Snapchat
Snapchat is a multimedia messaging app developed by Snap Inc., originally created by Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown. The app was initially released in September 2011 and has since become one of the most popular social media platforms, particularly among younger users.
Features[edit | edit source]
Snapchat is known for its unique features that distinguish it from other social media platforms:
Snaps[edit | edit source]
A "Snap" is a picture or video sent through the app to one or more friends. Snaps can be viewed for a limited time before they disappear. Users can add filters, text, and drawings to their Snaps.
Stories[edit | edit source]
Stories are collections of Snaps that are visible to a user's friends for 24 hours. Users can post multiple Snaps to their Story throughout the day.
Snap Map[edit | edit source]
The Snap Map feature allows users to share their location with friends and view Snaps from around the world. Users can choose to share their location with all friends, select friends, or remain in "Ghost Mode" to keep their location private.
Discover[edit | edit source]
The Discover section features content from various publishers, including news, entertainment, and lifestyle articles. Users can subscribe to their favorite publishers to receive updates.
Lenses and Filters[edit | edit source]
Snapchat offers a variety of lenses and filters that users can apply to their Snaps. Lenses use augmented reality (AR) to add effects to a user's face or surroundings, while filters can add color effects, geotags, and more.
Chat[edit | edit source]
Snapchat includes a chat feature that allows users to send text messages, photos, and videos to friends. Messages disappear after they are viewed, but users can save important messages by tapping on them.
Memories[edit | edit source]
Memories is a feature that allows users to save Snaps and Stories to a private storage area within the app. Users can view, edit, and share saved Snaps from Memories.
History[edit | edit source]
Snapchat was created by Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown while they were students at Stanford University. The app was initially launched as "Picaboo" in July 2011, but was rebranded as Snapchat in September 2011. The app quickly gained popularity, particularly among teenagers and young adults.
Business Model[edit | edit source]
Snapchat generates revenue through advertising, including Snap Ads, Sponsored Lenses, and Sponsored Geofilters. The company also offers premium content through its Discover section.
Privacy and Security[edit | edit source]
Snapchat has faced scrutiny over its privacy and security practices. The app's ephemeral nature has raised concerns about the potential for misuse, particularly among younger users. Snapchat has implemented various measures to enhance security, including two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption for certain types of messages.
Criticism and Controversies[edit | edit source]
Snapchat has faced criticism for various reasons, including its impact on mental health, privacy concerns, and the potential for misuse. The app has also been involved in legal disputes, including a lawsuit filed by Reggie Brown over his role in the app's creation.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
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