Snapchat

Snapchat is an app for sending messages, photos and videos developed by Snap Inc. and initially released in 2011. Snapchat has about 240 million daily active users, making it one of the most popular communication apps available.

Design and navigation: Expectedly Great

Snapchat would definitely not get that popular without a comfortable and functional design. The app is pleasing to the eye, the interface is rather clean, and the navigation is smart and simple. Switching between different pages is comfortable, and finding the necessary features is rather intuitive. Creating content is also very easy and addictive, as Snapchat offers a variety of camera filters and masks to use, while their implementation is effortless and takes only several taps and swipes.

Features and usability: Full of Fun

The essence of Snapchat is sending the messages, which can only be viewed for a short period of time. The sender configures the availability of his photo or video, and the receiver will have an option to watch it according to the settings. The feature is very close to disappearing messages or sending photos in Instagram’s direct messages. Snapchat used to prevent receivers from taking screenshots by making them hold the screen while watching, but it is not a thing anymore. Now it just tracks the user activity, and in case the receiver makes a screenshot, the app notifies the sender about it. There is a whole variety of other features in Snapchat, including masks, filters, stories, and many more.

Safety: Not So Secure

As for security, Snapchat is not the best choice for sensitive information. Yes, it allows the receiver to take a glance at your photo for several seconds, but the servers store all the information for much longer. Some features imply linking geolocation to photos and videos, so the app does also know, where did you make each specific photo. The company has been part of several data breach scandals as well.

Conclusion: Fun, But Use It Cautiously

Snapchat is fun and addictive, we have to admit it. However, the security of this app is a major concern. We strongly recommend not sharing any sensitive personal information in Snapchat, as this information is stored on the servers, and, therefore, is vulnerable to hacker attacks.