National Snapchat Day

Young woman with flower crown, taking a selfie with Snapchat filters, vibrant city setting, trendy street fashion.. — National snapchat day illustration

Snap, crackle, and pop! No, we're not talking about your favourite crispy cereal, but rather the buzzing world of Snapchat! National Snapchat Day seems to get more love each year as we scroll, tap, and double tap our way through a sea of puppy-faced selfies and beautifully mastered latte art stories.

When is Snapchat Day?

It's national snapchat day on the 7th December.

A Sparkling Spectacle on the Internet<\h2>
Remember that date, folks - December 7, 2015. You betcha, it's the day when National Snapchat Day got the windows of the internet steamy with a whopping 8 mentions. Not just any mentions either, oh no, we're talking social buzz, digital applause, full-on cyber ovations.

Snapping Into Fame<\h2>
National Snapchat Day, slips on its digital shoes and trots out into the hustling bustling web each year. It's a day when the selfie rules, the filters bloom, and memories are a mere tap and swipe away. Sure, we love posting pineapples wearing sunglasses and reminding people to stay hydrated. But SNAP...that's where the real magic happens.

Bits and Bytes of Snaps and Stories<\h2>
As we rocked around our little internet trees on December 7, Snapchat, that wily wizard of snippet storytelling, was illuminating screens far and wide. On this national day, snapchatters were more than just merry; they were masters of the quick pic, lords of the loop, digital da Vincis painting a moving image canvas for their followers to giggle at, groan over, or graciously give a thumbs up.

History behind the term 'Snapchat'

2011

The Birth of a Disappearing Image App

In 2011, the term 'Snapchat' was born when Evan Spiegel, Reggie Brown, and Bobby Murphy launched a mobile application under the same name. Unlike other messaging apps, Snapchat allowed users to send photos and videos that were meant to disappear after being viewed. This unique feature sparked curiosity and laid the foundation for a new era of instant communication and self-expression.

2011

Origin of Snapchat

Snapchat was created by Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown while they were students at Stanford University. Initially called 'Picaboo,' the app allowed users to send photos that would disappear after being viewed. Spiegel and Murphy later renamed the app Snapchat.

2011

Launching the concept

In 2011, a group of students from Stanford University created a new mobile app called 'Picaboo.' The app allowed users to send photos that would disappear after a short period of time.

2011

Birth of an Idea

Snapchat was created by Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown, who were Stanford University students at the time. The concept for the app originally came about during a conversation about sexting and the desire for messages to disappear after a certain period of time. This sparked the idea for a platform where users could send self-destructing photos and videos, which eventually evolved into the iconic Snapchat we know today.

2011

Origin of Snapchat

Snapchat was founded by Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown while they were students at Stanford University. The concept for Snapchat came about when Spiegel and Murphy were brainstorming ideas for a class project. Initially called 'Picaboo,' the app allowed users to send photos that disappeared after a short period of time.

2011

The Birth of Snapchat

Snapchat was created by Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown during their time as students at Stanford University. Originally, it was called 'Picaboo' and was released in July 2011. The app allowed users to send photos that would disappear after a short period. The inspiration for the name Snapchat came from the idea of 'snaps' or short-lived moments shared between friends.

2011

Birth of the Original Idea

In 2011, a group of Stanford University students, Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown, came up with the original idea for Snapchat. They noticed a gap in the market for a messaging app that allowed users to send photos and have them disappear after a short period of time. Inspired by the fleeting nature of communication, they started working on the concept.

2009

Birth of Future Snapchat Founders

In the year 2009, Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy, two Stanford University students, met and became friends. Little did they know that their friendship would pave the way for the creation of Snapchat, revolutionizing the world of visual messaging.

2011

The Birth of Snapchat

In 2011, Stanford University students Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown introduced Snapchat. Originally named Picaboo, the app was inspired by a conversation about sending disappearing photos. With the belief that photos shared between friends should be temporary, the trio created a platform where users could send self-destructing images.

2011

The Birth of Snapchat

Snapchat was created by Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown while they were students at Stanford University. Initially launched under the name 'Picaboo', Snapchat was an app that allowed users to send photos that would disappear after a short period of time.

2013

Rapid Growth and Popularity

Snapchat quickly gained popularity among young users due to its unique approach to photo-sharing. Instead of permanent posts, Snapchat emphasized self-destructing messages, promoting privacy and authenticity. The app reached 10 million active users in just 11 months from its launch.

