This article explains how to get started with Snapchat on an iPhone or Android device. Snapchat is a popular photo / video sharing and messaging application that allows you to send creative images and movies to your friends.
Steps
Part 1 of 10: Creating an Account
Step 1. Download Snapchat
Skip this step in case you have already installed the application on your iPhone or Android device. Here's how to download it:
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iPhone - open the App Store
Iphoneappstoreicon tap on Search for and then on the search bar. Write snapchat and tap Search for. Next, tap on Get next to the Snapchat logo. Now, confirm the download using your Touch ID or Apple ID.
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Android - open the Google Play Store
Androidgoogleplay press on the search bar and write snapchat. Press on Snapchat below the search bar. Then, click on Install come on Accept when asked.
Step 2. Open Snapchat
When the download is complete, click on You open in your phone's app store or press the yellow and white Snapchat icon.
Step 3. Click on Register in the center of the page
This will open a page that will allow you to create an account.
If you already have an account, click on Log in and enter the necessary data to login. Then, read the second section of this article.
Step 4. Enter your first and last name
Write this information in the Name and Surname fields respectively.
Later, you can change this information whenever you want
Step 5. Click on Register and accept
This purple button is located at the bottom of the screen.
Step 6. Select your date of birth and click Continue
Do this using the date picker controls at the bottom of the page.
To use Snapchat, you must be at least 13 years old
Step 7. Enter a username and click Continue
Type the username you wish to use in the Username field.
- If your username is already in use, you won't be able to proceed until you've selected an available one.
- It is not possible to change your username, so choose it carefully.
Step 8. Enter a password and click Continue
Type the password you wish to associate with the account in the field of the same name.
Step 9. Enter your phone number and click Continue
Write your phone number in the text field in the center of the page. Snapchat will send you a verification code on your mobile.
Step 10. Verify your phone number
Open the "Messages" application, then select the message received from Snapchat and in it look for the six-digit code that was sent to you. Type this code into the text field in the center of the Snapchat screen, then hit Continues.
Step 11. Click Continue at the bottom of the screen
You will then be directed to the main Snapchat page.
By pressing on Continues, you may be directed to a page where you will be given the option to add friends. In this case, click on Jump in the lower right corner of the screen.
Part 2 of 10: Adding Friends
Step 1. Open Snapchat
on your device.
The icon looks like a white ghost on a yellow background and can be found on the Home screen or in the application menu. Upon opening Snapchat, the camera will automatically be activated.
Step 2. Click on your profile icon in the upper left corner of the screen
Your profile page will then be opened.
Step 3. Select Add Friends
This option is located more or less in the center of the page.
If someone has sent you a friend request, you will find it in the section titled "Add me" at the top of the page. Press on Accept, next to an invitation, to accept the friend request.
Step 4. Search for a specific contact
If you know the username of the person you want to add, write it in the "Find friends" bar at the top of the page and search for it in the results that appear.
Step 5. Press + Add next to a user
He will then be added to your friends list and will receive a request to add you to his. You can search for other friends using their username. Alternatively, tap on X at the top right to return to the page titled "Add friends".
- Snapchat may ask you for permission to access your contacts. In this case, click on Ok.
- Snapchat users will not receive the snaps you send, unless they have added you to their friends list.
Step 6. Click on All contacts
This gray link is next to the "Quick Add" title.
Step 7. Click Continue to sync your phone contacts with Snapchat
If you press on the blue button Continues At the bottom of the screen, Snapchat will allow you to view contacts using the application.
Step 8. Press ＋ Add next to the contact you want to add as your friends
This button is located next to its name. He will then be added to your friends list and will receive a request to add you to his.
This process can be repeated with all contacts that have the button + Add next to their name.
Part 3 of 10: Create a Photo or Video Snap
Step 1. Open Snapchat
on your device.
The icon looks like a white ghost on a yellow background and can be found on the Home screen or in the application menu. Upon opening Snapchat, the camera will automatically be activated.
Step 2. If necessary, change the camera
If your phone has two cameras, you can switch between them by pressing the camera icon in the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3. Select a lens (optional)
Lenses are a kind of filters, similar to masks that transform your face (or that of another person) to make it special and different from usual. To test the lenses, frame the subject (which could be you) with the camera and press on the smiley face symbol. Scroll through the sequence of lenses that appears at the bottom of the screen to see which ones are available.
- Press on any of the lenses to select it. If you decide not to use the selected lens, choose another one. Alternatively, select the white circle to return to classic viewing mode, without using any lenses.
- To find new lenses created by Snapchat users, click on the smiley face symbol with a star next to "Explore". On this screen you can search for a particular lens or just take a look at the available ones.
Step 4. Tap or hold the capture button
This circular button is located at the bottom of the screen, exactly in the center. By tapping it once, you will take a photo. If you hold it down instead, you will shoot a video.
- If you are interested in additional options, including timer, grid and Multi Snap, tap on the down arrow on the right side of the screen.
- Press the lightning bolt symbol to activate or deactivate the flash. It is located in the upper right corner of the screen.
