Snapchat
Social media has one of the fiercest competitions out there. With various social media apps introducing unique or similar features now and then, companies are trying to come up with creative features that will attract users. Snapchat, appreciated for its unique filters for photos and videos, is out there with the Snapchat Planets feature. But what is it? This article will give a deep exploration of the app and how this feature came into existence:
Origins of Snapchat:
Snapchat was founded in April 2011, or at least the idea of it. Three students of Stanford University, Reggie Brown (came up with the concept), Evan Spiegel (product design student), and Bobby Murphy (coding student), made the concept a reality. In its early ages, it followed the idea of uploaded pictures only being visible for a selected time and would later disappear. It began as Picaboo in July 2011, but later had to be renamed as Snapchat due to legal issues.
Key Features:
Snapchat, during its early years, had features that amazed the users of that era:
Disappearing photos:
As stated before, Snapchat had a feature of vanishing photos, where the sent images would disappear after being viewed. And this was a form of privacy to the senders, which was unique from other apps of that time. The sender could also set a timer on how much time the recipient can see the photo. And if the recipient took a screenshot of the sent image, a notification was sent to the sender.
Anonymity:
Back then, no profile images or extra embellishments to the account were present. It solely focused on interaction with close friends or other people.
Userface and Security:
The interface of the app was very simple to understand. And the app also placed importance on the security of the users.
Video snaps and Stories:
In 2012, Video Snaps was added, where users can upload a 10-second video on the platform, which had the disappearing function like with the photos. And Stories was where users could upload a few snaps, which their friends could see. Not long after, Instagram and other apps introduced a similar feature.
Evolution and Rise:
Snapchat was a massive success among youngsters, like college students. A few months after its release, over 20 million snaps were being uploaded every day. This also coincided with the rising social media culture and the evolution of mobile phones. They had an IPO in 2017, and at that time, their value was $24 billion. They changed the name of their company to Snap Inc.
Origin of Snapchat Planets:
In 2022, Snapchat launched its subscription-based service, Snapchat+. And only the subscription users could use a feature called Snapchat Planets. Based on the interaction of the users, eight of their friends were given the title of a planet from the solar system. But there, the sun is the user while their friends were divided into planets. And each planet has its unique colours and patterns, which make it a beautiful visual. It also updates the friends based on frequent interactions made.
Advantages:
Closest friends:
In normal versions, your top chat is the most recent. Though this is a simple find and change, Snapchat planets are unique and are pleasing to look at. It makes a planet enthusiast happy and also shows you which friend to increase interaction with on the app. And an advantage is that only the user can see this solar system.
Premium:
It is a cute feature that might encourage people to consider the premium service. This exclusive feature also makes the premium user feel like their money is worth it.
Disadvantages:
Emotions:
The ‘ranking’ among close friends may create disparities in relationships. Some may feel jealous of their place in other people’s solar systems and try to interact continuously in order to increase or maintain their rank. No interactions should be genuine. And just because a friend is given Neptune as their planet doesn’t mean they were the least prioritized, but it might give that insinuation.
Inaccuracy:
Sometimes, the app’s algorithm may be inconsistent and incorrect when it comes to this feature. And it may create misunderstandings or other issues that can sever relationships with friends.
Opinions on this Feature:
Many users share their solar systems online. Some feel like it creates a form of superficial interactions between people. It might pressure people into keeping some friends in the solar system while keeping others away. Friends cannot be ranked based on how much one interacts with them, as a user’s close friend may not even have the app. And it can’t be competition either.
To conclude, Snapchat has a long journey during the rise of social media culture. Their snap and stories features were so attractive that competing apps made similar features on their platforms. And when it comes to Snapchat Planets, users say that it increases the obsessiveness in maintaining relationships instead of enjoying the company of friends online. And people have to pay for this feature, which many might not be interested in.
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