Snapchat: Difference between revisions
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{{ | {{CompanyCargo | ||
|Founded=2011 | |||
| | |Industry=Social media service | ||
| | |Logo=Snapchat.svg | ||
| | |Type=Public | ||
|Website=https://snapchat.com/ | |||
|Description=Messaging app founded in 2011 that popularized streaks, disappearing messages, and images called "snaps". | |||
| Type = Public | |||
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}} | }} | ||
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====Privacy==== | ====Privacy==== | ||
Unopened "one-on-one" snaps are deleted from servers after 31 days of being sent.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/7012328490644-Can-I-request-a-copy-of-a-Snap|title=Can I request a copy of a Snap?|work=Snapchat Support|access-date=2025-04-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250421224300/https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/7012328490644-Can-I-request-a-copy-of-a-Snap|archive-date=2025-04-21|url-status=live}}</ref> | Messages or snaps between two users can be set to delete after 24 hours, 7 days, or never.<ref name="snapsupport">{{Cite web|url=https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/7012334940948-When-does-Snapchat-delete-Snaps-and-Chats|title=When does Snapchat delete Snaps and Chats?|work=Snapchat Support|access-date=2025-05-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250424222812/https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/7012334940948-When-does-Snapchat-delete-Snaps-and-Chats|archive-date=2025-04-24|url-status=live}}</ref> Unopened "one-on-one" snaps are deleted from servers after 31 days of being sent.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/7012328490644-Can-I-request-a-copy-of-a-Snap|title=Can I request a copy of a Snap?|work=Snapchat Support|access-date=2025-04-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250421224300/https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/7012328490644-Can-I-request-a-copy-of-a-Snap|archive-date=2025-04-21|url-status=live}}</ref> Images or videos posted as stories expire after 24 hours, but public "My Stories" can be kept on servers for up to 30 days to help "personalize your experience on Snapchat".<ref name="snapsupport" /> | ||
====Business model==== | ====Business model==== | ||
Snapchat makes most of their revenue from advertisements, with ads making up $1.37 billion of Q3 2024 revenue.<ref name="invest">{{Cite web|url=https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/061915/how-snapchat-makes-money.asp|title=How Snapchat Makes Money|first=Matthew|last=Johnston|date=2024-12-05|work=Investopedia|access-date=2025-05-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404093313/https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/061915/how-snapchat-makes-money.asp|archive-date=2025-04-04|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In 2022, Snapchat introduced a subscription service called "Snapchat+" for $4 a month or $40 a year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pocket-lint.com/snapchat-plus-price-features-subscription/|title=Is Snapchat+ worth it? What you need to know before subscribing|first1=Elyse|last1=Betters|first2=Jesse|last2=Lennox|date=2024-06-26|work=Pocket Lint|access-date=2025-04-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126100742/https://www.pocket-lint.com/snapchat-plus-price-features-subscription/|archive-date=2025-01-26|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2025, a "platinum" tier was introduced for $14.99 a month.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.subscriptioninsider.com/article-type/news/snapchat-introduces-ad-free-platinum-tier-will-subscribers-pay-the-price|title=Snapchat Introduces Ad-Free Platinum Tier—Will Subscribers Pay the Price?|first=Kathleen|last=Sexton|date=2025-02-03|work=Subscription Insider|access-date=2025-04-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407170731/https://www.subscriptioninsider.com/article-type/news/snapchat-introduces-ad-free-platinum-tier-will-subscribers-pay-the-price|archive-date=2025-04-07|url-status=live}}</ref> | In 2022, Snapchat introduced a subscription service called "Snapchat+" for $4 a month or $40 a year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pocket-lint.com/snapchat-plus-price-features-subscription/|title=Is Snapchat+ worth it? What you need to know before subscribing|first1=Elyse|last1=Betters|first2=Jesse|last2=Lennox|date=2024-06-26|work=Pocket Lint|access-date=2025-04-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126100742/https://www.pocket-lint.com/snapchat-plus-price-features-subscription/|archive-date=2025-01-26|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2025, a "platinum" tier was introduced for $14.99 a month.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.subscriptioninsider.com/article-type/news/snapchat-introduces-ad-free-platinum-tier-will-subscribers-pay-the-price|title=Snapchat Introduces Ad-Free Platinum Tier—Will Subscribers Pay the Price?|first=Kathleen|last=Sexton|date=2025-02-03|work=Subscription Insider|access-date=2025-04-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407170731/https://www.subscriptioninsider.com/article-type/news/snapchat-introduces-ad-free-platinum-tier-will-subscribers-pay-the-price|archive-date=2025-04-07|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