Step 5. Press X to delete a snap (optional)
This button is located in the upper left corner of the screen. If you don't like your snap, pressing X will take you back to the camera screen.
Step 6. Select a time limit for photos
Press on the stopwatch symbol on the right side of the screen, then select a certain number of seconds to limit the availability of the snap. You can also press on the infinity symbol to make the snap available until it closes.
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If you shoot a video, you won't have this option. Instead, you can select
Step 1. or the infinity symbol on the right side of the screen to determine if the video should be played once or repeated in a loop.
Step 7. If you want, save the snap
If you prefer to save the snap before editing it, click on the down arrow in the bottom left corner of the screen.
Part 4 of 10: Edit a Photo or Video
Step 1. Take a snap
If you haven't taken a photo or video, do it now.
Step 2. Add a filter
Swipe left or right on the snap to review the available filters. Some will show information about where you are, time or date, others will simply change the color of the snap.
- If this is your first time using them, click on Activate filters when asked.
- If you've shot a video, this will allow you to select filters to change the snap speed.
Step 3. Press T to add text
This button is located in the upper right corner of the screen. Select a style from the options and then type the text you want to enter.
- You can also change the color of the text. Press on the vertical colored bar (located in the upper right corner) and drag the slider up or down.
- Once the text has been added, you can reposition it by pressing on it and dragging it on the screen.
Step 4. Press the pencil symbol to draw
It is located on the right side of the screen. Press a finger on the screen and drag it to draw. To change the color of the drawing, press and drag up or down the vertical bar slider located on the right side of the screen.
- To delete a drawing, click on the circular arrow next to the pencil symbol.
- If you see an emoji below the color bar, you can tap on it. By doing so, the color bar will be replaced by the emoji bar, which will allow you to insert smilies.
Step 5. Add a sticker to the snap
Click on the square sticker symbol on the right side of the page and select one to place it on the photo or video. To search for a sticker, type a keyword in the search bar at the top of the screen.
- You can change the position of the sticker by pressing on it and dragging it on the screen.
- If you've set up your Bitmoji on Snapchat, you can add it to the snap by pressing on the wink emoticon at the top of the screen.
- If you want to use classic Snapchat stickers (e.g. date, time, temperature, etc.), tap on the star symbol.
- Tap on the smiley face symbol to insert an emoji as a sticker.
Step 6. Press the scissors symbol to create a sticker from your snap
This icon is located on the right side of the screen. Draw the section of the snap you want to save as a sticker.
You can access these custom stickers by clicking on the sticker symbol and then on the scissors symbol at the bottom of the screen
Step 7. Click on the paperclip symbol to attach a website to the snap
If you want the recipient or recipients of the snap to take a look at a particular website, tap on this icon on the right side of the screen, enter an address and then tap on Go or Send to open it. Click on the part of the site you want to share. Finally, to add the link, click on Attach to snap.
Part 5 of 10: Send a Snap
Step 1. Open Snapchat
on your device.
The icon depicts a white ghost on a yellow background. You can find it on the Home screen or in the application menu. Upon opening Snapchat, the camera will automatically be activated.
Step 2. Review the snap
Make sure it has been edited correctly and does not contain compromising or private information that you don't feel like sharing with other people.
Step 3. Click on the Send to button
It features a blue and white paper airplane in the lower right corner of the screen. You will be directed to a list with various submission options.
Step 4. Select the recipients
Tap on the name of each person you want to send the snap to.
Step 5. Select My Story if you want to share the snap in your story
If you want the snap to be visible to all users in your friends list for the next 24 hours, tap on this option at the top of the screen.
- The snap can be sent to both your friends and the story section at the same time.
- You can also select Our history to share the snap with a wider audience.
Step 6. Click on the submit button
in the lower right corner of the screen.
The snap will be delivered and you will be directed to the chat page.
Sent snaps are depicted as solid-colored triangles. Instead, when a recipient opens a snap, only the outline of the triangle is displayed
Part 6 of 10: Viewing Individual Snaps
Step 1. Open Snapchat
on your device.
The icon looks like a white ghost on a yellow background and can be found on the Home screen or in the application menu. Upon opening Snapchat, the camera will automatically be activated.
Step 2. Click on Chat in the lower left corner of the screen
You will be directed to the list of snaps and messages received from your friends.
Alternatively, you can swipe your finger across the screen from left to right
Step 3. Look for snaps you haven't opened yet
If you see a red or purple cube under a person's name, then they sent you a snap. You can press on the cube in question to open it.
If a message has not been opened, a blue dialog will appear under the sender's name
Step 4. Respond to snaps
Double tap on a user's name to open the camera interface, then take a snap and tap the send arrow to send it only to this person.
Part 7 of 10: Viewing the Stories
Step 1. Open Snapchat
on your device.
The icon, which can be found on the Home screen or in the application menu, features a white ghost on a yellow background. Upon opening Snapchat, the camera will automatically activate.
Step 2. Swipe left to open the "Discover" tab
Alternatively, you can press on You discover in the lower right corner. This card is also called "Friends".
