Snapchat 101

What is Snapchat?

It’s the social app that’s currently seeing more than 350m photos shared every day. Snapchat started in September 2011 with no revenue.  To date it has received nearly $94m of funding, and recently turned down a $3b acquisition offer from Facebook who immediately saw the potential.

Snapchat is a Venice Beach, California based mobile app that allows users to send photos and text messages that disappear after 8 to 10 seconds. Co-founded by 23-year-old Evan Spiegel, more than 400 million videos are being sent on Snapchat daily.  Google reportedly attempted to buy out the new kid on the block of social networks, Snapchat, for a reported $4 billion, which was also turned down.  The free app allows users to send photos to other members and control how long the receiver can see them for. These photos last for up to 10 seconds, before they disappear…forever. If you try to take a screenshot, the app will notify the sender.

Snapchat is #12 on the free iOS photo app charts in the U.S. and just scored some mainstream media attention in The New York Times.

 

So, here’s a few things to know about Snapchat.

Snapchat is not intended for children under the age of 13. Minors ages 13-17 should have permission from a parent or legal guardian before using Snapchat.

Only for Teens?  No! Snapchat is not just for teens.  Snapchat users include parents, grandparents and adults of all ages.  Snapchat can be a fun and easy way for families to stay in touch.

Snapchat also provides delivery confirmation for every message sent, letting you know if your message has been delivered and when it has been opened.  So make sure you send the message to the right person!

 

Pressing Send? Take a second to think how your message will make the other person feel? Would you be upset, embarrassed or get in trouble if they show it to someone else? If you feel like you’re taking a risk or doing something that makes you even a little bit uncomfortable — stop what you’re doing and don’t send the message. Snapchat is supposed to be fun, if you’re not having fun or if you’re ruining someone else’s fun, you’re missing the point and you should re-think what you’re doing.

Check out this video of the five types of people on Snapchat…