Snapchat Changes the Game

Before its radical change,

Snapchat was already a popular social media platform that allowed people to message through snapshots and instant messaging. However, through recent updates and revolutionary features, Snapchat has skyrocketed in popularity and has changed the game of photo messaging.

Previously, Snapchat operated on the simple principle of instant snapshots: one person takes a photo or a ten-second video, perhaps adds a caption or a message, and sends it to another. The other person then instantly receives the snapshot and can reply with either another photo or a text message.

Although simple in function, the app more than satisfied its users.

Snapchat then introduced Lenses, which are filters that alter your appearance through morphing effects or decorations. Popular ones include filters that can make you puke rainbows, fatten your cheeks, or have animal characteristics. Once the filters were released,

Snapchat surged in popularity as people used the app not only for messaging but also for experimenting with the frequently updated filters.

"I was so excited when the update for the lenses came out," said Alice Kim, a junior at Valencia High School in Valencia, California. "It really changed the app for the better. My friends and I all use it, and whenever a new filter is released, it's always a big deal."

Other groundbreaking updates released by Snapchat have been geofilters and emoji stickers. Geofilters are filters that are selective only to certain areas, and Snapchat offers its users the opportunity to design and submit geofilters to their areas. Emoji stickers can also spice up photo and video messaging.

Although these features may seem trivial, the updates demonstrate the company's strong marketing strategies and feedback system. Snapchat is highly tuned to the satisfaction of its users, and its updates reflect the relevant trends in society and pop culture. Its popular consumer base has also attracted businesses for its advertising and Discover features.

"Snapchat's recent updates such as live story mode allows its users to get a better sense of community. Snapchat's up-to-date discovery feature lets it dominate the market as the only platform right after Twitter to allow its users to make quick video updates," explained Ian Solano, a junior at Granada Hills Charter High School in Granada Hills, California. "Also, the face recognition camera is a big plus to such an already impressive social media application."

Evidently, Snapchat has become one of the hottest trends in pop culture, and it's here to stay. With each new update, the app secures its relevancy in society and dominates the mobile app market. Snapchat serves as a model for successful marketing, and its influence will no doubt permanently change the way people communicate.

Linda Lee, Grade 11

Valencia High School