Understanding Snapchat as an adult can be difficult. Snapchat is defined as a “multimedia messaging app” that can be used to communicate through text or image-sharing. This app has taken the world by storm, capturing the time and attention of the younger generation.
More specifically, it was reported that approximately 190 million people use Snapchat as of the first quarter of 2019. 90% of them between the ages of 13 and 24 years old and 75% of them between the ages of 13-34 years old. The app has created a constant stream of use that keeps users coming back to the app multiple times a day for extended periods of time. It was reported that users 25 and older visited Snapchat approximately 12 times and spent approximately 20 minutes on Snapchat every day on average. More so, users younger than 25 visited Snapchat over 20 times and spent over 30 minutes on Snapchat every day on average. This, overall, is translated to over 3 billion snap sent and received daily.
Visual Description
At first glance, the first thing you see is the camera screen, where you can take pictures, search through your friends, and look at your own personal profile. Swiping to the left brings up the messaging board where you can see all of your past and present conversations. Swiping to the right is where you will find the Discover page. This page is filled with public stories from big-name television networks, magazines, and celebrities. Concurrently, you will also find stories from your own friends.
Comparisons
Snapchat has had resounding success in the realm of social media. This success gave a reason for Facebook and Instagram to follow the same concept with their versions of stories. Though the story aspects of the apps are similar, the overall function of the apps is different. Snapchat is seen as primarily messaging between people. This is contrary to Facebook’s purpose of creating posts for large, variable audiences. Similarly, It also differs from Instagram as Instagram follows Facebook’s pattern of giving users the ability to like, comment and share other people’s content.
Personal Reflections
As someone who frequently uses this app, I have found that it helps maintain the long-distance relationships that I have. More so, I consider Snapchat to be a fun way to communicate with my peers. I enjoy giving them a look into what I am doing while being involved in their lives as well. No matter what it does to my battery life or my parent’s phone bill.
Corporate Use
From a business standpoint, Snapchat can be an effective way to showcase different areas of your company and promote things more uniquely. Especially if your company is looking to market to the 13-24 year old demographic. People at this age would rather see what is going on in a company than just reading about it. A more effective strategy is to give consumers an inside look at what they have to gain by bringing you their business. Consumers find it more interesting when they can have a look into your daily grind.
Tips for Adults
When it comes to new mobile apps, I can say that I am very up to date with most of them that are out there. However, for the older generations, I understand that these apps may be hard to figure out at first. So, we at Scientifically Speaking would like to provide those who are trying to engage in this app some helpful things to know for understanding Snapchat as an adult.
Filters
Color
After you take a snap, the first thing you see when you swipe through the available filters are the color filters. These filters are an easy way to add a little color to that perfect picture. From heightened brightness to space blue, these filters help compliment your snap and make it more memorable to whoever you send it to.
Funny Faces
As your taking a snap, you can focus on yours or other people’s faces and give them filters. Face Filters are always a fun way to give your friends and yourself a laugh
Location
Location filters are those that come with the exact place that you are at the moment of taking the snap. This can range from the city, state, or specific building that you are in. These can be fun to use when you are at unique places or well-known chain businesses.
Time Limits
It is best to keep the time limit of your snaps to infinity, shown by the infinity sign on the side of the screen. This allows the receiver of the snap to take as much time as they desire to view it.
Stories
Sending a snap to your story makes that snap visible all of your friends. This is best for events or unique happenings that can occur at any time. However, there are unspoken rules about this part of the platform. As you will hear from younger users, it is frowned upon to send someone else the same snap that you send to your story. Try to make every snap unique for every story/person you send it to.
Discover
The Discover page is a collection of stories made by popular figures of entertainment, ranging from TV networks to various celebrities. At this page, you can view the latest news, read articles, and see into the lives of different public figures.
Scientifically Speaking, of course……….
