Snachat users can now host video chat sessions with up to 16 other users simultaneously. As reported by Quartz, the social media app recently rolled out group video messaging. Like Facebook Messenger, it allows users to stream video of themselves to other users in a private session.
To use Snapchat’s new group video messaging feature, users must join an existing group session or start their own group session, the former of which is done by tapping the video icon within the app interface. Users can then select whom they wish to invite, and Snapchat will send those users a notification inviting them to join the session.
The group video messaging feature supports up to 16 users in a session. However, Snapchat allows up to 32 users for voice-only group messaging.
Group video messaging isn’t a new concept for social media networks. Facebook has offered a similar service for users of its Messenger app since last year. Of course, Snapchat offers unique features that aren’t found in Facebook Messenger or elsewhere. Its animated filters, for instance, have become a key reason for users sticking with Snapchat. And Snapchat’s new video messaging feature allows users to place these animated filters over their video feed.
In addition to group video messaging, Snapchat also launched a tagging feature known as Mentions. This allows users to tag their friends in Stories or snap content. When a user is tagged, Snapchat will notify him or her via a chat window. The user can then click a link in the chat window to access the content. Snapchat’s tagging feature follows in the footsteps of Twitter by using the @ symbol proceeded by the username of the person whom is being tagged. When a user wants to tag another user in a message, he or she must include the other person’s username preceded by the @ symbol.
Although group video messaging and tagging will likely improve Snapchat’s appeal as a social media messaging app, the platform has been criticized in recent months for its newly designed interface. When Snapchat redesigned its interface, many users complained that it was clunky, ugly and unresponsive. More than 1 million of these users have even signed a petition for Snapchat to revert back to its previous design.
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