You Can Finally Use Snapchat on Your Computer
Snapchat is a rare social media app that has never made the transition from mobile to desktop. Instagram has a web app, WhatsApp has a desktop app, but until now, you always needed a phone near you if you wanted to take a Snap. However, from today, you can continue those conversations on your Mac or PC, whether you’re sending a quick photo to a friend or joining a video call with a group.
However, this is not necessarily “news”. Since July, Snapchat has been offering a web app to Snapchat+ subscribers. For $3.99 a month, you’ve been able to film friends from your laptop since midsummer. Of course, if you didn’t, you just saved $8 because Snap Inc. today. officially rolled out this feature to everyone .
To get started, you’ll need the latest version of Chrome or Microsoft Edge. No, Snapchat doesn’t have a Mac or PC app, so this is the web app for you. Go to web.snapchat.com , then sign in with your username and password. If you have two-factor authentication set up ( which you absolutely need ), you will need to enter a code.
You will then need to verify your account on the Snapchat app on your iPhone or Android. You can click on the notification that appears on your mobile device and then click “Yes” on the prompt. (This should go without saying, but if you ever see a pop-up warning on Snapchat and you’re not trying to log into your account on the web app, don’t click Yes. Click No.)
When it’s all over, you’ll be greeted by a welcome page with your Snapchat avatar. Click Get Started, then give Snapchat permission to access your computer’s webcam and microphone. If the camera doesn’t turn on automatically, you can tap the big camera icon in the center of the screen to turn it on.
From here, it’s really just Snapchat, in a more limited, distilled form. You can take pictures (with or without lenses), send them to individual friends or group chats, and start video or audio calls at any time. However, you cannot view Snap Map, Stories, Discover, Spotlight, or your archive of snapshots. However, more importantly, you cannot open snapshots on your computer . You can send them to your heart’s content, but if you receive them, you’ll need to grab your phone to check it out. It’s a bit of a bummer.
Obviously, if you care about these missing features, especially opening Snaps , the web app won’t be exactly like the Snapchat you know and love. Although I don’t think that’s the point here. Perhaps in the future Snap will add things like opening Snaps and Stories to the web app, but right now Snapchat on the web seems to be designed to help you move conversations from mobile to desktop and back.