====Market control==== | ====Market control==== | ||
As of April 2024, Snapchat has roughly 800 million monthly users.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://whatsthebigdata.com/social-media-statistics/|title=Global Social Media Statistics 2024 by Age, Platform, Country|date=2024-05-17|work=What's the Big Data|access-date=2025-04-23|author=GilPress|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250131160909/https://whatsthebigdata.com/social-media-statistics/|archive-date=2025-01-31|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2025, Snapchat was reported on having an active user index of 27.7, being behind Messenger, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://datareportal.com/social-media-users|title=Global social media Statistics|work=DataReportal|access-date=2025-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250422052738/https://datareportal.com/social-media-users|archive-date=2025-04-22|url-status=live}}</ref> | As of April 2024, Snapchat has roughly 800 million monthly users.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://whatsthebigdata.com/social-media-statistics/|title=Global Social Media Statistics 2024 by Age, Platform, Country|date=2024-05-17|work=What's the Big Data|access-date=2025-04-23|author=GilPress|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250131160909/https://whatsthebigdata.com/social-media-statistics/|archive-date=2025-01-31|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2024, 60% of Snapchat's revenue came from North America and 18% from Europe.<ref name="invest" /> In March 2025, Snapchat was reported on having an active user index of 27.7, being behind Messenger, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://datareportal.com/social-media-users|title=Global social media Statistics|work=DataReportal|access-date=2025-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250422052738/https://datareportal.com/social-media-users|archive-date=2025-04-22|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
==Incidents== | ==Incidents== | ||
{{ | ===Data breach (''2014'')=== | ||
In January 2014, Snapchat experienced a data breach that exposed the usernames and partial phone numbers of 4.6 million users through an API exploit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.epic.org/2014/01/snapchat-data-breach-exposes-4.html|title=Snapchat Data Breach Exposes 4.6 Million Usernames|date=2014-01-02|work=Epic|access-date=2025-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212024420/https://archive.epic.org/2014/01/snapchat-data-breach-exposes-4.html|archive-date=2025-02-12|url-status=live}}</ref> A couple days after the breach, Snapchat updated the app to allow users to opt-out of linking phone numbers to their usernames through the "find friends" function of the app.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.databreachtoday.com/snapchat-updates-security-after-breach-a-6368|title=Snapchat Updates Security After Breach|first=Jeffery|last=Roman|date=2014-01-10|work=Data Breach Today|access-date=2025-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224192448/https://www.databreachtoday.com/snapchat-updates-security-after-breach-a-6368|archive-date=2024-02-24|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Data | |||
===Privacy concerns=== | ===Privacy concerns=== | ||
====Snapchat Maps==== | ====Snapchat Maps (''2017'')==== | ||
