Snapchat, unlike many other social media apps, has only been on mobile since its launch more than a decade ago. However, since Monday, the popular messaging app is now available on the web. The goal of the launch of the web-based version is to give users the freedom to alternate between computers and phones. The web-based version will allow users to continue their conversations, and it has a surprising rival in Zoom.
Snapchat allows users to send disappearing messages and video calling is popular on the app with more than 100 million calls taking place each month. Each of these video calls have up to 15 participants per session, and it now hopes that the service will become easier since people can join in those calls using their desktops. Video calling services became popular during the pandemic, but Snapchat has some unique selling points over its competitors such as Zoom.
Snapchat allows you to initiate calls faster since you are already connected to your friends and can tell when they are online. The photo lenses on Snapchat can make users have freckles, dog ears, or other interesting features. These features will soon be available for use on video calls in the web version. Just like with the app, Snapchat on the web version opens directly on the camera, thus encouraging users to send their photos to friends. The sidebar on the app lists recent conversations with friends, thus one can easily click on them and initiate a chat.
Some features available on the mobile version such as Snap Map will not be available on the web version. According to the company, this feature that allows users to track friends through a Discover section will not be included at the start. Snapchat for the web does not permit screenshots on chats or snaps for the security, safety, and privacy of its users. The app has a privacy screen that hides the Snapchat window when you attempt to click away.
The launch of the Snapchat web version comes in the wake of the company being pummeled on Wall Street for posting a larger than anticipated loss. The worsening of the economy has led to its earnings tumbling down 70% since the beginning of this year. The web version might include Snapchat+ which is a new subscription option at $3.99 per month. The web-based version will be available in New Zealand and Australia at the start, while the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom users can Access Snapchat+.
Dil Bole Oberoi
