Snapchat 2023: A Guide for Beginners to Succeed On Snapchat

Are you looking to grow your business using an audience of snap-loving millennial and Gen-Zers? The experts at the leading social media marketing agency in Singapore will help you find out how you can make use of Snapchat to your advantage and increase brand awareness, engagement, and even revenue. We’ve got you covered at every step of the process.

What exactly is Snapchat?

Snapchat is a photo-based social media platform that allows users can post short pictures and videos. Since its launch in 2011 and its Stories functionality in 2013, Snapchat has grown to become one of the most popular social media platforms around the globe. 

Just like Shakira’s song- Hips Don’t Lie (2005), the Snapchat statistics aren’t lying. In July 2021, Snapchat had 293 million active daily users–an increase of 23% over the previous year. Today, Snapchat allows you to create and share a live video, locate people on an engaging map, explore AR, augmented real-time (AR), and lots more. Pretty cool, huh?

The latest features are at the top of the list, making Snapchat an exceptional device for entrepreneurs and everyday users. It’s obvious that Snapchat is a solid participant at the table with the social media giants, even though its users have a demographic that is more skewed towards the Millennial Gen-Z and Gen-X generation.

Spread of Snapchat users around the world at the time of July 2021 according to gender and age

If your ideal customer is younger than 35, Snapchat could be the ideal platform for your company, especially when you are in the direct-to-consumer space. 

The majority of 60 percent of Snapchat users are more inclined to buy on impulse; this suggests that the platform could boost sales, generate greater revenue, and ultimately lead to a higher ROI (ROI).

Snapchat features and terms

Snapchat is packed with features that can help boost your users’ engagement and increase brand recognition. First, let’s look at an overview of some important Snapchat terms shared by best SMM agency in Singapore.

• Snap

All users can use the app from day one. Snap is a feature that has been available to all users since day one. Snap is a photograph or video you can share with any of your acquaintances via the app.

A video snap may be up to 60 seconds in length (known as the long Snap). As per Snapchat’s original function, Snapchat doesn’t hold onto the content of any video or image. Instead, the platform erases any content once the user has seen Snap.

• Stories

Stories are Snaps that you would want to share with all of your Snapchat friends. Stories are available for 24 hours prior to being deleted. If you’d prefer to preserve your Story, you can save them to your camera roll or store them in Memories.

• Custom Stories

Custom Stories lets you create Stories in collaboration with others from your list of friends.

• Snapstreak

Snapstreak (or Streak) is a Snapstreak (or Streak) that tracks the number of days in a row that you and your friends have shared Snaps. The flame emoji will appear in the middle of your friend’s name. It’s followed by numbers indicating the number of days you’ve managed to keep the Streak in motion.

• Filter

A Snapchat filter can be a fun method to spice up your Snaps by using an overlay or other extra effects. Filters can be altered based on holidays or special occasions and also the location or times of the day.

• Lenses

Lenses are the place where AR is used. Snapchat Lenses permit you to include 3D images, effects, or characters in your photos and videos. In contrast to filters, you can use lenses when you take the Snap.

• Geofilters

Similar to Filters, geofilters are specific to your current place of residence. For Geofilters to be enabled, it is necessary to switch on your location on Snapchat. It is also possible to create a custom geofilter costing as little as $5. This is great for promoting your brand or highlighting an event.

• Snapcode

Snapcodes, also known as QR codes, are distinctive codes that you can scan to add friends or gain access to the features or content available on Snapchat. Every user is assigned Snapcodes. Snapcode, and you are able to develop additional Snapcodes which link to any web page.

• Chat

Chat is Snapchat’s version of instant messenger that can be used for private and group chats. Chat messages disappear when they’re opened.

• Memories

Memories are snaps and Stories which can be saved for viewing in the future instead of allowing them to vanish. Imagine Snapchat Memories as your own private photo album you can browse at any time.

• Friends

Friends are people you’ve added to Snapchat (or that have added to your list!) You can share Snapchat’s, Stories, and other content on your list of friends.

• Discover

Discover is a Snapchat screen where brands can share Stories with the app’s huge user base. It is ideal for publishers, businesses and content creators seeking to increase engagement and create brand recognition.

• Snap Map

Snap Map will show your whereabouts and those of your entire group of friends. Snap Map users can see the Snaps uploaded on Snap Map. Snap Map from around the globe. If you aren’t keen on sharing the location of your home, then you could choose to put yourself into Ghost Mode.

• Context Cards

Context Cards utilize data from Snapchat’s partners to give additional information on locations featured in the Snap or Story. They also allow you to make decisions such as making reservations for a ride or tables for dinner. Context Cards are accessible by tapping them on the Snap or Story.

