Founded in 2011, Snapchat is one of the leading and innovative social media apps with over 280 million users.
Albeit the platform wasn’t launched, with as many features as it has, as of today, chat and stories were the two features that helped Snapchat get to the top of the social media pyramid.
Did you know that some of the most-used social media platforms copied Snapchat’s unique features but couldn’t take its dominance?
Yes! Although Instagram, Whatsapp, and Facebook have added stories, disappearing texts, and filters, almost 5 billion snaps are created each day on Snapchat.
What’s more, the powerful social networking platform has added a new feature, “Discover,” that works similar to Insta feed to stay connected with its customer base.
The best part? It’s the ability to capture and share photos and videos that self-destructs, and it became trendy overnight among pre-teens and college students.
Plus, the funny lenses I can bet my bottom dollar that once you have used the dog filter – haven’t you? Hey! Don’t be embarrassed; we all have been there.
SNAP STREAK! Voila – a feature that keeps its users engaged and compels them to keep backing to the platform and stay connected with their folks.
Geo-filters, snap map, bitmoji integration, Shazam integration, user notice for screenshots, video editing feature, visual analytics, etc., are some of the top-notch features offered by the social media app.
However, Snapchat competes in a highly competitive environment, where it faces up against established internet tech giants, including Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram.
Let’s jump in and explore each social networking platform.
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Top 10 Competitors and Alternatives to Snapchat
Are there any social networking platforms or messaging apps that offer almost similar features to Snapchat and help you build a whole new base?
Certainly! But what exactly are those platforms, and what each of them has to offer? That’s where Marketingtutor.net come into play so you can choose the platform that best fits your need.
Here’s what you need to know that which factors helping it survive the competition:
- Founded: 2010
- Headquarters: Menlo Park, California.
Are you seeking a social networking platform with an organized and targeted location to share personal developments? The short answer is, INSTAGRAM!
Insta – as what Generation Z calls it, is one of the most popular and most-used social media networking apps with over 1.2 billion users.
Over 81% of users find the platform very handy when it comes to exploring services and related products.
It is one of the top competitors to Snapchat as the platform features built-in filters, stories, IGTV, and live video.
Moreover, you can also add music to your stories on Instagram, which is really similar to Snapchat.
Although the platform doesn’t feature a self-destruct facility, it can help you save every moment of your life and can be used as a platform to promote your brand/business.
Facebook Messenger
- Founded: 2004
- Headquarters: Menlo Park, California.
With over 2.85 billion monthly active users, Facebook is one of the biggest and most famous social networking platforms.
Facebook has copied much of its new features from Snapchat, including stories, filters, face swapping, etc.
Also, using the platform, you can connect with your long-lost high school friends and can share your achievements on the platform to stay connected with your family/friends on a deeper level.
With Facebook messenger, you aren’t only able to communicate with your friends but, it allows you to share documents, files, videos, photos, and videos.
Plus, you can make voice or video calls irrespective of your location without compromising on the quality of voice/video.
Also, now you don’t have to feel sad over not being able to watch a movie/video with your friends. WHY? That’s because a watch together feature allows you to watch a movie with your friends over a video call.
The only downside? It is believed that the app collects telemetry data from your device that may not go well for people who have privacy concerns.
All-in-all, Snapchat is preferred over Facebook Messenger by people who want to keep their chat private and secure.
Likee
- Founded: 2017
- Headquarters: Singapore.
Are you into video creation? Chances are you have heard of or already used Likee. The platform has so much to offer to its users, from stickers to special effects to editing tools, etc.
So, if you are someone who loves exploring videos full of entertainment, lip-syncs, dances, life hacks, beauty, and fitness suggestions, Likee is probably right up your street.
Plus, the platform features strategic marketing tools such as push notifications, banners with embedded links, and augmented reality effects that can take your brand to a whole new level.
What’s more, Likee enables users to earn money by either doing live streaming or engaging in challenges, and a lot more. How cool – no?
- Founded: 2009
- Headquarters: Menlo Park, California.
Did you know that with 2 billion users in 180 countries, Whatsapp is the most-used messaging app across the globe?
Also, using Whatsapp, you can make unlimited voice and video calls regardless of the location. Product catalogs, voice messages, create groups, options to delete messages, quick messaging, etc., are the top features offered by the messaging app.
Although the platform has introduced features similar to Snapchat, including stories and one-time views so, it can stay ahead in the internet tech world; Snapchat is still a far better option as it is more secure.
