Snapchat is a popular way to keep in touch with friends and update them on our lives. However, when we are unable to access our phones for extended periods, such as during working hours, we may be left in the dark. Luckily, few people know about Snapchat’s web client, which allows users to continue chatting from their computer. If you’ve been searching for a reliable solution to use Snapchat on your laptop, look no further.
In 2022, the release of Snapchat for Web was exclusively accessible for Snapchat+ users. However, the service has since expanded to be accessible to all users, even those with free accounts. Accessing Snapchat Web is effortless; users can conveniently visit web.snapchat.com through their preferred browser. Alternatively, Windows users can download an app for Snapchat Web from the Microsoft Store.
Also Read: How to Enable Snapchat Solar System
How to Log In to Snapchat on PC or Laptop
Having explained how to acquire Snapchat web, it is now time to familiarize yourself with logging in and efficiently utilizing the service on your computer. To achieve this, simply follow the subsequent steps:
- Navigate to web.snapchat.com through your desktop browser.
- To proceed, kindly provide either your username or email address. Alternatively, you can opt to utilize your phone number by selecting the option Use phone number instead.
- After inputting your Snapchat password, proceed by clicking on the Next button.
- Please input the six-digit code that was sent to your email or mobile number on record.
- A notification may pop up on your phone inquiring, “Are you attempting to access Snapchat through a browser?” To gain access to your account, simply choose the option to log in with a positive response.
Once the login process is finished, your Snapchat account will be accessible on the web. Shortly after logging in, the conversation list and messages will load up for you to view.
How to Install Snapchat for Web
For those who wish to regularly utilize Snapchat’s web client, it may be advantageous to install it on their computer. By creating a Progressive Web App (PWA) shortcut, individuals can easily access the platform from their desktop, taskbar, or Start menu. Follow these steps to learn how to do so:
- Upon accessing Snapchat Web, proceed to select your profile icon situated at the upper left-hand corner.
- To create a desktop shortcut, simply select Create Desktop Shortcut from the drop-down menu.
- To create a shortcut, simply click Install when a pop-up appears at the address bar of your browser.
- After creating the shortcut, there is an option to pin the application to either the Taskbar or Start Menu.
With a mere click on the shortcut, Snapchat Web will instantly open in a fresh browser window. As previously mentioned, installation is conveniently available through the Microsoft Store. It presents a comparable web app experience and features as the original. Speaking of which, let’s delve into its impressive set of features.
Snapchat for Web: Interface and Features
The Web version of Snapchat offers an expanded iteration of its mobile app, optimized for larger screens. Its enhanced layout permits simultaneous viewing of several pages on your computer.
Displayed in the screenshot above is the main page, which features a chat list situated on the left, a camera centered in the middle, and Spotlight videos on the right. However, you may notice that the Discover section is missing from the web version. Instead, your friend’s stories are readily accessible and appear at the top of the chat list.
The primary benefit of using Snapchat on your PC is the convenience it offers in situations where your phone is disconnected from the internet. This feature becomes especially helpful when your phone has run out of battery, and you need to inform your loved ones.
Snapchat provides privacy features such as automatic deletion of all conversations and Snaps within 24 hours, and the ability to hide chats when a screenshot is attempted. Nonetheless, there is a way to bypass this privacy measure by swiftly using keyboard shortcuts to capture a screenshot without alerting the other party.
Messaging And Snaps
When it comes to messaging, you have the ability to seamlessly pick up where you left off in your conversations with friends. With just a simple click on a chat, it will appear in the middle pane of your screen. Additionally, if you wish to view the conversation without any distractions, you can easily collapse Spotlight videos by clicking on the arrow icon located at the top of the screen in the right pane.
Messaging on Snapchat is a versatile experience, allowing for sending, replying, reacting, saving, or removing messages as necessary. The conversation window also offers voice and video call options, including group calls, all of which I tested successfully with my coworker Akshay. Additionally, the app can track Snapstreaks and display relevant emojis for friendship, birthdays, and other milestones.
Snapchat for Web: Shortcomings
Up to this point, it’s possible that you’ve formed the opinion that the web client provides a fairly satisfactory experience. You’re able to perform most of the typical Snapchat actions. However, there are certain areas where it falls short.
One major drawback of the web client is its inability to open or respond to Snaps. Sharing Snaps is a key aspect of the platform, and this limitation defeats the purpose of using Snapchat on the web when there are numerous other messaging services available. Considering that Snaps are what made Snapchat famous in the first place, it is imperative for the platform to address this issue.
In addition, it is not possible to capture video Snaps on this platform, as it only supports photo-taking functionality. Furthermore, the inability to post stories on your account is another limitation to be aware of. Although there appears to be a feature allowing Snaps to be shared as stories, our attempts to utilize this option have proven unsuccessful.
In addition, various minor components such as AI characteristics, incorporating music into Snaps, and Director Mode capabilities are absent from this platform. Moreover, crucial details such as Snapchat score, friendship status, horoscope signs, and Snapchat Planets cannot be accessed through the web-based version.
My Experience with Snapchat for Web
Having utilized Snapchat Web, I find it to be a convenient complement to the mobile application. While it provides all the necessary features for regular communication, it lacks the distinct aspects that define the platform. It is regrettable that Snaps cannot be viewed or responded to through the web extension. However, for those who solely require the essential functions and basic chat, the web client should suffice their needs.
It is a relief that the widely used messaging app now has a web client accessible. Have you had the chance to experiment with Snapchat on the web? We would love to hear your impressions in the comments section.