• Bitmoji

Bitmoji is a cartoon character that is a representation of your personality. It is completely customizable within the Snapchat application. Bitmoji lets you personalize your profile and your account.

• Cameo

It is not to be confused with a famous messaging app that has the same name. Snapchat Cameos are animated gifs that can be customized with your own face and sent to your friends.

• Spotlight

Snapchat’s Spotlight feature allows users to broadcast video content to an open audience. Like TikTok and Instagram Reels, Spotlight allows users to upload 60-second video clips on the Snapchat app’s Spotlight section. Imagine Spotlight as a platform to showcase your most popular content with the hope that it becomes viral.

• Snapcash

Powered by Square, Snapcash is a simple, cost-free and simple way to transfer money to your friends through Snapchat. Snapchat application.

 

How do you create a Snapchat Business Account?

In order to run any marketing campaign to run any marketing campaigns on Snapchat, it is necessary to create an account for a Snapchat corporate account. The process is quick, and we’re here to assist you through every step.

1. Download Snapchat for free. Snapchat app.

2. Visit the App Store (for Apple iOS) or the Google Play Store (for Android) and download the app onto your device.

3. Create a consistent Snapchat account

4. Before you can set up a Business account, you must follow these steps to set up an account for a regular user:

5. Launch Snapchat. Open the Snapchat app and then tap Sign up. After that, enter your name and initials and then tap Sign Up & Accept.

6. Enter your birthday, then continue by tapping Continue.

7. Create an account with a name that represents your business. Snapchat will suggest usernames if the one that you pick isn’t in use. We suggest you choose the one you don’t regret later. The only method of changing your account’s username is to sign up for an account. Tap Continue.

8. Make your password and click Continue.

9. Fill in your email, then click Continue.

10. Enter your number and click Continue. Snapchat will send an authentication code to your mobile. When asked, enter this code, and Snapchat will confirm your account.

11. Create an account for business

After you’ve created your personal Snapchat profile, you’re able to create a business Account. To register, take these steps:

1. Visit your Snapchat ads landing page from your smartphone or laptop.

2. Select create an account, and you’ll be taken to the next screen.

3. If you’ve already set up an account, you can tap login in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. Enter your username, password and email for the account that you just made.

4. Enter your company’s names, your email addresses as well as your name. Click Next.

5. Incorporate the primary location where you do business.

Now, you’re ready to use Snapchat to promote your business!

How do you navigate Snapchat?

If you’re comfortable with other social media platforms and apps, using Snapchat should be easy for you. The experts at the leading SMM company in Singapore suggests if you’re still not sure you’re not sure, we’ve broken each screen, outlined how you can access them, outlined their function, and put them on the proper track to learn how to use Snapchat to the fullest extent.

1. Camera screen

Imagine this screen of your camera as your personal screen. There, you can snap Snaps and send Snaps and browse to different areas of the application:

• Swipe left to reveal your Chat Screen.
• Tap right to reveal your Stories Screen.
• Click to open your Memories Screen.
• Scroll down to reveal your Search Screen.
• The right-left Camera Screen is a toolbar. 
• This is where you can manage the settings of your camera, such as flash, toggle between front and back-facing cameras, as well as set a self-timer. Alter the focus settings and even add a grid to your camera’s screen for better-quality photography.2. Chat screen

2. Chat screen

This Snapchat Chat Screen can be the place to discover “everything related to you and your friends.” You can talk to your friends, see Snaps that they’ve sent to you, edit your friends’ lists, and even make calls via audio or video.

 

How to use Snapchat’s chat feature

Snapchat’s Chat feature lets you chat with your friends one-on-one or chat in a group with multiple individuals. Individual chat messages are deleted automatically after you have both left the conversation. Chat messages in groups are deleted within 24 hours.

If you don’t wish for a message to go away, hold and press it to save it. Be aware that anyone else who is in the chat room will notice the fact that you’ve saved it because it’s the reason the text will change to grey.

How do you chat with a friend?

To begin a conversation with your friend, you can click their username on your Chat Screen or tap the blue icon in the lower right corner. Select the person you’d like to chat with.

How to begin a group chat?

To chat with multiple people chat with multiple friends, tap the blue icon at the lower right corner. Before tapping Chat, select the people you’d like to include to join your group chat.

How do you add friends to Snapchat?

Snapchat and Snapchat, without friends, like going to a gathering but being the sole one in the room. It’s dull! For the best experience on Snapchat, joining a new group of acquaintances is necessary. 