Step 3. Scroll through the available stories
If your friends have shared stories, their names will appear in the section titled "Friends" at the top of the page. If a user's photo is surrounded by a blue ring, then they've posted a story you haven't viewed yet.
Step 4. Click on a story to watch it
You can view both new stories and those you've already watched.
- You can go to the next story by pressing on the right side of the screen or you can review the previous one by pressing on the left side of the screen.
- If you swipe down on the currently open story, you will close it and return to the main page (aka "Discover").
Step 5. Select a story from the "For You" section
Under your friends' stories, you can find suggested and sponsored stories, which were created by users you don't follow. Scroll down to check out the available stories and then tap on one to start watching it.
If in the "Discover" tab you find a channel that interests you, press and hold a finger on the screen to open a context menu, then select subscribe. Future releases of the channel will appear on the tab You are following at the top of the "Discover" page.
Step 6. Swipe left on the "Discover" tab to take a look at the "Show" section, where you'll find exclusive content from Snapchat, such as series and documentaries
Part 8 of 10: Chat with Snapchat
Step 1. Open Snapchat
on your device.
The icon looks like a white ghost on a yellow background and can be found on the Home screen or in the application menu. Upon opening Snapchat, the camera will automatically be activated.
Step 2. Swipe right to open chats
You can also press on Chat in the lower left corner of the screen.
Step 3. Select a contact
Tap on the name of the contact you want to start a conversation with. This will open a private chat with the user in question.
If you don't see the contact you want to chat with, you can search for them by entering their name in the search bar at the top of the screen
Step 4. Enter a message
Write a message, then tap the button Enter on the keyboard (on Android devices, this button may read Send or show a check mark).
When you start typing, the recipient will receive a notification on their phone with the message "[Name] is typing…", in case they have activated notifications for Snapchat
Step 5. Send a photo from your phone
Click on the "Photo" icon in the upper left corner of the keyboard, then select an image to send and click on the white "Send" arrow in the lower right corner.
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You can edit the photo before sending it by clicking on the pencil symbol
Android7edit
Step 6. Add an emoji to the conversation
Press on the smiley face symbol in the top right corner of the keyboard and select an emoji or Bitmoji to send it.
You can select different categories of emoji by pressing on the tabs located at the bottom of the screen
Step 7. Make a call or video call
By pressing on the handset or camera symbol above the keypad, you will have the option to forward a call or video call to your contact. If he replies, you can start a conversation with this user.
Step 8. Open a game
Press on the space rocket symbol to invite one of your contacts to play. You can choose from a wide variety of games.
Step 9. Send a snap to the recipient of the conversation
Tap on the camera symbol if you want to send a photo or video snap to this person directly.
Part 9 of 10: Creating a Group on Snapchat
Step 1. Open Snapchat
on your device.
The icon looks like a white ghost on a yellow background and can be found on the Home screen or in the application menu. Upon opening Snapchat, the camera will automatically be activated.
Step 2. Click on the Chat tab in the lower left corner of the screen
Step 3. Click on the button that allows you to write a new message
The icon looks like a pencil and a sheet of paper. It is located in the upper right corner of the chat page.
Step 4. Select New Group
This option is located at the top of the page.
Step 5. Select the people you want to add
Tap on each contact you want to add to the group chat. The group can include up to 32 people (including you).
Step 6. Name the group
To do this, click on Group name at the top of the screen, then type the name and press the button Done or Send.
Step 7. Click on Create group
This blue button is located at the bottom of the screen. By doing so, the group will be created.
Step 8. Chat with the group
After creating it, you will be able to chat with users as usual. You can also select the group conversation from the tab Chat.
- Unlike normal chats, group chats are saved.
- By creating a group, a group story will also be created. All members will be able to add content to this story, as it will appear in the options at the time of publication.
Part 10 of 10: Viewing Contact Location
Step 1. Open Snapchat
on the device.
The icon depicts a white ghost on a yellow background. You will find it on the Home screen or in the application menu. Upon opening Snapchat, the camera will automatically be activated.
Step 2. Swipe down from the center of the screen
By doing this, you will be able to see your current location on the map and your friends' recent activity list.
Step 3. Review your friends' activities
Scroll through your friends list to see what places they've been to recently.
You can also tap the map and zoom out to see your friends' activities in the area you are in. This way, events that have been recorded on Snapchat in your area will also be displayed
Step 4. Turn on location sharing
Tap on the gear symbol at the top right of the screen to open the location settings. In this section you can manage the following features:
- Press the "Ghost Mode" switch to activate this feature in case you want to hide your location. You can also decide how long you want to remain hidden.
- If "Ghost Mode" has already been activated and you want to share your location, press the switch to deactivate it, then decide which friends can see you on the map. Only do this if you want to share your location with friends.
Advice
- If you want to review a snap, you can do so by holding it down immediately after viewing it for the first time. The snap replay function can only be used once.
- If you don't want a story to remain visible for 24 hours, you can always delete it.
