Snapchat
About Snapchat
Launching Snapchat opens immediately to your camera screen rather than a traditional social feed. Tapping the shutter button takes a photo, while holding it records a short video clip. Before sending anything, you can swipe through filters, attach Bitmoji avatars, or apply community-created lenses that transform your face in real time.
The app handles communication through ephemeral direct messages, group stories, and live video calls supporting up to 16 people at once. A built-in map lets you see where friends are hanging out if they share their position, though switching to Ghost Mode keeps your location private. For general entertainment, the Spotlight tab curates short video clips, while the Discover area streams news and original shows.
Personal media stays organized in your Memories archive, allowing you to back up photos or edit old clips into new stories. Every shared connection builds a private Friendship Profile that tracks saved media, astrological compatibility, and shared interests.
It is not designed for permanent public photo galleries or text-only discussions. It also demands extensive device access, including full camera, microphone, contact, and precise location permissions. Crucially, self-deleting media does not guarantee total privacy, as recipients can still capture photos with screenshots or external cameras.
- Camera firstThe app opens straight to the camera view for taking quick photos or recording video clips.
- Group video callsHost group video chats with up to 16 friends using interactive lenses and face filters.
- Ghost Mode locationShare your live GPS position with select contacts on Snap Map or hide entirely using Ghost Mode.
- Memories storageSave photos and videos to your private account storage to edit, view, or resend later.
Permissions
- Identity
- find accounts on the device
- Identity
- read your own contact card
- Contacts
- find accounts on the device
- Contacts
- read your contacts
- Contacts
- modify your contacts
- Location
- precise location (GPS and network-based)
- Phone
- read phone status and identity
- Photos/Media/Files
- read the contents of your USB storage
- Photos/Media/Files
- modify or delete the contents of your USB storage
- Storage
- read the contents of your USB storage
- Storage
- modify or delete the contents of your USB storage
- Camera
- take pictures and videos
- Microphone
- record audio
- Wi-Fi connection information
- view Wi-Fi connections
- Device ID & call information
- read phone status and identity
- Other
- view network connections
- Other
- create accounts and set passwords
- Other
- pair with Bluetooth devices
- Other
- access Bluetooth settings
- Other
- change network connectivity
- Other
- connect and disconnect from Wi-Fi
- Other
- control flashlight
- Other
- full network access
- Other
- change your audio settings
- Other
- read sync settings
- Other
- run at startup
- Other
- control vibration
- Other
- prevent device from sleeping
- Other
- toggle sync on and off
What's new
Just a little tune-up to keep everything running smoothly! 👻
Common questions
Are Snapchat messages completely private?
No. While messages are designed to disappear, recipients can easily capture your photos or videos by taking a screenshot or recording the screen with another device.
How do I hide my location on Snap Map?
You can turn on Ghost Mode within the app to go off the grid and stop sharing your live location with friends.
How many people can join a Snapchat video chat?
Snapchat supports group video calls with up to 16 friends at the same time, complete with active filters and lenses.
Can I save my snaps before sending them?
Yes. You can save your photos and videos to the built-in Memories section or export them directly to your phone's camera roll.
Get Snapchat
Send quick photos and video clips to friends with custom lenses and filters
Alternatives