You can add friends whom you’ve met through your contacts; however, Snapchat becomes a lot more interesting when you expand your circle to a greater extent. Here’s how:

• Add by Snapcode

To add a friend via Snapcode, Simply open Snapchat, then make sure to point the Snapchat camera at another user’s Snapcode and then tap Add Friend.

• Add by Name

On Snapchat, you can search for and join friends with their real names or username. Use the magnifying glass on the left-hand side of the Chat Screen and then type in the name you’re trying to find. If they’re on Snapchat (and have an account that is public), you could add them to your list as an acquaintance.

• Quick Add

Snap’s Quick Add feature is similar to other suggested contacts on social media sites. The feature suggests contacts you could be interested in connecting with based on your shared contacts and the contacts on your phone.

To access use the Quick Add feature, open the Chat Screen to access the Chat Screen. A user list will show in the lower half. Click on the button +Add next to the person you wish to add as a friend.

There may not be names within Quick Add until you have begun to establish the Snapchat network.

 

How do you accept a friend’s request on Snapchat?

If a user sends an invitation to be a friend via Snapchat, you must accept it before being connected. To accept a friend request

1. Open Snapchat and tap the Profile circle on the screen’s left side.

2. Tap added me.

3. Click the + icon next to your friend’s username to agree to their friend request.

• Screen of Profile

In the upper-right corner of the camera screen, you’ll find an icon that displays Your Bitmoji (if you’ve already set one up). You can tap this to open your account screen.

There’s a selection of your Snapchat details at the bottom of this screen. e.g. the information about your account, Bitmoji, location on the Map, story management, and many more.

• Screens for Stories

Click right to access right-click to access the Stories screen. There, you’ll find Your Stories, buddies stories, and stories from creative and brands within the Explore section.

To go through Stories, Simply tap on the screen, then the application will go onto the next Snap in the Story. If the Story is over, Snapchat will automatically move to Next Story. Easy!

Do you need a little more help? We’ve explained exactly how to make Snapchat Stories. Snapchat Story is a bit further in this post.

• Screen for Memories

Who doesn’t enjoy looking at old photos of fond memories? The good news is that this handy Snapchat feature lets you swipe upwards on the camera’s screen to look back at Snaps and Stories that you’ve taken from years past.

You can toggle between your Snaps stories, Snaps, Camera Roll and private Snaps in the main menu located at the top of the screen.

 

How do I utilize Snapchat Memories?

Snapchat Memories allows you to save Snaps and Stories to view them in the future or even share them later. The ability to Save every Snap into Memories simply by clicking on the save button. You can also decide to save the entire collection of Snaps to Memories automatically.

Launch the Snapchat app, swipe up to the circle just below the capture button to open your Memories.

1. Map screen

Perhaps the most exciting feature of Snapchat can be found in Snapchat’s Snap Map. On the Snap Map screen, you will find some possibilities to do:

2. My Bitmoji

Bitmoji is about showing off your character. In the Snap Map, you can alter your Bitmoji to reflect your mood. For instance, if you’re at a dance club and want to get dancing, change the Bitmoji into one that’s strutting the moves! 

If you’re working at your local coffee shop, you can update the appearance of your Bitmoji to reflect that you’re drinking a cup of coffee.

3. Places

Check out what’s happening around you by pressing the Places icon at the bottom of the map screen. The Map will be displayed and will show you the most popular places in the vicinity of your home. 

Click on any location to get information, including opening times, frequent times, and contact details. You can also send location recommendations to your friends on your list.

4. Friends

Click on the Friends icons on your Snap Map to find your friends. You can also look up locations they’ve been to as well as interact with Snaps from different locations around the globe!

5. Search screen

Click and drag the camera’s screen or press the magnifying glass in the upper left corner to get to the Search screen. This is where you can search Snapchat, play games, quickly join friends and see the current trends on Snapchat.

6. Screen for Spotlight

You can access the Spotlight Screen by tapping the triangle icon on the Camera screen’s lower menu. This screen is where to search for and interact with short and viral videos from across the internet.

• Click on the heart to mark as a favorite video Spotlight video
• Use the arrow key to forward the Spotlight video to an individual friend
• Tap the three dots to join the creator’s content or to make a report about inappropriate content

 

How do you create a Snap?

Sure, watching Snaps is enjoyable; however, you’ll be required to make Snaps that are your own. When you start the Snapchat application, it will take you directly to the camera’s screen, and you’re ready to begin Snapping. Download now and learn about the steps shared by social media marketing company in Singapore.

1. Make a video or photo.

To capture a picture to take a picture, press the round button that is located at the bottom of your screen.

Press the capture button to capture a video, and an orange marker will pop up to show that the application is recording. It is possible to record 10-seconds of the video within one Snap. If you continue to hold the button, it will record several Snaps that can last up to 60 seconds.

