How to Use Snapchat in 2025: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Snapchat is a popular social media platform widely used by Millennials and Gen-Z. It combines fun, creativity, and interactive features, making communication exciting. This guide will help you learn how to use Snapchat, covering its features, setup, and navigation.

also read: How to Half Swipe on Snapchat to Read Texts Without Letting Them Know!

What is Snapchat?

Snapchat is a platform designed for sharing photos and videos. Launched in 2011, it gained popularity for its disappearing messages feature. In 2013, it introduced Stories, which vanish after 24 hours.

The platform boasts over 293 million daily active users globally. It’s known for augmented reality (AR) tools, creative elements, and its ability to connect people in unique ways. Businesses and individuals use Snapchat to engage audiences and drive brand awareness.

Notably, 60% of Snapchat’s users are under 34, making it ideal for targeting younger demographics. The platform is also great for fostering impulse purchases and increasing ROI.

Snapchat Features & Terms Explained

To make the most of Snapchat, it’s essential to understand its key terms and features. Below is a breakdown:

• Snap: A photo or video sent to friends that disappears after viewing. Videos can last up to 60 seconds.
• Stories: A collection of Snaps visible to friends for 24 hours. These can be saved to Memories.
• Custom Stories: Collaborative Stories created with friends.
• Snapstreak: Tracks the consecutive days you exchange Snaps with a friend, marked by a flame emoji.
• Filters: Overlays or effects added to Snaps. Filters often change based on holidays, events, or the time of day.
• Lenses: Augmented reality effects that let you add 3D elements to your Snaps.
• Geofilters: Location-specific filters for promoting areas or events. Businesses can create custom Geofilters.
• Snapcode: A QR-style code used to add friends or access specific features.
• Chat: Snapchat’s instant messaging feature for one-on-one or group conversations. Chats disappear after being read unless saved.
• Memories: A feature for saving Snaps and Stories for future viewing.
• Discover: A space for creators and brands to share Stories and engage audiences.
• Snap Map: Displays your friends’ locations and public Snaps worldwide. Ghost Mode allows hiding your location.
• Bitmoji: A customizable avatar representing you on the platform.
• Spotlight: A section for sharing public, 60-second videos similar to TikTok.

How to Set Up Snapchat

Setting up Snapchat is quick and simple. Follow these steps:

1. Grab the Snapchat App

Visit the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Search for “Snapchat” and get the app for free.

2. Create a Snapchat Account

• Open the app and tap “Sign Up.”
• Enter your name and tap “Sign Up & Accept.”
• Input your birthday, then choose a username. Note: usernames cannot be changed later.
• Set a strong password and provide your email address and phone number.
• Verify your phone number using the code sent to you.

3. Register a Business Account (Optional)

If you plan to use Snapchat for business:

• Visit Snapchat Ads’ landing page.
• Log in using your credentials.
• Enter your business name, email, and primary location.

Navigating Snapchat

Snapchat consists of multiple screens, each serving unique purposes:

Camera Screen

• The camera screen is the home screen.
• Swipe left for Chat, right for Stories, up for Memories, and down for Search.
• Use the toolbar on the right to adjust camera settings.

Chat Screen

• Connect with friends via text, audio, or video calls.
• Chats disappear after being read unless saved. Group chat messages delete after 24 hours.

Stories Screen

• Swipe right to view Stories from friends and creators.
• Tap to move through a Story or let it play automatically.

Memories Screen

• Swipe up to view saved Snaps and Stories.
• Organize them into folders for better access later.

Snap Map

• Use Snap Map to locate friends and explore global Snaps.
• Update your Bitmoji to reflect activities like working or partying.

Spotlight Screen

• Swipe through Spotlight to discover trending short videos.

How to Use Snapchat Features

1. Add Friends

Snapchat is more enjoyable with friends. Add them in these ways:

• By Snapcode: Open the camera, scan a Snapcode, and tap “Add Friend.”
• By Username: Search for their username in the search bar.
• Quick Add: Add friends suggested by Snapchat based on your contacts.

2. Create and Send a Snap

• Open the app to access the camera screen.
• Tap the capture button for photos or hold it for videos.
• Add creative elements like text, stickers, or music.
• Tap the arrow icon to send your Snap to friends.

3. Use Stories

• Capture a Snap and select “My Story” to share with friends.
• Stories disappear after 24 hours but can be saved.

4. Apply Filters & Lenses

• Swipe left or right after taking a Snap to add filters.
• Tap the screen to activate AR lenses and explore effects.

5. Save Snaps to Memories

• Tap the save icon after capturing a Snap.
• Access Memories by swiping up on the camera screen.

Tips for Using Snapchat Effectively

1. Engage with Snapstreaks: Build Snapstreaks to stay connected with friends daily.
2. Use Geofilters and Bitmoji: Add location-based filters and customize Bitmoji for personal branding.
3. Explore Discover: Follow creators and brands for fresh content ideas.
4. Leverage Spotlight: Use this section to share creative videos and gain visibility.
5. Save Stories Strategically: Preserve important memories for later use.

Benefits of Using Snapchat

Snapchat is more than just a photo-sharing app; it offers a variety of benefits that make it a favorite among users and businesses alike.

