Snapchat Announced a New Chatting & Calling Web Feature for Desktop Users

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A new web app is bringing Snapchat features to desktops including snapping, chatting, and video calling. The recent move marks the first time the company has offered its service available further than smartphones. Users can log in with their Snapchat account, send private messages or call friends using a desktop with Snapchat for Web.

However, the web platform is initially available only to Snapchat Plus subscribers. The company announced its paid category in June and now it is the first key feature launch. Snapchat users in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are now able to get access this feature. Keep in mind that the new Snapchat feature is only compatible with the Google Chrome browser, not the Safari browser supported.

Meanwhile, the head of Snapchat messaging product Nathan Boyd said the app was designed as a visual-first messaging app. He said a web offering was essential due to Snapchat users frequently using desktop computers. This new feature offers users additional space to chat and call using the same window. He confirmed that Snap’s AR Lenses feature is coming soon.

At least 100 Million People Use Snapchat for Calls Per Month

The new school year in various regions around the world has started. Most of us have experienced that people used computers more during the Covid-19 epidemic. Boyd added that the social platform needs to bring more features to its web products over time. However, Snapchat determines itself largely as an AR platform for its Lenses.

The social platform’s major use scenario is still private, flash messaging, and calling. The newly announced feature of its web version puts the company in competition with WhatsApp of Meta. It is noteworthy that Meta’s WhatsApp is also available for desktop users. More than 100 million people around the world call each other every month on Snapchat.

Snapchat Users Spend Around 30 Minutes Per Day

Boyd said people are currently spending an average of at least 30 minutes per day using Snapchat. It was discovered that chatting is normally the last discussion people have prior to closing the app. He said the company is always finding ways to meet the demand of its community. The announcement of the web feature to subscribers shows the company is seeking its paid tier seriously to make money.

The company has more users than Twitter with 332 million daily active users but is now under pressure to monetize. However, the officials of the social platform also warned that the growth of revenue is slowing. It is important that Snapchat’s desktop version doesn’t initially have ads. gadgets360 also pointed out that Snapchat has launched its Web version for desktop users.

Snapchat Plus Subscribers Can Access the New Feature

Users can log in to their Snapchat account to access the service, but it is now only compatible with the Chrome browser. The browser-based web interface of Snapchat is much similar to the messaging services of its competitors. The new feature includes Chat Reactions and Chat Reply, but Lenses will roll out to users soon. The company also confirmed the service is now available only for Snapchat Plus subscribers.

Snapchat users can now access the Snapchat for Web social media application on their desktop. The newly announced service is currently available to its paid subscribers in selected countries. Snap users in the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia are now able to access Snapchat for Web service. Moreover, the company confirmed the expansion of its new service to the global community soon.