To take a selfie, turn the camera onto your screen by pressing on the square-shaped arrow icons at the upper right corner or double-tap anywhere in the display. If you aren’t satisfied with the image or video you’ve taken, tap the X in the upper left corner to remove it and take a second shot.

2. Be imaginative

You’re ready to unleash your creativity when you’ve completed your Snap! You can customize your Snap by using innovative techniques and filtering. 

3. Creative Tools

The following creative tools are displayed on the right side of your screen:

• Caption (T icon) Text: Add text including bold, italics or underlined styles. You can also make use of # to name people on your Snaps.
• Draw (pencil icon) The drawing tool on Snapchat. You can alter the size and colour of your brush. You can also use the heart symbol to draw using Emojis.
• Stickers (a square icon that looks like an adhesive note) You can add stickers to Snapchat’s library. Snapchat library.
• Scissors (scissors icon) The Scissors icon allows you to choose the majority of a Snap to transform it into a sticker that can stick on any currently-in-use Snap or save to use in the future.
• Music (music note icon) Tap Music to bring the most popular songs on your Snap. You can browse playlists, search for a particular artist or song, or modify the music clipping you’d like to add to your Snap.
• Link (paperclip icon) Link (paperclip icon): Tap this icon to input the URL of any page. You can slide upwards when your friend sees your Snap to locate the website.
• (two right angles icon): Tap to crop. (two left angles icons) Tap to zoom in and from your Snap.
• Timers (stopwatch icon) Select the length of time during which your Snap can be viewed, up to 10 seconds. Choose the infinity symbol, which lets your friends see the Snap for all time they’d like.

You can also apply filters and lenses. The section after this has further details on this.

4. Send us your Snap

When you’re sure that your Snap is complete, Click on the green Send To arrow icon on the right-hand side of the display. Choose the contacts you’d like to forward your Snap to by selecting the boxes that are next to their names. You can also include the Snap in your Story as well as your Snap Map.

After your Snap and the app have received it, it will take you directly to your Chat Screen.

For multiple Snaps, Repeat the steps above. Your recipient will be able to receive all of your Snaps within the time you have sent them.

How can I see a Snap?

You’ve learned how to make and send Snapchat. Snapchat. But did you realize how to look through Snaps? It’s easy:

1. Click right on the camera’s screen to reveal the chat screen.

2. If your friends have sent you Snaps, you’ll see an icon beside their username. Depending on the type of message, the icon may differ in colour:

• Blue: A Chat message that has no Snap attached
• Red: A Snap or multiple Snaps will play in a sequence with no audio
• Purple Snaps: A Snap or multiple Snaps will play in sequence, with audio (Pro tip When you’re watching Snaps while in public areas, switch your volume down on your media and watch them in quiet–or sit and watch the videos later.)

3. Click on the message to open the message. If you’ve received multiple Snaps by the same person, You’ll see them in order. The outer circle of the timer tells the amount of time remaining on the current Snap. Tap once to skip the next message, or swipe to close the Snap.

4. Play back the Snap. Press and hold your friend’s name, then press the Snap to replay it. Do not leave the Friends screen, or you’ll be unable to play back the Snap.

5. Make a screenshot (if you’re brave enough). You can take a picture of Snaps that you receive from people (the same way you normally do on the phone). In this case, Snapchat will notify the person who sent you the Snap that you have taken the screenshot.

How do you make Snapchat Stories?

The Snapchat Story is a collection of Snaps taken within the last 24 hours. By default, your Story is accessible to your entire circle of friends. They can see the Snaps within your Story however many times they would like. You can restrict who is able to view your Story by altering your privacy preferences.

 

How do you edit and create your Story?

• Create Snaps for your Story

Follow the steps we’ve provided previously on creating Snaps. Follow the steps we’ve provided above to create a Snap, and then click the Story button on the bottom left corner of the screen. Then press Add to add the Snap, after which the Snap will be added to your Story.

• Take a Snap out of your Story

From the camera’s screen from the camera screen, tap the circle icon at the top left corner of the screen (you will be able to see the most recent Snap in there). Next, tap My Story. Click any Snap to open it up, press the triangle on the upper right corner, and tap Delete Snap.

• Save your Story

Keep in mind that your Story is a continuous archive of the last 24 hours. If you’d prefer to hold the Story longer than 24 hours, you may save it. 

Click the profile icon in the upper left corner from the camera’s screen. And then press the download icon next to My Story to save your current Story to Memories or to your camera roll.

• Find out who’s seen your Story.