For Personal Use

Fun and Interactive Communication: Snapchat’s AR lenses, filters, and Bitmojis make conversations visually engaging and unique. It allows users to express themselves creatively while sharing moments with friends.

Private Sharing: The disappearing nature of Snaps ensures that users can share photos and videos without worrying about long-term exposure.

Memory Storage: With the Memories feature, users can save their favorite moments without crowding their phone’s storage.

Real-Time Updates: Users can share real-time moments through Stories, making interactions feel immediate and authentic.

For Businesses

Reach Younger Audiences: With most Snapchat users under 34 years old, businesses can target a demographic highly engaged with visual content.

High Engagement Rates: Interactive features like AR lenses, filters, and polls drive engagement, making campaigns memorable.

Effective Brand Awareness: Sponsored content, Geofilters, and Stories help brands stand out and connect with potential customers.

Boost Impulse Purchases: Snapchat encourages immediate interaction, increasing chances of impulse buying through shoppable ads and direct links.

By offering both personal and professional advantages, Snapchat caters to a wide range of users, from casual socializers to marketers.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

When starting on Snapchat, many beginners make avoidable mistakes that can limit their experience.

Oversharing Personal Information

Some users may unintentionally share too much about themselves. It’s important to set privacy settings properly and be mindful of what is posted on Stories, especially if it’s accessible to all followers.

Ignoring Privacy Settings

Snapchat offers robust privacy controls, but beginners often overlook them. Failing to enable Ghost Mode or controlling who can view your Stories can expose personal details.

Neglecting Snapstreaks

Snapstreaks are a key feature that keeps users engaged. New users may forget to maintain Snapstreaks, losing out on fun interactions with friends.

Underutilizing Features

Beginners may not explore Snapchat’s full potential, like AR lenses, Geofilters, or Spotlight. These features can enhance creativity and engagement.

Sending Random Friend Requests

Some users send friend requests to strangers without considering potential risks. It’s better to connect with known individuals to ensure safe interactions.

By being mindful of these common mistakes, new users can make the most out of Snapchat while staying safe and engaged.

Privacy & Security Tips

Snapchat provides numerous privacy options to ensure user safety. By utilizing these features, you can protect your information and maintain control over your content.

Enable Ghost Mode

Snap Map allows others to see your location. Enabling Ghost Mode hides your location from everyone, giving you privacy.

Control Who Can Contact You

Go to Snapchat’s settings and customize who can send you Snaps, view your Stories, or contact you through Chat. Limit interactions to friends for better security.

Block or Report Unwanted Users

If someone behaves inappropriately, you can block or report them through the app. This ensures your experience remains positive and harassment-free.

Avoid Sharing Personal Details

Never share sensitive information like your address, phone number, or financial details through Snaps or Chat.

Save or Delete Content Carefully

While Snapchat automatically deletes Snaps after viewing, some users may screenshot them. Save content only if you’re comfortable with it being stored elsewhere.

By applying these tips, you can enjoy Snapchat’s creative features while staying safe.

Snapchat for Business

Snapchat isn’t just for socializing; it’s a powerful tool for businesses looking to engage younger audiences and drive sales.

Advertising Options

Snapchat offers multiple ad formats:

Snap Ads: Full-screen vertical video ads displayed between Stories or Spotlight content.

Sponsored Lenses and Filters: Brands can create interactive AR lenses or Geofilters to promote their products or events.

Story Ads: Found in the Discover section, these ads let businesses share longer, story-driven content.

Building Brand Awareness

With over 300 million daily users, Snapchat helps brands reach a massive audience. Businesses can use Stories and Discover to showcase their products and services creatively.

Engaging Customers

Interactive features like polls, quizzes, and AR effects drive customer engagement. These tools encourage users to interact with branded content, making campaigns more memorable.

Boosting ROI

Snapchat’s targeted advertising ensures businesses reach the right audience. Features like swipe-up links allow users to visit websites or shop directly, increasing sales.

Businesses that leverage Snapchat effectively can tap into a younger, tech-savvy audience while achieving measurable results.

Hidden Features or Tricks

Snapchat has several hidden features and tricks that can elevate your experience, making it more engaging and enjoyable.

Use Two Filters Simultaneously

Did you know you can apply two filters at once? After adding the first filter, hold the screen with one finger and swipe with another to add the second filter.

Unlock Secret Lenses

Snapchat frequently releases new AR lenses, but some are hidden. By scanning special Snapcodes or exploring the app, you can unlock these exclusive effects.

Create Custom Stickers

Turn any part of your Snap into a sticker. Use the scissors tool to outline the desired area, and Snapchat will save it for future use.

Use Shazam for Music Identification

Snapchat has built-in Shazam functionality. Just press and hold on the camera screen to identify songs playing around you.

Pin Conversations

If you frequently chat with certain friends, pin their conversations to the top of your Chat list. Long press on their name and select “Pin Conversation.”

These tricks make Snapchat even more versatile, allowing users to explore creative and practical features that enhance their experience.

As We Conclude

Snapchat offers a unique, interactive experience for connecting with friends or engaging audiences. Its features like Stories, Snapstreaks, and AR lenses make it stand out.

Whether you’re a casual user or a business owner, learning how to use Snapchat can unlock a world of creativity and fun. Start Snapping today to discover everything this exciting platform has to offer!