You would think that there’s not much to master in Snapchat, but the truth is that this popular app has a lot of secrets and goodies that, once you know about, will take your snaps to the next level.
And in today’s article, we’re going to talk exactly about that: the top 10 Snapchat secrets and tips you need to know to become a Snapchat expert and impress your char partners.
The truth is that there are so many tips and tricks for Snapchat that one could write a book about it (and I am pretty sure that somebody did that already!) There are things that many people know, as well as things that few do. We’re not sure in which category you are, but we do hope that you will manage to learn some cool new things about Snapchat in today’s article.
So, without further ado, let’s check out below the top 10 Snapchat tips and secrets for becoming a better snapper!
1. Adding more than one filter on your Snaps
This is one of those tips that many people know about, but those who don’t can’t really find out how to do it by themselves. Fortunately, adding more than one filter and layer them on your Snapchat snaps is really easy. Here is what you have to do:
After taking a photo, swipe left and find the first filter you want to apply to your snap. A colored tint is usually the first thing you want to do, so do it.
After applying your first filter, tap the screen and hold, then swipe left again. This will allow you to select a new filter, but the first filter you have used will be saved on your photo. Do it again to add a third layer and create truly awesome snaps.
Remember, though, that you can’t use two of the same filters – so if you have already used a geofilter for example, you can’t add a new one. The same goes for the color filters – just one per snap, but you can layer other filters over and you know how thanks to our guide.
2. Better control of your videos
There are some quick tips that can really change your Snapchat videos and make them a lot more interesting. For example, you can zoom in while taking a video by swiping up on the screen.
Also, if you want to add more effect to your video, you can switch between shooting with the rear facing camera to the front facing one (the selfie cam) by simply double tapping the screen.
3. Get Snapchat Stories to autoplay again
For a while now, the Snapchat Stories no longer play automatically from one person to another by default.
If you liked it better that way, though, it’s easy to get them back to autoplay: simply tap the triangle button at the bottom right of the screen, then tick all the stories you want to have autoplayed.
4. Change the best friend icons
There are all sorts of emojis that you can have for various types of friends in Snapchat, depending on your relationship with them. But did you know that you can actually change the emojis for each category?
In order to do so, simply go to your Friend Emoji in settings, then tap manage. Select the emoji that you want displayed – but have in mind that it will only change on your Snapchat, not on your friend’s as well unless they manually do the same thing.
5. Apply lenses after taking photos
We all know that we can apply those amazing lenses when taking photos, but did you know that some of them can be applied after taking one?
In order to do so, simply take a selfie than tap the smiley face icon in the icons menu to the right of your photo.
A list of lenses will appear and you can use any of them after taking the photo. But remember that you need your entire face to be clearly visible in order for this option to appear.
And make sure to read this article to the end to find out more about unlocking secret filters and lenses to get even more out of this feature.
6. Send money through Snapchat
It is true that this can lead to some shadier practices, but we’re not here to judge. The thing is that you can send money through Snapchat, although this feature is, at the moment of writing this article, only available in the US.
In order to do so, you must be 18 years of age. Then, tap your profile icon, then the gear icon in the upper right corner. This will open the Settings menu – just scroll down until you find Snapcash, the money sending service of Snapchat.
A new account will have to be created with Snapchat’s partner Square, and you will need a credit or debit card in order to send money.
But after creating your account, you will only have to tap the send button and you’ll be able to send some funds to any of your contacts (as long as they are in a country where Snapcash is enabled and they have set up their account).
7. Check out your Snapchat story views & insights
I am sure you are extremely curious to find out how many times were your Stories viewed and see other interesting data about them. You can now do so thanks to the Snapchat Insights feature.
In order to access it, tap the bitmoji in the upper side of the screen, then scroll down to the Insights tab. After tapping it, you will get a lot of details about your stories, including the number of views, at what time of the day were they seen and more.
8. Control the speed of your videos
A great new feature for video makers is that you can now change the speed of your videos: you can make them go in fast forward, slow motion or even rewind them.
It’s really easy to use these new filters: simply record your video, then swipe left to see the filters. You can enable them based on the icons shown on the screen: the snail gets your video in slow motion, the rabbit sets it to fast forward and the arrows rewind it.
9. Save mobile data and battery easily
Even though Snapchat is extremely fun to use, it still drains a phone’s battery like there’s no tomorrow. However, there’s a quick trick that will help you prevent that, as well as help you save your mobile data in case you don’t have unlimited amounts of it.
In order to do this, you should turn Snapchat into Travel Mode. When doing this, snaps and stories won’t automatically be downloaded. However, you can still choose when to download them, so you’re in full control and you won’t miss anything important.
In order to do so, go to your Snapchat’s settings, then tap the “Additional Services” tab and tap “Manage”. then simply turn Travel Mode on and you’re all set!
10. How to add music to your videos?
This is extremely easy, actually: before you start recording a video, simply turn on your favorite music listening app (like Spotify) and turn your favorite music on. When you will record the video, the music will be recorded as well.
Bonus: Create and add your own filters
You can create your own filters and lenses if you feel very creative, and it’s relatively easy to do so. All you have to do is to go to your Profile, then Settings and tap Filters & Lenses. From the new options, choose either a filter or a lens and get creative!
We have also written in depth guides on other really important Snapchat features, with even more tips and tricks for you to learn:
– How to unlock secret or hidden filters & lenses
– How to take screenshots without the other person knowing
And this would be it in terms of tips and tricks and secrets for Snapchat users. Hopefully you’ve learned at least a few new things and you’ll put them to good use to take your snaps to the next level and delight your friends and audience.