One of the most popular social media apps among students just got a serious upgrade.
Snapchat is a photo-sharing application that allows users to easily send photos and videos to their friends. Each snap lasts only a maximum of ten seconds before it disappears forever. Well, unless your friend was quick enough to take a screenshot, then you’re out of luck.
Snapchat has come a long way since I first downloaded it almost four years ago. First came the ability to write and draw on photos using a tool in the upper right hand corner, then came video capabilities and text filters.
But one of the most exciting additions was “My Story.” Instead of choosing who to send your snaps to each time, Snapchat made it easier to share photos by allowing users to post photos and videos to their “story” for friends to look at. Each story lasts only 24 hours.
Capitalizing on its popularity, Snapchat has just upped its game in a major way. The app now allows users to swipe left on their screens to access a “discover” page. The page directs users to 12 different “apps” to choose from: CNN, Comedy Central, Cosmopolitan, Daily Mail, ESPN, Food Network, National Geographic, People, Vice, Yahoo! News, Warner Music Group and Snapchat’s own “Snap,” a fun, newsy page including a word of the day. With the tap of the button, each app presents its information in an interactive, graphic-friendly, easily accessible way.
Tap on CNN, Daily Mail, and Yahoo! News to see the latest in news. Videos, lists, bullet points and image-rich content make the stories more exciting than a traditional news site. This upgrade has a lot of potential for news sources to reach a previously isolated market of teenagers.
Other options like Cosmopolitan offer hairstyle, make-up, clothing and dating tips, a quote of the day and more. ESPN of course has the latest in sports, including videos, highlights and top prospects. The Food Network has some pretty amazing looking recipes. Check out a few of their tips and whip up a fabulous meal in no time that’ll leave everyone impressed. It can be your little secret that you got the recipe off Snapchat.
All of the choices offered are fun, interactive and cater to just about anyone. And the best part is, the content is new every day. That’s right, every day. So now you can be an informed citizen of America just by going on to Snapchat. Pretty sweet.
But one aspect of the upgrade some people are complaining about is that you can no longer see your friends’ “best friends” list, aka the people they snap the most. While we’re all guilty of creeping on our ex-boyfriends/girlfriends and friends to see who they’re talking to, I think this upgrade is a good move. Snaps are private, so why should who you’re snapping be broadcasted to all of your friends to see?
Anyways, Snapchat’s upgrade could be a major game-changer in the world of news and journalism. It’s a completely new way to access news and information and I only predict good things. If you haven’t gotten the update yet, I suggest you get on it.