It’s the central mode of communication for all, which is not only free but easy-to-use and comes with loads of functional features.
- Founded: 2011
- Headquarters: Shenzhen, China.
What’s the best alternative to Snapchat’s messaging feature? Yes, you got it right; WeChat is one of the most widely used messaging apps. On average, its users spend almost 82 minutes using the solution each day.
With over 1.2 billion active users, the solution was initially launched as a messaging app; it has evolved into a multi-purpose social media app.
Plus, over 44.8 billion messages are sent each day by the platform’s users.
Also, with a growing number of features that enable work-related tasks and a large user base, almost 90% of Chinese professional uses the platform for workplace communication.
Similar to Snapchat, the solution allows you to send messages, GIFS, send voice notes, make video and voice calls; however, WeChat doesn’t offer fancy video and picture filters.
- Founded: 2006
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California.
With over 185 million active users, Twitter is one of the most popular online social networking platforms that allow users to connect with a bigger audience.
It’s a platform that lets you share your thoughts, real-time information (news), and other related content.
Plus, Twitter is the only social networking site that encourages engagements more than any other social media app/platform. Nonetheless, building a strong and responsive engagement isn’t that easy.
Did you know that social media advertisers love Twitter as it helps them gain a customer base and attract followers?Nevertheless, the platform lacks end-to-end encryption, video, image sharing filters/stickers, and self-destruct features.
Both Snapchat and Twitter compete with each other for advertising revenue and user base.
Strictly put, Snapchat emits personal vibes so, anyone with privacy concerns prefers Snapchat as it is much more private, allowing you to be yourself.
Tumblr
- Founded: 2007
- Headquarters: New York, USA.
People tend to confuse Tumblr as a mere microblogging site; little do they realize they are just missing out on so much as Tumblr is one of the best social networking platforms exhibiting personal space.
Also, the social networking site garnered around 319.2 million visits worldwide as of June 2021.
Plus, you can use the channel to post texts, videos, videos, or anything that best serves the interest of users.
What’s more, the solutions work similarly to a blogging site featuring a dashboard that enables users to pen down whatever is popping up into their minds and manage the whole social media profile.
The platform makes an ideal choice for Millennials because it provides them with a much more private space with a focused audience.
Tumblr gives a tough competition to Snapchat as you have your whole personal space to express your thoughts using multimedia content.
Wickr
- Founded: 2013
- Headquarters: New York, USA.
Wickr (pronounced as WICKER) is just up your alley if aiming for self-destruct content features similar to Snapchat.
Although the platform isn’t much popular as other social networking and messaging apps, Wickr is a great social messaging app with tons of features.
The platform features some of the top and functional features, including end-to-end encrypted messages, photo and video sharing, voice memos, files, and plenty more, making it a great app to communicate with your family and friends.
What’s more, the app also offers various picture and video filters that users can use to spruce up their photos.
The biggest plus, users have complete anonymity and privacy. The platform acts as a truly private messaging app.
Telegram
- Founded: 2013
- Headquarters: London, UK (Legal), Dubai (operational).
With almost 500 million active users, Telegram is a highly secure instant messaging service app.
The app gained popularity overnight among users who wanted to keep their conversations private and secure.
In terms of features, Telegram outplays Snapchat.
That’s because Telegram features, passcode lock, public channels, creating groups up to 200,000 members, terminate active sessions (in case your mobile gets stolen), telegram bots, and plenty more; it lacks fancy photo and video filters that enhances your images.
The final decision boils down to what you are seeking, whether a photo and video sharing platform with fancy filters or something that can help you build a large online community.
So, if a large community is something that entices you, you know which platform can cater to your needs! WITHOUT A DOUBT, TELEGRAM!
Imgur
- Founded: 2009
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California.
It is an image hosting and sharing platform that a significant number of users love surfing, especially users from social media sites including Twitter and Reddit.
Also, the platform is unsurpassed, particularly in terms of funny pet videos, memes, and other fun-related content.
You can create GIFS and short videos using the platform and then share them with the community of Imgur and other social networking platforms.
Imgur doesn’t compete with Snapchat as it lacks self-destruct content and chat features; nevertheless, it is a stream full of humorous content and GIFS.
The Takeaway
Snapchat was one of the first social networking platforms to introduce disappearing content features. However, some of the leading internet technology social media apps have copied its top-notch features; they haven’t surpassed its legacy and have a lot to do to become a complete alternative to Snapchat.
Nonetheless, if you wish to explore something more and jump into the bandwagon of Snapchat alike apps, give any of these a shot!
