7 hacks for using the new version of Snapchat, because life is difficult enough
It’s hard to ignore the backlash against Snapchat’s latest update. In February 2018, the creators released a complete redesign of the app, giving it a major facelift that changes the way it will be used. It sounds dramatic to say users were furious, but it’s not far from the truth. People are literally begging the app to go back to the way it was, but unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like that’s going to happen. So unless you want to delete it altogether, you need to learn some hacks on how to use the new Snapchat.
The most significant change involves the way you view Stories. Instead of swiping left, you have to swipe right to find your friends. Also, the Snap Stories aren’t in chronological order anymore, but instead in order of how often you interact with other friends. In other words, you might have to scroll through your friend list to see some updates. If you swipe left, you get to the Discover page, which is where you’ll find articles — but also the Snap Stories from the celebrities you follow but aren’t actual friends with. It’s definitely not as clean as the older version, and it is admittedly confusing. false
The new update does make the app look completely different, but if you want to continue using it, you just need to get used to the new stuff. It might take a little experimenting and playing around, but it could be worth it in the end! For all of the bad stuff about the redesign, you have to remember that there are also some cool new features you can use too. There’s really no point in holding out hope for things to go back to the way they were — the company likely put a ton of time, effort, and most importantly, money, into making this app the way it is now. There’s no turning back!
To help you acclimate, we have a few tips on how to use the new Snapchat to make your life a little bit easier:
1. Start typing names into search bars.
From now on, your list of Snap Stories won’t be in chronological order. Instead, it will be in the order of who you interact with the most, according to the algorithm. While we don’t yet know exactly how the app figures that out, a good guess is that the top of the list will be made up of the Stories you watch the most often, the people you message the most, and the names you search for the most. So if you want someone to get to the top of your list, start searching their name.
The search tool is just a handy tip in itself. The new order is confusing and if you have a lot of friends, you’re going to have trouble finding the stories you’re interested in. Typing the person’s name in the search bar (just tap the little magnifying glass icon next to where it says “Friends”) will help.
Guys, a little hack to the new Snapchat update if you dont want to leave the app completely, like me:
Write/snap something to the creator you want to be able to check often.
Then they will always appear in your "messages" tab when you swipe right, even if the chat is "pending"
— scarf 🇺🇦 🏳️🌈 (@scarfee_) February 12, 2018
2. Make group stories.
One of the new features Snapchat offers is group stories. You know location stories, where you can add your story to a larger story made by all different users? This is like that, but more personal. You and a few friends can create a group story each of you can contribute to for a more personal experience on an app that definitely feels very confusing.
3. Remove the things you don’t care about on the Discover page.
The Discover page can get confusing fast, because there’s so much content there. You’ll notice a lot of news stories and articles that you aren’t interested in at all — in fact, you may only go to that page to see the snaps from celebs you follow. If you’re sick of seeing the same publication or topic, just tap on the content, hold a tile, and hit “See Less Like This” or “Unsubscribe.” This really allows you to personalize the page more.
4. Interact with the people who are important to you.
If you’re only interested in the stories of a few people, start interacting with them more. Send them messages, send snaps directly to them, watch their stories more than once. They’ll end up in the top section that way.
5. Create a bitmoji so it’s easier for friends to find you.
The new update included an update to bitmojis, making them even more realistic looking. And considering the layout of the new Snapchat, you kind of need a bitmoji. It will help your friends find you faster on their lists. Create one to personalize your name so that you become easier to spot.
If you don't have a bitmoji at this point then you're really messing up my perfectionism with the new snapchat update. 🙁
— Cutie With A Greatsword 🗡️ (@Ofanichan) February 6, 2018
6. Don’t click on the things you aren’t genuinely interested in.
Again, the order is now based on how you use the app. So if you keep seeing articles on, say, Kylie Jenner that you don’t want to see, don’t click on them. Hit “Unsubscribe” right away and don’t click into the article! Even if you hate reading, the algorithm will think you’re genuinely interested. The same goes for friends: if you don’t want someone in your top friends list, don’t watch their stories.
7. Try getting the old version back.
There is a hack on how to get the old version of the app back, it’s just kind of an annoying process.
PSA: how to reverse the Snapchat update ‼️ pic.twitter.com/EN2wY3Xo5S
— clare james (@clarejamess9) February 9, 2018
Some say it doesn’t really work, either, and it may not be around forever. But if you really can’t stand this update, it’s worth a try.
Of course, you can always delete the app and just move on…but then you’ll miss out on the stories your friends are posting! So that’s not fun either. Your best bet is to embrace the changes and start adjusting. This version of Snapchat is here to stay.