2013

Rapid Growth and Renaming

By 2013, Snapchat had grown exponentially and attracted a huge user base. In this year, the app was renamed 'Snapchat' as the developers wanted to expand their services beyond just picture messaging. The new name reflected the introduction of 'Stories,' allowing users to share a collection of photos and videos that would disappear after 24 hours.

2011

Picaboo: The Precursor

In the year 2011, Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy launched an app called Picaboo. This app allowed users to send photos that would disappear after a short period. It was essentially a precursor to what would become Snapchat, introducing the concept of ephemeral messaging to the world.

2012

Rebranding as Snapchat

In 2012, the creators of Picaboo decided to rebrand the app and renamed it 'Snapchat.' The app gained popularity quickly due to its unique feature of photos disappearing after being viewed.

2011

Launch and Early Adoption

Snapchat was officially launched in September 2011 under the name 'Picaboo'. Initially, it faced some criticism and skepticism, but its unique disappearing message feature quickly gained popularity, especially among college students. The ability to send candid and authentic moments without the fear of them being permanently stored ignited a sense of freedom and impulsiveness, which appealed to Snapchat's early adopters.

2012

Rebranding as Snapchat

In September 2012, the app was rebranded as Snapchat. This name change aimed to reflect the broader functionality of the app, which now included the ability to send both photos and videos. Snapchat gained popularity among younger users who enjoyed the temporary and spontaneous nature of the content.

2012

Rapid Growth and User Engagement

By 2012, Snapchat's popularity began to soar. The app gained traction among young users who embraced its temporary nature and the spontaneity it encouraged. This led to rapid growth in user engagement, as people eagerly shared candid moments of their lives and engaged with their friends through photos, videos, and playful filters. Snapchat's unique user experience started to redefine the way people communicated in the digital world.

2012

Official Launch and Early Growth

In July 2012, Snapchat was officially launched as a mobile app for iOS devices. It quickly gained popularity, especially among teenagers and young adults, due to its unique feature of self-destructing messages, which provided a sense of privacy. By the end of the year, Snapchat users were sharing over 20 million photos per day.

2011

Launch under the Name 'Picaboo'

On July 8, 2011, the Snapchat app was launched under the name 'Picaboo.' The app allowed users to send photos with added captions and drawings, and the sent photos would automatically delete after a few seconds. Despite the initial positive response, the co-founders decided to rebrand the app to better represent its evolving features and potential.

2012

Rebranding as Snapchat

In 2012, the founders decided to rebrand the app and renamed it as 'Snapchat'. The new name reflected the primary functionality of the app, which was to send 'snaps' or pictures that were deleted after being viewed, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of the platform.

2013

Exploding Popularity

Snapchat experienced exponential growth in 2013, becoming one of the most popular social media apps. The unique feature of disappearing messages made it appealing to users who valued privacy and authenticity. By the end of the year, Snapchat had more than 40 million active users.

2012

Rebranding to Snapchat

In November 2012, the founders decided to rename the app to 'Snapchat' to better align with its core messaging functionality. The name change came along with an updated logo, which featured a ghost icon known as 'Ghostface Chillah.' This rebranding marked a significant turning point by solidifying Snapchat's identity and paving the way for its exponential growth in the years to come.

2014

Beyond Photos: Introduction of Snapchat Discover

In 2014, Snapchat expanded its features with the introduction of 'Snapchat Discover.' This section of the app allowed media companies such as BuzzFeed, ESPN, and National Geographic to share short, interactive content with users. Snapchat Discover opened up new possibilities by combining news, entertainment, and interactive features in a vertical format, catering to the growing user base.

2014

Introduction of Stories

Snapchat introduced the 'Stories' feature, allowing users to share a compilation of photos and videos that would be available for 24 hours. This innovative concept revolutionized social media and served as a precursor to similar features adopted by other platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

2013

Stories and Discover

In October 2013, Snapchat introduced the 'Stories' feature, allowing users to create a chronological compilation of photos and videos that could be viewed by their friends for 24 hours. This feature added a new dimension to the app, making it more than just a messaging platform. Additionally, in January 2015, Snapchat launched 'Discover,' featuring content from various publishers and media outlets.

2013

The Rise of Snapchat Stories

Snapchat introduced a new feature called 'Stories' in October 2013. This feature allowed users to create a compilation of photos and videos that would be visible to their followers for 24 hours before disappearing. Stories became immensely popular as they provided a way to share a series of moments throughout the day.

