Snapchat iPhone

Communicate by means of photos and images

Everyone has heard about instant messaging applications of the likes of WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and others. The latter have been a hit because they allow us to send text messages, video, and audio, as well as to share files, without having to pay for any additional costs due to phone company services. You only need a 3G, 4G, or WiFi data network.

But some time ago, somebody changed the rules of the game with a much more innovative proposal that nobody had ever thought of: instant messaging based on images or snaps. Yes, we're talking about Snapchat, an app that's also setting the pace for the industry's giants. In fact, we've seen how some of its functions have been incorporated into other apps. Do WhatsApp or Instagram Statuses ring a bell? And what about their stories?

But, what is Snapchat?

If you're getting old, you've probably heard about this app although you might not exactly know what it's all about. It's a messaging application that allows the user to take photos and record videos to which they can add text and/or drawings and then share them with their contacts. It comes along with quite a few peculiarities, such as the possibility to establish how long those messages will be available to be read by the receiver.

It has become very popular among millennials and also celebrities, that have downloaded versions for iPhone or in APK format for Android to communicate with their friends in a more spontaneous manner. It has also become one of the favorite apps for sexting... and there's no need to explain why is there? In turn, it has become a means of communication for companies that have started to use it to communicate with their customers.

Celebrities of the likes of Ariana Grande, Andrea Compton or Scarlett Johansson use this app frequently.

But, where do all those snaps go to? Don't be so innocent: once you share content on this app, they're immediately under the company's control... so if you don't want people to see things, you'd better not share them (just like on any social network or messaging app).

Main features

• Built-in camera function to take photos and send videos.
• Chat system to send messages: hundreds of stickers and emojis.
• Edit images by applying all sorts of filters and effects.
• Stories function to tell short stories with images.
• Find out what's happening all over the world and view stories by other users thanks to the Discover function.
• Memories section: configure a collection of favorite stories and snaps for your profile.
• Get in touch with other users through their alias or nick.

Snapchat in figures

We're talking about a peculiar social network and messaging application, not only due to its differences from traditional services but also due to its idiosyncrasy. Although it was founded by three Stanford students, it hasn't established its headquarters in Silicon Valley but in Los Angeles. Neither did it pay attention to Mark Zuckerberg's desire to purchase it for over 3 billion dollars to incorporate it into the Facebook ecosystem. That's why he decided to buy Instagram to reduce its effect.

In 2016 it was valued at over 20 billion dollars and had over 110 million active users all over the world although that figure depends on the source checked. 60% of them post content on a daily basis. Over 9,000 images are shared every second and the videos shared are viewed over 10 billion times every day.

What's new in the latest version?

• Minor bug fixes.

Requirements and additional information:

• Minimum operating system requirements: iOS 12.0.
• Compatible with:
  • iPhone
  • iPad
  • iPod touch
• Offers in-app purchases.