Following the footsteps of WhatsApp Business and Telegram, Snapchat has introduced a paid subscription service to increase its revenue. The service is called “Snapchat+” and provides users with early access to new features and exclusive access to certain features in the ephemeral messaging app. This article will provide you with all the necessary information about the Snapchat Plus subscription.
Surveys indicated that TikTok had overtaken Snapchat for the first time to become the favorite social media platform (with a 33% share), while Snapchat ranked second (with a 31% share), and Instagram came in third (with a 22% share). Nonetheless, Snapchat acknowledges that it must continue to innovate to remain relevant, and Snapchat Plus could be the way forward.
What Exactly Is Snapchat Plus?
Snapchat Plus, also known as Snapchat+, is a paid and upgraded version of the popular social messaging app. As the name implies, Snapchat Plus offers enhanced features beyond what is available in the free version. There are a few countries where Snapchat is trying to launch Snapchat Plus including places like Germany, France, the UK, Canada, the USA, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Australia, as well as the United Arab Emirates. Not to mention that the company plans on expanding to other countries as time goes on.
According to Jacob Andreou, Snapchat’s SVP of Product, the new premium account is aimed at users who spend a significant amount of time communicating with their closest friends on Snap. Snapchat hopes that by offering Snapchat Plus, they will be able to deliver new features to their most enthusiastic users while providing them with prioritized support.
Eccentric New Features of Snapchat Plus That You Can’t-Miss
Snapchat Plus offers several additional features that are not available in the official Snapchat app. Here are some of the most popular features of Snapchat Plus:
1. Customizable Story Expiration
Previously, Snapchat stories were set to expire after 24 hours. However, Snapchat+ subscribers now can customize the expiration time of their stories. Subscribers can now set a timer ranging from 1 hour to 1 week, giving them the option to keep their story live for an entire week. This new feature allows Snapchat+ users to share their stories with a wider audience over a more extended period.
2. Notifications Sounds Are Customizable
In addition to the ability to customize story timers, Snapchat+ subscribers also have the option to set up individualized notification sounds for different contacts. This feature allows users to easily identify who has sent them a Snap or chat without needing to check their phone for the sender’s name. Within the Snapchat settings, users can set up custom notification tones for specific contacts, with a total of 7 sounds to choose from. This feature adds a personalized touch to the Snapchat+ experience and makes communication with friends even more enjoyable.
3. Camera Colour Borders
Snapchat+ also includes a new feature that allows users to set custom-colored borders around the Snapchat camera view. This feature provides a range of color options to choose from, which will appear around the camera viewfinder as users record videos or take pictures using the Snapchat camera. This customization feature adds a fun and creative touch to the Snapchat+ experience and allows users to express their individuality through their camera view.
4. Best Friends Forever Feature
The Best Friends Forever feature on Snapchat+ allows users to select and pin one friend as their #1 Best Friend. As the name suggests, users can only have one #1 Best Friend at a time. To use this feature, users can press and hold on their friend’s name from the Chat or Send To screen, then select ‘Pin as your #1 Best Friend.’ It’s important to note that this pin is only visible to the user who has set it and won’t upset any other friends on their list. This feature allows users to prioritize their closest friends on Snapchat+ and keep them easily accessible.
5. Indicating Rewatch Count
Snapchat Plus allows users to view how many times their friends have rewatched their story, as the name suggests. However, this feature is currently experimental and may expand to other users in the future. As reported by The Verge, features that rely on interaction with other users will eventually be released to all Snapchat+ users.
6. Ghost Trails
One of these features is Ghost Trails on Snap Maps, which enables users to view the location history of their friends for the past 24 hours. It’s important to note that Ghost Trails are only visible if the friend is sharing their location with the user. This feature adds an element of tracking to the Snapchat+ experience and can help keep tabs on the whereabouts of close friends.
7. Custom Icons
While not the most thrilling feature, Snapchat+ does offer a way to make users feel special. Typically, the Snapchat app icon on a device screen is the standard white ghost on a yellow background, which is the same for all users. However, Snapchat+ subscribers have the option to choose from almost 40 different app icons, allowing them to personalize their Snapchat experience.
8. New Bitmoji Backgrounds
For those who are tired of the limited Bitmoji background options on Snapchat, subscribing to Snapchat+ is a great solution. The paid subscription provides users with access to new Bitmoji backgrounds, including some with the Snapchat+ logo subtly incorporated into the design. Additionally, Snapchat+ recently added new Halloween-themed Bitmoji backgrounds that are exclusively available to subscribers.
9. Snapchat Web
One of the benefits of being a Snapchat+ subscriber is the ability to use Snapchat on the web. This feature allows you to send messages and snaps directly from your laptop or PC, without needing to access the app on your mobile device. You can follow the linked guide to learn how to install and use Snapchat on your PC or laptop. This guide will teach you how to download Snapchat PWA, as well as how to use Snapchat Web features and more.
Wrapping Up,
Snapchat Plus is a modified version of the official Snapchat app that offers users additional features and functionalities. While the app is relatively new when compared to Snapchat, Inc., it has become popular among Snapchat users. However, users should be aware of the risks associated with using third-party apps and should use caution when downloading and using Snapchat Plus.
