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Publication of SnapChat
In the month of September, in 2011, Snapchat (in its earliest form) was released into the public domain through the use of mainstream software distribution services (for instance, Apple's 'App Store') as strictly a photo sharing service (Karson, 2016). -
Friendship and Relationship Integration
Not long after the implementation of new video features, SnapChat introduced their 'Best Friends" feature; this feature encourages consistent communication whilst also rewarding users with visual representations of their relationships (Karson, 2016). -
SnapChat Integrates Greater Multi-Media Functionality
On this date, SnapChat released on of its first few updates; specifically, this particular update introduced the ability to exchange video through the service and, in doing so, allowed people to communicate and connect with one another by sharing their experiences (Karson, 2016). -
Editing Software is Introduced and Popularity Surges
SnapChat developers introduce a rudimentary photo editing software to their new social media service; more importantly, SnapChat's popularity soars as new users adopt the recently improved features of the application (Karson, 2016). -
SnapChat's Popularity Skyrockets
At this point in time, SnapChat is used to send over 60,000,000 images and videos per day; this number truly demonstrates how popular this medium has become, this approximates to 700 messages sent per second (Karson, 2016). -
Tell Your Stories
SnapChat introduces, arguably, its most popular feature, the 'Stories' function. This feature allowed people to share their experiences with others through a structured, creative medium (Karson, 2016). -
The 'Chat' of SnapChat
SnapChat introduces an essential feature, the instant messaging component. Now all users are able to communicate with one another on a text-level, instantly. Now a staple of mainstream social media, text communication allowed SnapChat to be used as more than just a file sharing service (Karson, 2016). -
Location, Location, Location
With the introduction and integration of location services users are now able to share their location with their followers as well as communicate through the use of text. These services allow us to feel more connected and provide a real-time update as to the status of our own personal friends, family and followers (Karson, 2016). -
Live in the Moment
At this point SnapChat introduces one of its most unique features, the ability to live-stream to your own personal network. As one of the most involved and effective ways to communicate, this was truly an industry leading development that competitors would soon adopt (Karson, 2016). -
Storytime
Sponsored Stories are gradually implemented into the SnapChat ecosystem, these stories are used to inform and educate the public as to the goings-on of their particular geographical location. These are typically paid for and were implemented not long after the introduction of more traditional advertisements (Karson, 2016). -
New Discoveries
At this point a new feature known as 'Discover' was introduced as a way in which to discover new content from traditional media providers; these include, but are not limited to, groups such as CNN, ESPN, the Daily Mail and the Comedy Channel (Karson, 2016). -
Relationships through Cyberspace
SnapChat introduced a new iteration of their 'Best Friends' system; this new system involves the use of Emoji's in order to quantify the relationships of you and your friends. One of such instances is the assignment of a 'Fire' emoji which symbolises a 'streak' of messages. This, essentially, encourages the continued use of the service (Karson, 2016). -
The Success of SnapChat
To this day SnapChat now has over 8 billion daily viewers, with over 100 million active users. Over 400 million messages and files are sent per day and SnapChat, which now connects so many people, is now worth an estimated $30 billion (Wente, 2017).