In June 2017, a new feature called "Maps" was released that showed users where their friends were while using the app.<ref name="GSC">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jun/23/snapchat-maps-privacy-safety-concerns|title=Snapchat's new map feature raises fears of stalking and bullying|first=Olivia|last=Solon|work=TheGuardian|date=2017-06-23|access-date=2025-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250214100959/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jun/23/snapchat-maps-privacy-safety-concerns|archive-date=2025-02-14|url-status=live}}</ref> This feature was from the acquisition of the company Zenly.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/06/21/snapchat-buys-zenly/|title=Snapchat acquires social map app Zenly for $250M to $350M|first=Josh|last=Constine|date=2017-06-21|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2025-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227173128/https://techcrunch.com/2017/06/21/snapchat-buys-zenly/|archive-date=2024-12-27|url-status=live}}</ref> Many feared the feature would be used in stalking and many child safety groups were wary, with one stating "we would encourage users not to share their location, especially with people they don’t know in person".<ref name="GSC" /> | In June 2017, a new feature called "Maps" was released that showed users where their friends were while using the app.<ref name="GSC">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jun/23/snapchat-maps-privacy-safety-concerns|title=Snapchat's new map feature raises fears of stalking and bullying|first=Olivia|last=Solon|work=TheGuardian|date=2017-06-23|access-date=2025-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250214100959/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jun/23/snapchat-maps-privacy-safety-concerns|archive-date=2025-02-14|url-status=live}}</ref> This feature was from the acquisition of the company Zenly.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/06/21/snapchat-buys-zenly/|title=Snapchat acquires social map app Zenly for $250M to $350M|first=Josh|last=Constine|date=2017-06-21|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2025-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227173128/https://techcrunch.com/2017/06/21/snapchat-buys-zenly/|archive-date=2024-12-27|url-status=live}}</ref> Many feared the feature would be used in stalking and many child safety groups were wary, with one stating "we would encourage users not to share their location, especially with people they don’t know in person".<ref name="GSC" /> | ||
As of February 2025, users can opt out of the maps feature by disabling location services in their device settings or through the app. This can be done temporarily through "ghost mode," where only Snapchat can see your location rather than your added friends. Users can also restrict what accounts can see their location. | As of February 2025, users can opt out of the maps feature by disabling location services in their device settings or through the app. This can be done temporarily through "ghost mode," where only Snapchat can see your location rather than your added friends. Users can also restrict what accounts can see their location. | ||
====My AI (''2023'')==== | |||
In February 2023, Snapchat released its ChatGPT-powered chatbot called "My Ai". The chatbot faced criticism from Snapchat users for the way it interacted with users, with some calling the feature "Creepy" and "Terrifying", with it sometimes being caught lying about its capabilities to the users.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Samantha |date=2023-04-27 |title=Snapchat’s new AI chatbot is already raising alarms among teens and parents |url=https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/04/27/tech/snapchat-my-ai-concerns-wellness|website=CNN.com|access-date=2025-09-06}}</ref> | |||
Snapchat users also complained about the My AI chatbot being pinned to the top of their chat feed and not being able to remove it unless they subscribed to Snapchat+ for $3.99 per month.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
==Products== | ==Products== | ||
* [[Bitmoji]] (2016<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/snapchat-just-introduced-a-feature-it-paid-more-than-100-million-for-2016-7|title=Snapchat just introduced a feature it paid more than $100 million for|first=Kif|last=Leswing|work=Business Insider|date=2016-07-19|access-date=2025-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119173743/https://www.businessinsider.com/snapchat-just-introduced-a-feature-it-paid-more-than-100-million-for-2016-7|archive-date=2024-01-19|url-status=live}}</ref>-): Custom user generated emoji avatars used in Snapchat and images. | *[[Bitmoji]] (2016<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/snapchat-just-introduced-a-feature-it-paid-more-than-100-million-for-2016-7|title=Snapchat just introduced a feature it paid more than $100 million for|first=Kif|last=Leswing|work=Business Insider|date=2016-07-19|access-date=2025-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119173743/https://www.businessinsider.com/snapchat-just-introduced-a-feature-it-paid-more-than-100-million-for-2016-7|archive-date=2024-01-19|url-status=live}}</ref>-): Custom user generated emoji avatars used in Snapchat and images. | ||
* [[Spectacles]] (2016-2024): Augmentive Reality (AR) glasses. | *[[Spectacles]] (2016-2024): Augmentive Reality (AR) glasses. | ||
