Snapchat is a trendy messaging platform with the key distinguishing feature that user-generated content has a very short lifespan. This shelf life can be as little as a few seconds to 24 hours.
The platform was initially conceived by two Stanford University students and launched in September 2011. A young demographic audience immediately embraced it as a safe platform that left no trail of breadcrumbs. Images, messages, and other content are automatically deleted after a preset time. If during this timespan, someone attempts to capture their content, the poster is notified.
As well as being a posting platform, the app allows users to take and edit images, create and edit videos with text, filters, and images.
To mark Black History Month and the platform’s diverse user base, Snapchat released a suite of new tools and features to celebrate the culture and history of the Black community. Among the innovations entitled Black Excellence were a collection of celebratory Lenses, Bitmoji stickers, and Creative Tools that highlight Black content creators and artists’ creativity.
November 23, 2020
Snapchat rolled out Spotlight, a new dedicated monetized short-form video channel for content creators. They announced they would be supporting their new channel with $1 million each day to be shared among the best content creators.
Spotlight was initially rolled out in North America, the UK and Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, Australia, and New Zealand. They would roll it out to other countries later.
Within months, Spotlight gave TikTok cause for concern, with over 100 million active users each month.
Fabulous editing tools and filters
Create your own filters
A timer to self-destruct content
Fast way to share and send images
Privacy
Multiple instant messaging options
You can regulate who can see your content
There’s no public profile
No easy way for others to share your content
There’s no search function. You can only see what your contacts share with you and vice versa
Your digital footprints get erased so nothing embarrassing can pop up years later
Youthful demographic
Has had some problems with cyberbullying, sexting, etc.
Snapchat can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play. Alternatively, go to the Snapchat website and navigate to the Download page. There you can add your phone number, and you will be sent a download link. This service is only available in a limited number of countries.
Once the download and installation are complete, tap Open or the yellow and white Snapchat logo.
The next step is to create a Snapchat account. Once you have filled in the usual fields, you then need to verify your phone number. Snapchat will send you a code by SMS to enter.
Tap Continue, and you then start automatically adding friends from your contacts if you give Snapchat permission. You can also add your friends manually if you know their Snapchat name.
To create content, tap on the Snapchat icon on your phone,, and the app will open on your camera screen.