2012

Introduction of the Name 'Snapchat'

In September 2012, the app was rebranded as 'Snapchat.' The name 'Snapchat' was derived from the concept of 'snap,' which refers to a quick or fleeting moment, combined with the idea of chatting or messaging. This new name represented the essence of the app perfectly, capturing the ephemeral nature of the shared content.

2012

Snapchat is Born

In the year 2012, Picaboo was rebranded as Snapchat. The name 'Snapchat' perfectly captured the essence of the app: sending 'snaps,' which were quick and temporary visual messages. This rebranding marked the official birth of the app that would redefine how people communicate and share moments.

2013

Rapid growth and user engagement

In 2013, Snapchat experienced rapid growth and gained millions of users worldwide. The ephemeral nature of the platform appealed to younger generations who sought privacy and a more casual way of sharing moments.

2013

Stories and Discover: Expanding Beyond Individual Snaps

In 2013, Snapchat introduced the 'Stories' feature that allowed users to compile their snaps into a chronological narrative visible to their friends. This feature provided a more immersive and longer-lasting way to share daily moments. The following year, Snapchat launched 'Discover,' a platform for media companies to create and distribute curated content. These additions expanded the app's scope beyond individual snaps and contributed to its evolution as a multifaceted social media platform.

2014

Ephemeral Messaging Trend

Snapchat's concept of temporary or ephemeral messaging started a trend among social media platforms. Many other apps, including Instagram and Facebook, began incorporating similar features into their platforms. Snapchat's unique approach to content sharing and privacy had a significant cultural impact on how people communicated and shared content online.

2015

Lenses and Filters

Snapchat introduced augmented reality filters, known as 'Lenses,' enabling users to add various effects to their snaps. The face-distorting filters, in particular, became immensely popular and contributed to Snapchat's cultural impact, inspiring millions of users to share creative and humorous snaps.

2016

Snap Inc. and Spectacles

In 2016, Snapchat rebranded itself as Snap Inc., marking its evolution beyond a single app. Alongside the rebranding, Snap Inc. released a hardware product called Spectacles. These sunglasses featured a built-in camera that could record short videos, directly compatible with the Snapchat app. Spectacles aimed to enhance the user experience and offered a new way to capture and share moments.

2013

Rapid User Growth

Throughout 2013, Snapchat experienced rapid user growth and gained popularity, particularly among younger demographics. The app offered a unique way of communicating and sharing moments, attracting millions of users worldwide. Snapchat's rise in popularity inspired other social media platforms to incorporate similar ephemeral features into their offerings.

2014

Introduction of Snapchat Stories

In 2014, Snapchat introduced a new feature called 'Stories.' This feature allowed users to create a compilation of photos and videos that could be viewed for 24 hours. Snapchat Stories revolutionized the way users shared their daily experiences.

2013

Rapid User Growth and Feature Expansion

By 2013, Snapchat had gained immense popularity and began rapidly expanding its user base. The app introduced various new features like messaging, Stories, and Snapcash. The introduction of Stories, a feature that allowed users to share a collection of photos and videos that disappeared after 24 hours, further revolutionized the way people interacted and shared content on the platform. This innovative approach to social media resonated with users and propelled Snapchat's growth.

2014

Snapchat Stories

Snapchat introduced its iconic 'Stories' feature in October 2013. Stories allowed users to create a compilation of photos and videos that could be viewed by their friends for 24 hours. This feature revolutionized the way people shared their daily experiences on social media, adding a more casual and real-time aspect to content sharing.

2013

Stories: Sharing Beyond Snaps

In 2013, Snapchat introduced a game-changing feature called 'Stories.' This feature allowed users to string together snaps to create a narrative that remained viewable for 24 hours. Stories transformed Snapchat from a purely person-to-person messaging app to a platform for sharing moments with a wider audience.

2014

The Birth of Geofilters

Snapchat introduced 'Geofilters' in 2014, which allowed users to add artistic overlays specific to their current location. This feature enhanced the user experience and became a significant component of Snapchat's visual identity.

2015

Lenses: Transforming Selfies with Augmented Reality

The year 2015 marked a pivotal moment in Snapchat's history with the introduction of 'Lenses.' This feature allowed users to add augmented reality effects and filters to their selfies, enabling them to transform their appearance or overlay playful animations. Lenses quickly became immensely popular, drawing millions of users to experiment with the engaging and interactive elements Snapchat offered. This innovation solidified Snapchat's position as a leading platform for creative self-expression.

2017

Snap Inc. IPO

Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, went public with its initial public offering (IPO). The IPO was highly anticipated, valuing the company at over $20 billion. The event marked a significant milestone for Snapchat, solidifying its position as a major player in the social media industry.

