Video chat and messaging have become popular with both casual and business users. From messaging apps like WhatsApp to video chat platforms like Viber, the influence of these technologies as communications tools is clear.
Developers of photo messaging app SnapChat seem to think so too. The SnapChat team announced recently they would add a Snapchat video chat feature, creating yet another channel for business and other users.
Here’s a video look at the new feature:
In a post on the official SnapChat blog, the company explained:
“We could not be more thrilled to announce Chat.
Swipe right on a friend’s name in your Snapchat inbox to start chatting. When you leave the chat screen, messages viewed by both you and your friend will be cleared – but either of you can always tap or screenshot to save anything you’d like to keep (addresses, to-do lists, etc.)!
We let you know when a friend is Here in your Chat so that you can give each other your full attention. And if you’re both Here, simply press and hold to share live video – and Chat face-to-face!”
Currently, SnapChat is a smartphone app that enables you to take and share pictures. Nothing special there. What makes SnapChat unique is the length of time others in your network can see your photos. When you send those photos to another user, you have to set a time limit for how long the recipient can view them. Currently, your choices are from 1 to 10 seconds. Once the time limit is up, the photo will be wiped from the recipient’s device and deleted from Snapchat’s servers.
But with the new Snapchat video chat feature, SnapChat takes on the qualities of rivals like WhatsApp and Viber.
Image: Snapchat Video Still
Do you know if this is out to all SnapChat users? I tried to ‘test’ it out a few days ago but didn’t get how it worked. The video makes it seem so simple and yet my boyfriend and I just grew frustrated trying to get the chat feature to work properly.
Mark O'Neill
It’s entirely possible that SnapChat may be “doing a Google” and gradually rolling this out. Check it again in a few days, and if you still don’t have it, just send an email to SnapChat and ask them to get off their butts and help 🙂
Once SnapChat loses the anonymity function (deleting stuff after it’s viewed) people won’t be as enamored with it. Good idea for feature expansion, but seems misguided because it dilutes the core benefit of the current offering.
Mark O'Neill
Yeah I was a bit taken aback because it seemed to be going in a different direction to what SnapChat was normally going in. All for the sake of having a video and chat app like everybody else.
Aira Bongco
Instagram had integrated videos too. It’s almost like anywhere that has pictures has integrated video as well. I guess it is inevitable if it is a visual platform.
Mark O'Neill
Nothing is inevitable. They just don’t want to be seen as the app that doesn’t have what all the other cool kids have. Instagram started this whole “let’s have video!” fad. I would like to know how many users actually use it on a regular basis.
Prasanta
In addition to SnapChat, one may try alternatives like webex, R-HUB web video conferencing servers etc. for all online video conferencing needs.