How to Find Stories and Messages in the Latest Snapchat Redesign
Earlier this year, Snapchat undertook a radical redesign aimed at making it easier for newcomers to understand the confusing social network. But the new layout has failed , and now Snapchat is admitting defeat with a second redesign that reverses almost all of those changes.
Here’s what you need to know about using the updated Snapchat.
How to install a new update
The latest Snapchat update first came out last Friday, so it should be available on most devices by now. If you don’t already have it, try closing the app and relaunching it, or check your app store ( iOS or Android ) to see if it’s available there.
Perhaps the new design is still in use for some people. So if he hasn’t shown up yet, just hold on and give him some more time.
Find stories and messages
One of the biggest issues with Snapchat’s previous redesign was that it brought everything from your friends (public stories and private messages) to one page. This latest update fixes this pretty well by reverting to the old layout.
On the app home page, swipe left to find a new friends page. Here you can see all your private conversations, group chats and any pictures sent directly to you. You will also go here to add new friends.
To see public stories, swipe to the right of the home page. At the top of the page, you should see a series of stories shared by your real friends. Just below are your subscriptions (any celebrities you follow), and below you will find a Discover section (well-crafted content from media companies and brands that you will probably just ignore).
How auto-promotion works
When Snapchat first added auto-promotion, browsing stories became a more relaxed experience. Once one story was completed, the next was automatically played (albeit with occasional ads stuck in between).
With the first big redesign, Snapchat added preview screens between each story so you don’t accidentally look at a snapshot of your ex or friend you might be feuding with (this might sound silly, but remember, everyone can see who’s watching their stories). In the new update, these preview screens are retained, but only for your friends’ stories. Posts from celebrities and brands will play automatically.
If you’re worried about viewing unwanted snapshots, that’s fine, but if you’d rather just sit down and watch some stories, it’s a little annoying. Overall, while this update seems like a step in the right direction, it should make Snapchat much easier to use for the most part – at least until the next redesign.