2015

Geofilters and Discover

Snapchat introduced Geofilters in 2014, which allowed users to add location-specific overlays to their snaps. This feature added a fun and customized element to the app. In January 2015, Snapchat also launched 'Discover,' a section within the app where users could view content from various publishers, including news articles, videos, and interactive experiences.

2015

Discover and sponsored content

In 2015, Snapchat launched 'Discover,' a section of the app dedicated to curated content from media publishers and brands. This marked the platform's move towards monetization through sponsored content and advertisements.

2015

Discover: Content from Publishers

The year 2015 witnessed the introduction of 'Discover' on Snapchat. This feature allowed publishers to share curated content, including articles, videos, and news, to Snapchat's users. Discover brought a new dimension to the app, making it a destination where users could not only communicate but also consume engaging content.

2014

Introduction of Stories

In October 2014, Snapchat introduced 'Stories' to its platform. Stories allowed users to compile a collection of photos and videos that would be available to their friends for 24 hours before disappearing. This feature revolutionized the way users shared their experiences and further contributed to Snapchat's popularity and competitive edge.

2017

Unveiling Spectacles: Embracing Wearable Technology

In 2017, Snapchat expanded beyond the mobile app by releasing its first hardware product, Spectacles. Spectacles were sunglasses equipped with a built-in camera that allowed users to capture moments and seamlessly upload them to their Snapchat account. This foray into wearable technology further emphasized Snapchat's focus on real-time, user-generated content, and positioned it as an innovative player in the tech industry.

2015

Discover and Live Stories

In January 2015, Snapchat launched 'Discover', a section of the app where publishers and media companies could share content with users. Later in the year, Snapchat introduced 'Live Stories', which curated snaps from events and locations worldwide, providing a real-time glimpse into various experiences.

2017

Snap Inc.'s IPO

In March 2017, Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, went public with its initial public offering (IPO). The IPO valued the company at around $24 billion and marked a major milestone for the popular social media platform. Despite facing increasing competition from other apps, Snapchat's user base continued to grow, and it played a significant role in shaping the social media landscape.

2017

IPO and Augmented Reality

2017 was a notable year for Snapchat as Snap Inc. went public and had its initial public offering (IPO). This move made the company widely available for investors. Additionally, Snapchat further embraced augmented reality (AR) technology with the introduction of 'Lenses.' This feature enabled users to apply real-time effects, animations, and filters to their photos and videos.

2017

IPO and Spectacles

Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, went public in March 2017 with its much-anticipated initial public offering (IPO). This move allowed Snap Inc. to raise significant funds and further expand its business ventures. Additionally, in the same year, Snapchat introduced its first hardware product, Spectacles. These sunglasses featured a built-in camera that allowed users to capture and share snaps directly from their perspective, adding a new dimension to the Snapchat experience.

2016

Lenses and filters

In 2016, Snapchat introduced augmented reality filters called 'Lenses.' These filters allowed users to add various effects to their photos and videos, including facial recognition features and interactive animations, enhancing the creative possibilities of the app.

2020

Continued Innovation and Cultural Impact

In recent years, Snapchat has continued to innovate and make a significant cultural impact. It introduced new features like 'Snap Map,' allowing users to share their locations, and 'Bitmoji,' personalized avatars that can be integrated into snaps. Snapchat's influence can be seen in the rise of disappearing content on various social media platforms and the way it shaped modern communication.

2017

IPO and Spectacles

Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, went public in March 2017 with an initial public offering (IPO). The IPO valued the company at $24 billion, making it one of the largest tech IPOs in recent history. In the same year, Snapchat released 'Spectacles,' a pair of sunglasses equipped with a camera that allowed users to capture 'snaps' from their perspective.

2017

IPO and Spectacles

In March 2017, Snapchat went public with its initial public offering (IPO), marking a significant milestone in the company's history. The IPO raised substantial funds and showcased the company's potential. Additionally, Snapchat released its first hardware product, 'Spectacles' - sunglasses with a built-in camera that could capture Snaps directly. This move extended the platform's reach and diversified its offerings.

2020

Snapchat's Cultural Influence

Snapchat's impact on popular culture includes the popularization of AR filters, the rise of vertical video content, and its role as a platform for communication and self-expression among younger generations. The app also plays a role in major events like the 2020 US presidential election, where political candidates utilized Snapchat to reach younger voters.

