Snapchat has been in existence for over 10 years as a mobile app but Snap has announced a web version for Snapchat that would allow users to access and use the social platform from the web.
Snapchat for Web allows users to send messages and snaps, as well as chat via video and regular calls. Snapchat for Web users can also use messaging features available on mobile, such as chat reactions. Snap intends to expand its Lenses feature to video calls in the future.
This will be available to Snapchat+ subscribers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. After the initial launch, the company plans to roll out Snapchat for Web to Snapchat+ subscribers in France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, before making it accessible to all users worldwide.
Snapchat for Web would be a replica of what the app is, meaning have the same features you can see on the mobile app. Messages sent via Snapchat for Web will be automatically deleted after 24 hours, just like the app experience on mobile. The company also claims that Snapchat for Web will prevent users from taking screenshots. Snap is aware that people can still take photos on their phone’s screen, noting that the product isn’t perfect.
Users can access Snapchat for Web by going to web.snapchat.com and logging in with their Snapchat username and password. By default, you’ll be prompted to complete a two-step verification on your phone. When you open Snapchat for Web, you can pick up where you left off on your mobile device. When you use Snapchat on a desktop, your Bitmoji will appear in chats with a laptop to let others know you’re using Snapchat for Web.
In a briefing with reporters, a Snap spokesperson stated that the average Snapchat caller spends more than 30 minutes per day on calls. Despite its continued focus on mobile, Snap says it decided it was time to bring Snapchat’s core features to the web after hearing from users.
“With so many in our community spending more time online, whether it is for remote learning or working, streaming or just plain browsing – we saw a huge opportunity to make it easier for our community to stay connected throughout their day, and we cannot wait to bring our favorite fundamental Snapchat capabilities to the web,” the company notes.
For now, Snap is focused on bringing the app’s core features to the web and will build out the experience from there. The company plans to bring the app’s other features, including viewing Stories and Memories, to its desktop experience in the future.
