Oh Snap! Get the 411 on Snapchat

(Image via Mashable)

If you’re over the age of 30, you might not know what Snapchat is, and likely you’re not using it as a social media platform (at least not yet). For the Millennials and the younger generation, chances are they know about Snapchat and they’re using it regularly. Data from MW Partners, a strategic insights firm, shows the younger generations are using Snapchat even more than widely known platforms like Twitter and Pinterest. Snapchat is now the third most popular social media app, falling only slightly behind Instagram and Facebook.

What does that mean for us? Well, fellow 30+ peeps, it’s time for us to jump aboard the Snapchat train and learn the 411 (I hope that sounded as cool as I was trying to make it sound).

Read on to learn the in’s-and-out’s of Snapchat!

What exactly is Snapchat?

Let’s start at the beginning. Snapchat is an app that allows the user to create instant videos, messages, pictures, and other content that’s only accessible for a short period of time. Unlike posting on Facebook or Instagram, for example, messages sent via Snapchat self delete within seconds of the viewer seeing them. Users can also create “longer lasting” stories on their profiles that last up to 24 hours.

Snap Features

One of the features that makes Snapchat so user-friendly is the fact that it’s incredibly easy to use. Snapchat lets users easily add text, drawings, and emoticons directly to videos and images. No need for complicated layering in Photoshop or Illustrator. Once you create a "snap," you can easily write directly on the screen. You’re also able to set the life of the snap (i.e. how long it will appear on your recipient's screen), anywhere from 1-10 seconds.

(Image via CBC)

Unique Filters: A Selfie-Lover’s Heaven

One of the most popular features about Snapchat is it’s unique selfie filters. When taking a snap, you can reverse the camera to feature yourself in a selfie. By pressing down on your face, the app will automatically create a facial recognition. Then, simply swipe between the ever-changing (and quite entertaining!) filters to create a crazy new selfie; everything from turning yourself into a puppy with a long slurrrrrpppppppy tongue, to a police officer with sirens blazing, to a pop-art caricature. The filters change every few weeks. One of the best new filters is the face swap. This filter recognizes two faces and instantly swaps the faces on each person. It’s hilarious! Have no idea what we’re talking about? Check out the images below to show you how the Snapchat filters work:

(Image via PCA Advisor)

(Image via Tech Insider)

(Image via Bored Panda)

Who doesn’t want rainbow sparkles or demon teeth shooting out of their face?! Or face-swapping with a baby piglet? These are what dreams are made of! :) Have fun exploring Snapchat!

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