The Innovation of Snapchat

Since its creation in 2011 Snapchat has become one of the largest powerhouses in social media. Just about every single person I know with any type of smartphone has downloaded the app and is a frequent user. In the beginning, this social media platform only allowed one to one conversations via pictures. Since then, it has developed filters, the ability to edit photos, memories, stories, direct messaging, group messaging, and many more features fueling its success. Although with platforms like Instagram and Facebook who have since adopted almost all of those features why is it still so popular?

I believe one of the innovations of Snapchat lies within its lack of formality. While Instagram and many other platforms have slowly become more "professional" Snapchat has kept it casual. Where Instagram has created the ability to let people have business accounts, advertise, and self promote, Snapchat has not. This has lead people to care too much about what they post on Instagram. Snapchat on the other hand, still allows people to connect with their friends and post what they want without feeling too pressured to be so formal.

Another reason Snapchat may be so popular for people trying to communicate with their friends is because it is essentially another take on texting. Every feature iMessage (the iPhone texting platform) offers is also offered through Snapchat yet in a more user-friendly and interesting way.  Instead of just texting Snapchat gives you the option of texting or sending pictures. While Apple also offers the ability to send photos, Snapchats are not saved and disappear after being sent allowing for less clutter and more motivation to send them. Furthermore, Snapchat also offers features identical to the iPhone's Facetime, calling, and camera roll in a more favorable way. For instance, while a camera roll on an iPhone may be lost due to a broken phone Snapchat memories are linked to an account and safe forever. In conclusion, while Snapchat may not offer any features unique to just their platform, they have developed their features in a more enjoyable way leading to their great success.
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/history-of-snapchat