1. Snapchat is for real friends
Snapchat was designed for keeping up to date for close friends that users trust, so Snapchatters can only view content from those who allow it. Snapchat has emerged as an alternative to traditional social media, and stayed true to its’ values as a platform around authentic communication between real friends.

Designed for keeping up to date with close friends whom users trust, Snapchatters can only view content from users who allow it. Snapchat has emerged as an alternative to traditional social media and facilitates authentic communication between real friends.

Unlike other platforms, users know that the only people who are going to view their content are those that they have added as a friend. Snapchat doesn't have an open newsfeed, where anyone can broadcast content to the whole world.

2. Location sharing off by default
Location-sharing is off by default for all Snapchatters when they first use the Snap Map. They have the option to decide to share it with their friends—but never with strangers so users can’t accidentally share their location without realising.

Snapchat introduced a new Temporary Live Location Sharing feature to help usrs look out for their friends. They will be able to activate a buddy system-like feature that allows them to share their real-time location for 15 minutes or a few hours with a friend, whether they are en-route to meet up or on their way home at night.

There is no option to send their real-time location details with all of their Snapchat friends.

3. No public news feed or comments
Snapchat doesn’t allow open newsfeed and public comments and doesn’t give unvetted content the opportunity to “go viral” on Snapchat, where anyone can broadcast content to the whole world.

The content platform, Discover, only features content from vetted media publishers and content creators. The entertainment platform, Spotlight, is proactively moderated using human review before content can reach a large audience.

Snapchat doesn’t tolerate misuse of the platform and has a dedicated infrastructure for designing and enforcing guidelines. When attempts are made to violate our policies, we simply remove the content.

Group chats are limited to 64 members, and not discoverable on our platform if you are not a member of that group. Similar to 1:1 chats, you can’t join a group chat if you are not already friends with someone in a group.

4. In-app resources
Snapchat fast tracked the launch of a new in-app mental health hub, Here For You, which provides in-app support to Snapchatters who may be experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis or who may be curious to learn more about these issues and how they can help friends dealing with them.

It surfaces resources from expert localised partners when Snapchatters search for certain topics related to mental health, anxiety, depression, stress, suicidal thoughts, grief and bullying.

This is an in-app resource that can’t be found on other digital communications platforms. 

5. Easy reporting
Snapchat offers tools to make reporting fast and simple. The in-app reporting process has always been anonymous, and clear language is ensured to Snapchatters to understand how it works and that their identity will never be revealed to the individual they report.

Snapchat is always reviewing its list of inappropriate behaviour Snapchatters can report to make sure the categories and language used fully reflect their experiences and the way bad actors may be operating on the platform.

Snapchat prohibits harassment, bullying, hate speech, impersonation, threats, criminal activity, violence against women, and other harms. All reports are strictly confidential - Snapchat will never tell the person being reported who reported them.

Snapchat’s Trust & Safety Team reviews all reports. If they find the content violates Snapchat’s Community Guidelines, they may remove the content or suspend the account. Only if necessary will they reach out to law enforcement.