5 Smart Ways to Maximize Your Snapchat Experience
Snapchat can be overwhelming. One day you’re just sending basic selfies, the next you’re drowning in features you didn’t even know existed. But once you figure out how to use it properly, it’s actually pretty amazing.
I’ve been using Snapchat for years now, and I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll help you get way more out of the app. Whether you’re brand new or you’ve been snapping forever, these strategies will change how you think about the platform.
Get Creative (Seriously, Go Wild)
Snapchat’s creative tools are honestly its best feature. And I’m not just talking about those basic dog ear filters everyone used in 2016.
The Bitmoji thing is a game-changer. Your little avatar shows up everywhere and makes conversations way more fun. You can even create your own AR lenses using Lens Studio. It sounds complicated, but it’s not that hard once you get the hang of it.
Last year, my friend made a custom lens for her wedding. Guests could add her and her husband’s names, floating around their heads in the photos. Everyone loved it, and those snaps were everywhere.
The doodling feature is underrated, too. Sometimes a quick sketch says more than any filter could. Don’t worry about being artistic – stick figures work just fine.
Master Snap Maps (But Stay Safe)
When I’m at a concert or festival, Snap Maps is perfect for finding friends in the crowd. No more “Where are you?” texts that never get delivered because of bad cell service.
When using this, however, learn your privacy settings. You don’t need to broadcast your location to everyone all the time. I keep most people on limited sharing and only show my full location to close friends. Ghost Mode is your friend when you want to lurk without being seen.
The local events feature is actually pretty useful too. I’ve discovered some great coffee shops and pop-up events just by browsing what’s happening nearby.
Clean Up Your Friend List
This might sound boring, but organizing your friends makes everything better.
I’ve got different groups set up – close friends see everything, family gets the tamer stuff, and work people get… well, almost nothing. It takes five minutes to set up, but it’ll save you from so much awkwardness later.
Also, don’t be afraid to remove people. That person you met once at a party three years ago probably won’t notice if you unfriend them. Your feed will be cleaner and more relevant.
Tell Better Stories
The best Snapchat stories feel natural and unforced. Instead of posting random disconnected snaps, try building a narrative. Document your entire Saturday morning routine. Show the process of cooking dinner, not just the final plate. Take people along for the ride.
Text overlays are your secret weapon. A simple “This took forever” over a time-lapse cooking video tells a story. Background music sets the mood. And those stickers everyone ignores actually add personality when used right.
The Memories feature lets you save your favorite moments and create themed stories later. I’ve got collections for travel, concerts, and random funny moments with friends. It’s like having a highlight reel of your life.
Network and Collaborate
Snapchat isn’t just for friends anymore. Creative people are using it to build audiences and connect with others in their field.
Account takeovers are huge right now. You and another creator swap accounts for a day, giving your audiences fresh content and new perspectives. I’ve seen photographers, musicians, and even small business owners do this successfully.
The key is finding people in your niche who have similar audience sizes. Don’t aim too high – a collaboration works best when both people benefit equally.
Some creators even scout platforms like Americas Cardroom to find potential collaborators and understand what engages different communities. The networking opportunities are everywhere if you know where to look.
The Bottom Line
Snapchat works best when you stop overthinking it. Remember that it’s supposed to be fun. If you’re not enjoying it, you’re probably doing it wrong.
The app keeps evolving, so stay curious. New features drop regularly, and the ones that seem gimmicky at first often become essential later. Give them a try – you might be surprised at what sticks.