Durban - I was introduced to Snapchat in 2014 by my then partner. I had never heard of it until then and to be honest I did not think I would use it for a very long time. I mean what is the point of posting pictures and ten second videos that can only be viewed between one and ten seconds and in a 24 hour period. It all sounded like a waste of time to me. Fast forward to this year and I have got at least 20 friends to download the app and actively use it and I have even got some of my celebrity friends to use it. The way I see it, Snapchat owes me. Often when I have my phone in my hand and someone asks, “What are you doing?” the answer is usually always the same, “I am snapping”.
So what exactly is this Snapchat that has recently been on the tips of everyone’s lips? Well, it’s an image messaging application software product that was created by Even Spiegel, Bobby Murphy and Reggie Brown when they were still students at Stanford University.
The technicalities of Snapchat
The application is mainly used for creating multimedia messages which are referred to as “snaps”. Your snaps can consist of a photo or short video, and can be edited to include filters (which I think are much better than filters from other apps) and effects, text captions, and drawings.
A feature known as “Geofilters” was added in July 2014, which allows special graphical overlays to be available if the user is within a certain geographical location, such as a city, event (does not work well in South Africa), or destination. The “Selfie lens” feature, allows users to add real-time effects using face detection into their snaps. They are activated by long-pressing on a face within the viewfinder. This feature can be a little difficult to use because the face detection sometimes takes a while to detect so I never really use it.
What I really enjoy with this app is that only my friends can view my snaps. You see unlike other apps, Snapchat only allows people you accept as friends to view your snaps and vice versa. What’s also great is that if you fall out with a friend, you can remove them from Snapchat without them even knowing, I have done this to many annoying Snappers. You can also put a secondary time limit on your snaps; depending on your limit people can only view them from one to ten seconds within the 24 hour period.
I am sure you are asking yourself this very important question, “Can you actually chat on this app”, and the answer is yes. And what’s really great about the chat option is that it isn’t on record. So for example, once I read a message you have sent to me, it disappears.
Another feature that I enjoy is the “Discover” option. Basically, you can enjoy Grand Prix in the comfort of your own home because snap videos come in live as the action happens. Or you could discover Mexico or even Doha. Or you could catch up on the latest news on one of the channels of ad-supported short-form content from major publishers, like BuzzFeed, CNN, ESPN, Mashable, People, and Vice. These adverts are estimated to be seen 500 000 to 1 000 000 times a day, that’s apart from the users who are sending more than two billion photos and videos a day.
Celebs to follow
It’s not just the Kardashian/Jenners and DJ Khaled who are on Snapchat. Here are some famous folk worth following:
Tiwa Savage
The Nigerian superstar recently joined Snapchat and I started following her as soon as she did. What I enjoy about her snaps is that because she is a newbie she is still finding her feet and oftens says the most hilarious things. For example her very first snap video was of her trying to figure out how to use it, and all she could be seen doing was looking at the camera and saying “this isn’t working, its not working at all”. Tiwa is an amazing performer and will be going on tour soon so her snaps are sure to keep her followers updated.
Roxy Burger
The South African television presenter is always on Snapchat. Whether she is snapping videos of her cats or her daily routines, she always manages to add an element of comedy.
She recently travelled to France for Top Billing and gave us a glimpse into what it’s like travelling with a production team. No, she did not fly first class and her make-up was not done to perfection as many would think, she was chilling in economy just like the rest of us. She also has lots of fun with her celebrity friends so you do get exclusive content from her.
Ciara
Ciara is also a newbie but has taken to Snapchat like a pro. The singer is always playing around with her filter and posting videos of not only her jet setting life but also of the people in her life. She always gives credit to her manager and the people who get her ready for the red carpet. Together with fiancé Russell Wilson, trips to Disneyland and even the beachfront look like a party.
Sunday Tribune