-one messages, Snapchat offers Stories that let people share a sequence of Snaps visible to friends for a limited time, creating a light, temporary diary of what’s happening. For discovering content, the app includes curated channels and user-created short videos showcasing trends, news bites, entertainment and creator content. Spotlight highlights entertaining short clips from the community, giving creativity and discovery equal weight. Snapchat also blends location-based and social features. A live map shows where friends are sharing public Snaps, while location stickers and Bitmoji avatars add personality and context. Memories lets users save favorite Snaps privately, creating a personal archive to revisit and reshare. One of Snapchat’s strengths is its playful camera technology. Augmented reality lenses transform faces and environments in real time — from subtle beautification to full AR worlds — making conversations interactive and visually engaging. The app’s design favors quick, ephemeral interaction, encouraging natural, in-the-moment sharing instead of heavily curated posts. Brands, creators and individuals use Snapchat for candid storytelling, behind-the-scenes peeks, and short-form creative content. It’s popular with people who prefer visual, fast-paced communication and enjoy experimenting with AR and multimedia tools. Overall, Snapchat combines casual social interaction with strong creative features, making it a distinctive platform for sharing moments, discovering bite-sized content, and expressing personality through visual media.

How do I use Snapchat's filters?

To use Snapchat's filters, open the app and point your camera at your face. Tap on the screen to access various filters. Swipe left or right to explore them, and tap to activate a specific filter.

What are Snap Maps and how do I use them?

Snap Maps let you see your friends' locations. To access Snap Maps, pinch out on the camera screen. You can view your friends' Bitmojis on the map and discover public snaps from specific locations.

How can I create and send a Story on Snapchat?

To create a Story, capture a photo or video, then tap 'Send To' and select 'My Story.' You can add text, stickers, or drawings before sharing it. Your Story will last for 24 hours.

How do I add music to my Snapchat snaps?

To add music, tap the music note icon while taking a snap, browse or search for your preferred song, and select it. Adjust the music length and position before sending your snap with the added audio.

What are Snapstreaks, and how do I maintain them?

Snapstreaks occur when you and a friend send snaps to each other for consecutive days. To maintain a streak, make sure to send a snap to that friend every 24 hours. Both parties must participate for the streak to continue.