Click the eye icon on any Snap within a Story to determine who has been viewing it. (Pro tip: You’ll only see the number of people who watched your Story during the time it’s active. When it’s gone, it will no longer have any tracker of views.)

 

How do you view someone’s Story?

On the camera’s screen, tap the Stories icon in the lower right-hand corner. There will be a list of contacts that have changed their stories. To see the Story click on the username of your friend.

When you’ve viewed the Story, You can tap to move on to the next Snap Tap on the left-hand right side to return to your previous Snap and swipe left to jump towards the subsequent Story or swipe left for a return to your previous Story, then swipe to end the Story or swipe upwards to start Chat or a Chat with a friend.

How to make a Custom Story

You can share a Story with friends. Custom Stories can have more than 1,000 snaps and last until someone takes an additional Snap every day for 24 hours.

1. From the camera’s screen, click the Profile icon located in the upper left corner.

2. The Tap and New Story button is at the upper right.

3. Select to make a Custom Story.

 

How do you make use of Snapchat Lenses?

Are you looking to let your Snaps sparkle? Use the Snapchat Lens. They’re a hugely popular format that can make your content make an impact. As of July 20, 2021, there are more than two million lenses to choose from; therefore, you’ll surely discover one that fits your company’s style.

Lenses are a unique AR effect that is placed directly on the images captured in the Snap. In contrast to the filters and creative tools that you can apply when you take the Snap, and before you snap, you can add Snapchat lenses prior to tapping the button to capture. Here’s how:

1. You can point the camera toward your face of your (with your self-portrait camera) or your friend’s face (with the camera that faces forward). You can add multiple people to your Snap when you decide to.

2. Click on any of the characters displayed on the screen. Lenses will appear on the bottom.

3. Explore the lenses that are available to view the effects.

4. Certain lenses come with prompts such as “open the mouth” or “raise your eyebrows.” If you comply with the instruction, then your Snap will assume the new look.

5. When you have found the lens that you like, click the capture button and take pictures or press the capture button for videos.

 

How do I use Snapchat filters?

To gain access to Snapchat filters to access Snapchat filters, swipe left or left or Snap. The filters you can choose include the effects of colour, holiday graphics geofilters, timestamps, and other filters based on your location. You can also use the stack icon that is located under the other artistic tools to apply several layers of filters to your Snap.

 

How do you utilize Snapchat with your PC

Snapchat is designed for iOS and Android devices, meaning it’s not designed to run on a PC and Mac. There’s, for instance, no website application Snapchat with login options to access Snaps and Stories using your desktop, unlike Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok. If you’re still insistent about learning to make use of Snapchat online, there’s an option.

 

How do I make use of Snapchat on a PC

It’s not easy, but you are likely to be able to get Snapchat working on your computer. Here’s how:

1. Start an entirely new tab in your web browser.

2. Go to visit the Bluestacks website. Download the Bluestacks Android emulator (a .exe file), and install it on your computer.

3. Once you have installed it, open Bluestacks, double-click the Google Play Store icon, and sign in using your login details.

4. Find Snapchat. It is the first result that appears within the drop-down menu.

5. On the Snapchat app’s landing page, click the Install button.

6. After Snapchat is installed, you can click Open to open the app on Bluestacks.

Are you experiencing difficulties experiencing issues using Snapchat on your computer? You may get an error message telling you that something went wrong. 

It’s not a problem that you have a Google Play account; Snapchat is currently restricting emulators that use its app, which means you might need to take a risk and make use of a smartphone to access your Snaps.

How do you utilize Snapchat on Mac?

Are you interested in using Snapchat using your Apple Mac? You won’t be able to find Snapchat on the Mac App Store and will be required to do the same procedure to access Snapchat to use Snapchat on your Mac.

1. Start another tab in your web browser.

2. Go to their Bluestacks site, and install their Android emulator (a .dmg file).

3. Start the .dmg file and then go through the installation procedure.

4. Click Open, and then Install Now.

5. Once you have installed it, start Bluestacks, double-click the Google Play Store icon, and then sign in using your login details.

6. Find Snapchat. It will be the first search result that you see within the drop-down menu.

7. On the Snapchat app’s landing page, select the Install button.

8. When Snapchat is installed, Click Open to launch the app within Bluestacks.

If your Mac cannot start Bluestacks, then go to Settings > Security & Privacy Settings > General and allow apps. Be aware that every time you’re trying to utilize Snapchat using your Mac, you’ll have to launch Bluestacks first.

Conclusion

That’s it! You’re now ready to begin using Snapchat and boost your business. Need more suggestions? Take a look at the previous article we wrote on 8 SEO Areas You Should Focus on To Boost Your Videos Visibility.