2020

Augmented Reality and Cultural Influence

Throughout its journey, Snapchat has consistently pushed the boundaries of augmented reality (AR) technology within its platform. From interactive filters to immersive AR experiences, Snapchat has become a pioneer in integrating AR into social media. The app's popular AR filters, such as the famous dog face filter and gender-swap filter, have not only entertained millions of users but have also influenced popular culture, inspiring a wave of viral trends and challenges.

2016

Snap Inc. and Spectacles

Snapchat's parent company, Snap Inc., was officially announced in September 2016. Alongside the rebranding, Snap Inc. introduced its first hardware product called 'Spectacles'. These sunglasses had an integrated camera that allowed users to capture and share their experiences directly on Snapchat.

2017

Snap Maps: Sharing Your Location

Snapchat introduced 'Snap Maps' in 2017, enabling users to share their location with friends on a map. This feature added a layer of real-time context to the app, facilitating meetups and enabling users to see what their friends were up to. Snap Maps further enhanced the social experience and sense of connection on Snapchat.

2020

Evolution and Expansion

Over the years, Snapchat has evolved and expanded its features. It introduced augmented reality lenses, interactive filters, and various multimedia formats, making it a creative platform for users to express themselves. The app also expanded its reach globally, attracting a diverse user base. Today, Snapchat remains a popular social media platform with millions of active users worldwide.

2020

The Rise of Snap Map: Connecting Users Locally

Snapchat continued to evolve in 2020 with the introduction of Snap Map. This feature leverages geolocation data to show users' real-time locations on a map, enabling them to connect with friends locally and discover nearby events, popular spots, and breaking news. Snap Map further integrated the physical and digital worlds, providing users with a novel way to explore their surroundings and stay connected with their community.

2020

Expanding Beyond Snaps: Spotlight

In 2020, Snapchat expanded beyond its core functionality with the introduction of 'Spotlight.' This feature showcases user-generated content, including short videos, curated within the app. Spotlight aims to rival other popular platforms by rewarding creators and offering a place for viral content to thrive.

2017

Snapchat Spectacles

In 2017, Snapchat released 'Snapchat Spectacles,' a pair of camera-equipped sunglasses that allowed users to capture and share video snippets directly from their point of view. The product created a buzz and demonstrated Snapchat's innovative approach to wearable technology.

2017

An IPO and Snap Map

Snap Inc. went public in March 2017, making it one of the largest tech IPOs in recent years. In the same year, Snapchat launched 'Snap Map', a feature that enabled users to see their friends' location on a map, enhancing communication and fostering new social dynamics.

2020

Beyond Photos and Videos

Snapchat continued to innovate beyond its core features of photo and video sharing. It introduced additional features such as augmented reality lenses, games, interactive filters, and a 'Spotlight' section where users could discover user-generated short videos. These expansions helped Snapchat maintain its relevance and appeal to a diverse user base.

2020

Contemporary Relevance and Cultural Impact

Snapchat has become a cultural phenomenon, shaping the way people communicate and share moments visually. It has had a notable impact on the rise of ephemeral content and the integration of augmented reality filters in social media. The platform continues to innovate with features like 'Snap Map' and remains popular among younger generations, maintaining its position as one of the leading social media platforms.

2018

Redesign and mixed user response

In 2018, Snapchat underwent a major redesign to improve user experience and attract more users. However, the redesign faced backlash from some users who criticized the changes. This highlighted the platform's influence and passionate user base.

2020

Augmented Reality and Lenses

Snapchat expanded its augmented reality capabilities with the introduction of 'Lenses' in 2015. Lenses allowed users to apply real-time effects and filters to their selfies, using sophisticated facial recognition technology. This innovation revolutionized the way people interacted with the app, sparking widespread engagement.

2019

Snapchat in the cultural zeitgeist

In 2019, Snapchat solidified its place in popular culture. The app became a common means of communication for young people, with its iconic filters being used in social media challenges and memes. Snapchat had successfully created a cultural phenomenon.

2020

COVID-19 and increased usage

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased usage of Snapchat as people sought virtual connections and creative outlets while practicing social distancing. Snapchat provided a platform for users to engage and share moments despite physical limitations.

2021

Continued innovation and expansion

As of 2021, Snapchat continues to innovate and expand its features. It has introduced features like Spotlight, allowing users to share short-form content and enter a global video challenge. Snapchat remains a prominent player in the social media landscape.

Did you know?

Did you know, Snapchat initially started as an app called 'Picaboo'? Just like Halloween's ghosts, the initial concept wasn’t as beloved. Talk about a digital glow-up!