** Spectacles (2016)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/28/why-snapchat-spectacles-failed/|title=Why Snapchat Spectacles failed|first=Josh|last=Constine|work=TechCrunch|date=2017-10-28|access-date=2025-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210140939/https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/28/why-snapchat-spectacles-failed/|archive-date=2025-02-10|url-status=live}}</ref> | **Spectacles (2016)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/28/why-snapchat-spectacles-failed/|title=Why Snapchat Spectacles failed|first=Josh|last=Constine|work=TechCrunch|date=2017-10-28|access-date=2025-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210140939/https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/28/why-snapchat-spectacles-failed/|archive-date=2025-02-10|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
** Spectacles (2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsroom.snap.com/introducing-the-next-generation-of-spectacles|title=SPS 2021: Introducing the Next Generation of Spectacles |date=2021-05-20|work=Snapchat Newsroom|access-date=2025-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250113192742/https://newsroom.snap.com/introducing-the-next-generation-of-spectacles|archive-date=2025-01-13|url-status=live}}</ref> | **Spectacles (2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsroom.snap.com/introducing-the-next-generation-of-spectacles|title=SPS 2021: Introducing the Next Generation of Spectacles |date=2021-05-20|work=Snapchat Newsroom|access-date=2025-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250113192742/https://newsroom.snap.com/introducing-the-next-generation-of-spectacles|archive-date=2025-01-13|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
** Spectacles (2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.roadtovr.com/snapchat-spectacles-24-ar-glasses-specs-price-release-date/|title=Snapchat Reveals Latest Spectacles AR Glasses with Attractive Pricing for Developers|first=Ben|last=Leng|date=2024-09-17|work=Road ToVR|access-date=2025-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250312005417/https://www.roadtovr.com/snapchat-spectacles-24-ar-glasses-specs-price-release-date/|archive-date=2025-03-12|url-status=live}}</ref> | **Spectacles (2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.roadtovr.com/snapchat-spectacles-24-ar-glasses-specs-price-release-date/|title=Snapchat Reveals Latest Spectacles AR Glasses with Attractive Pricing for Developers|first=Ben|last=Leng|date=2024-09-17|work=Road ToVR|access-date=2025-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250312005417/https://www.roadtovr.com/snapchat-spectacles-24-ar-glasses-specs-price-release-date/|archive-date=2025-03-12|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
* [[Pixy]] (2022<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/living-with-a-selfie-drone-life-with-snap-pixy/|title=Me and My Selfie Drone: Life With a Snap Pixy |first=Scott|last=Stein|work=CNET|date=2022-05-22|access-date=2025-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250308001130/https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/living-with-a-selfie-drone-life-with-snap-pixy/|archive-date=2025-03-08|url-status=live}}</ref>): In 2024, the device was recalled due to a faulty battery.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/1/24058119/snap-recall-pixy-drone-refund|title=Snap is recalling and refunding every drone it ever sold|first=Sean|last=Hollister|date=2024-02-01|work=TheVerge|access-date=2025-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322021723/https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/1/24058119/snap-recall-pixy-drone-refund|archive-date=2025-03-22|url-status=live}}</ref> | *[[Pixy]] (2022<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/living-with-a-selfie-drone-life-with-snap-pixy/|title=Me and My Selfie Drone: Life With a Snap Pixy |first=Scott|last=Stein|work=CNET|date=2022-05-22|access-date=2025-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250308001130/https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/living-with-a-selfie-drone-life-with-snap-pixy/|archive-date=2025-03-08|url-status=live}}</ref>): In 2024, the device was recalled due to a faulty battery.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/1/24058119/snap-recall-pixy-drone-refund|title=Snap is recalling and refunding every drone it ever sold|first=Sean|last=Hollister|date=2024-02-01|work=TheVerge|access-date=2025-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322021723/https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/1/24058119/snap-recall-pixy-drone-refund|archive-date=2025-03-22|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||