How to make an app like Snapchat?

By Snigdha | August 5, 2022 5:45 pm  | 4-min read

Today most of our communication happens online, whether personal or professional. Most of our communication has shifted to chat apps like Snapchat, LINE, WhatsApp, etc. There are many apps similar to Snapchat that have been built, and there still is a demand for more Snapchat alternatives.

However, people like me and you, who are not so tech-savvy, have steered clear of making their own instant messaging apps because of the fear of technology, programming, and other tech-heavy aspects. Appy Pie’s instant messaging app builder lets anyone with an internet-connected device build an app like Snapchat in minutes, that too without any coding.

What is the Snapchat app?

Snapchat is an instant messaging app that lets users share messages, photos, videos, and stories. Users can take photos and videos before adding text, effects, filters, and more to make it interesting. What makes Snapchat secure for users is that the photos or videos are deleted or destroyed just a few seconds after being viewed.

Though the platform is more prevalent among teens, for now, new demographics are being drawn to the platform every day. Snapchat identified teenagers’ preference for visual communication and banked upon that idea – the real reason for its viral popularity.

Top features you must add to an app like Snapchat

When you are planning to make an app like Snapchat, you need to understand what goes into it, what are the must-have features, and why people love using apps similar to Snapchat. Hence, I have broken the app down into the features you must add to your instant messaging app.

1. Registration

   Before you can start using the Snapchat app, as a user, you need to register on the platform and make an account. Make sure you add this feature to your instant messaging app so that users can make their profiles, take photos, share with friends, chat with them, and do a lot more!

2. Snaps

   Taking and sharing Snaps is the key feature that makes an app like Snapchat such a hit! Users can send photos or videos with messages or stickers and filters on them and then share the self-destructing ‘Snaps’ with their friends. The real fun lies in the cool edits and filters that can make all your photos unique! Be sure to add some unique features to your app if you plan to offer Snapchat alternatives.

3. Messaging/Chat

   Yes, sending Snaps is the main attraction of an app like Snapchat, but you can’t ignore the more common way of communication. There would always be a good chunk of any user group that would like to continue communicating through chats while using Snaps only sometimes.

4. Stickers

   Stickers add humor, color, and expression to any conversation. If you are serious about making an app like Snapchat, ensure your users can engage in exciting interactions with their friends and express themselves better with the right stickers.

5. Lenses

   Snapchat offers you a choice of using one of the 7 Lenses, which are essentially some amusing animations and can be applied to your snaps as an overlay to create funny effects. The lenses keep changing, but the total number always remains 7. Lenses can only be applied if activated before taking the snap. They cannot be applied after the photos have been taken.

6. Geofilters

   A set of filters that are location specific. Isn’t that interesting? So Geofilters are patterns that can be added to your snaps if you are in a certain location. This is not just a successful feature but a feature that lets you earn money. For example, a place of business can have its own geofilters, which users can enjoy exploring as they spend time at the store or restaurant. As the app owner, this also gives you an opportunity to make a part of the profits.

7. Search for friends

   After all, it is an instant messaging app which means the users should be able to message their friends. This means an app like Snapchat has to allow users to search for friends. This feature may seem pretty standard, but on Snapchat, it is different. There are two additional interesting ways to add friends.

• Add Nearby – Add the people in your vicinity at that very moment.
• Snapcodes – Give your snapcode to other friends so that they can add you as a friend on Snapchat.

8. Video/audio calls

   A relatively new feature on Snapchat but a meaningful way to communicate with your friends. While you can keep sending snaps and text messages to your friends on Snapchat, video and audio calls are a great way to add value to the app.

9. Stories

   This feature is now available on multiple other platforms like Instagram and Facebook, but Snapchat can be credited as the first one to launch this feature. Users can add a photo or video as a story which will be available for their friends to view as many times as they want, but only for 24 hours, after which it will disappear.

10. Discover

    Discover is a feature used by brands to post sponsored stories. Users can Discover stories from different editorial teams of big brands.

How to make an app like Snapchat?

You have reached a stage where you know what goes into Snapchat – the features, in particular. This is the right time to learn how to make an app like Snapchat.

Are you planning to make an app like Snapchat? Is your lack of programming knowledge holding you back? Appy Pie’s instant messaging app builder lets you make your own app like Snapchat without learning to code.

1. Enter the name of your app

   Choose the app category, design theme, app colors, and brand logo

2. Add the features you want to your Snapchat app

   Drag and drop the features like messaging, video/audio calls, and personal profiles into your app.

3. Test and launch

   Edit the app to your liking and test your app on real devices. That’s it! Your app is ready to go live on app stores of your choice.