When Snapchat launched, everyone was more interested in posting photos and videos than using the app’s instant messaging (IM) feature. Many users even thought there was no instant messaging option on Snapchat because of how clunky the app was and how unintuitive it was to find the instant messaging chat.
Nowadays, Snapchat has a great interface that allows users to quickly send text messages in different ways. Whether you want to browse your contact list or look at your message history and reply from there, instant messaging is always two or three simple steps from the Snapchat home screen.
If you are still new to using the app, the following paragraphs will guide you through the process of sending text messages, saving them, and marking them for deletion. You’ll also learn how to add text overlays, if that’s something you’re interested in doing.
Snapchat Messaging Features
- Go to your message inbox (tap the square icon below the shutter button)
- Select one of your contacts
- Write your message and tap Send
You can also send a message from your contact list. The message inbox feature will not allow you to send messages to people you have not previously contacted.
Another alternative is to send a direct message from a Snapchat Story. Please note that the message will disappear after the recipient reads it.
- Swipe left to see Stories
- Play a story
- Look for the Chat box at the bottom of the page. tap on it
- Send a text message and tap Send
Another useful thing you can do is save the message. If you long press the message, a notification will appear after a few seconds. When you see the word Saved appear on the screen, it means the message has been saved to your Snapchat Memories.
You can also cancel saving a message by tapping it once. As soon as it disappears from bold, you will know that it is no longer saved and will disappear when you close the chat screen.
Add text to a plugin
- Take a photo
- Press and hold the T icon (upper right corner)
- Write text
- Tap the T icon again if you want to change the appearance of the text.
- Tap Done
This feature allows you to add a text overlay to a photo or video you’ve uploaded to Snapchat. Please note that there is a limit of 80 characters, which includes punctuation marks and spaces.
Sending photos
Snapchat’s messaging feature works like any other instant messaging app. From the chat screen, you can send text and files like photos and videos. You can also browse your photo library and choose to send something from there.
What’s even better is that you can add filters, text overlays, and emojis on top of the photo before sending it. This allows you to personalize and personalize your media files.
Snapchat Privacy
While you may want to send a text message to a friend or stranger on Snapchat, keep in mind that message may not reach its destination. Users can set strict privacy settings, which include limiting the ways they can be contacted.
If someone has disabled chat on your end, you can still send them a message from the inbox or chat feature, but you won’t receive it. You will not be notified that that chat was blocked.
You’ll only be able to tell if someone has turned off texting on their profile if you try to send a text from a Story. If a Snapchat story doesn’t include a chat link at the bottom of the page, it means the user has disabled the feature. There is no way around this.
Why would you use text messages on Snapchat?
A photo can say a thousand words, but a thousand words will not replace a two-way conversation. Snapchat, like many other instant messaging apps, offers the option to make video calls. But no matter how good your connection is, this service is somewhat lacking.
So, if you want to convey something with more than just a picture or video, you may need to turn to instant messaging to get your message across. That’s why it’s important to know all the shortcuts you can take to send a text message. It remains the most effective means of communication in the application.
Just remember that some users prefer to keep conversations to a minimum and use Snapchat only for its original intended use. Don’t assume you can text anyone, even those on your contact list.
