Snapchat is essentially three apps in one: a photo and video editor with super-fun augmented-reality Lenses, a social network, and a source for bite-size entertainment. Here’s a cheat sheet for all the app has to offer.
Camera
What’s there: Take photos and record videos (touch and hold the shutter button). To switch between regular and selfie modes, double-tap the screen.
Pro tip: Add text, stickers, music, scribbles, links, and more to your Snaps using the tools in the upper right of the screen.
Shortcut gesture: None—it’s the app’s home screen!
Chat
What’s there: The messaging side of the app, where you can trade text and video messages with friends.
Pro tip: To make a voice or video call, select a friend, then tap the appropriate icon at the top of the screen.
Shortcut gesture: Swipe right from the Camera screen.
Lenses
What’s there: The augmented-reality Lenses the app is famous for. Wonder what you’d look like with a cowboy hat and gigantic mustache? Want to see a hot dog twerk on your dining table? Go for it!
Pro tip: Tap the Explore button, then swipe through the categories to browse. (Face Lenses transform your selfies; World Lenses add fun elements to the space around you.)
Shortcut gesture: Tap the smiley face on the Camera screen.
Search
What’s there: An easy way to search for friends, Stories from publishers, Lenses, and Snaps you’ve saved to Memories. You’ll also find Snaps and Stories of the moment, plus fun mini-games and trending users, publishers, shows, Lenses, and games.
Pro tip: Search a mental-health topic like anxiety, depression, grief, or bullying to see Snapchat’s helpful Here For You videos.
Shortcut gesture: Swipe down from the Camera screen.
Memories
What’s there: Every Snap and Story you created.
Pro tip: You can password-protect a Snap by saving it to the My Eyes Only vault.
Shortcut gesture: Swipe up from the Camera screen.
Spotlight
What’s there: Riveting short videos from users and publishers around the world.
Pro tip: To favorite a Snap and see more like it, tap the heart. To see other Snaps with the same hashtag, tap the icon with three dots.
Shortcut gesture: Swipe left from the Camera screen.
Snap Map
What’s there: Snaps of live events and breaking news around you—and what’s happening at major landmarks.
Pro tip: If your Snapchat friends have shared their location, check the Snap Map to see where they’re at.
Shortcut gesture: Swipe right twice from the Camera screen. (To go back to the Chat screen, swipe left with two fingers.)