Snapchat launches a web version
Since its inception more than a decade ago, Snapchat has only been accessible through mobile devices, unlike many other social media networks.
However, the business unveiled a web-based version of the well-known messaging software on Monday.
Users should be able to freely move between their phones and laptops while still being able to carry on chats on the platform.
But the new desktop feature may also make it possible for Zoom, an unexpected competitor, to take on Snapchat (SNAP).
Despite being renowned for allowing users to exchange vanishing conversations and photographs, or "snaps," the business claims that video calling has grown in popularity on the app.
According to Snapchat, the app facilitates more than 100 million video calls every month with a maximum of 15 participants.
Now that consumers may make such calls from a PC, it is hoped that the service will be simpler and more enjoyable to use.
The concept is comparable to video-calling services like Zoom (ZM), which were very popular during the epidemic, but Snapchat has some distinct selling advantages.
According to the firm, users will be able to start calls more quickly and conveniently since they are already linked to friends and can see when others are online.
Soon, video conversations on the web-based version of Snapchat will also support the company's renowned picture lenses, which may give users the appearance of having freckles, dog ears, or other traits.
To encourage users to share photographs with their friends, the online version of Snapchat opens immediately to the camera.
Users may open snaps or start a discussion by selecting one of the latest buddy talks shown in a sidebar.
According to the firm, the online version won't initially have all the features of the mobile app, such as the "Snap Map" where users can monitor their pals or discover new areas.
With the debut of its web-based platform, Snapchat will enable users to exchange photographs, chat, and make video calls from a computer.
A spokesperson for Snap, the parent company of the app, said in a statement: "With so many in our community spending more time online, whether it be for remote learning or working, streaming or just plain browsing, we saw a huge opportunity to make it easier for our community to stay connected throughout their day."
Snapchat for the web forbids users from capturing screenshots of conversations or snaps in order to safeguard users' security and privacy (the app alerts users if someone screenshots their chat or photo).
To prevent users from clicking away from the Snapchat window, the business also developed a "privacy screen."
The launch occurs at a time when Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, is under pressure on Wall Street following the publication of a larger-than-anticipated loss in its most recent earnings report and the subsequent warning to investors that it had reduced its outlook for the upcoming quarter due to a deteriorating economy.
Shares of Snap, which are expected to release second-quarter results this week, have fallen by 70% since the year's beginning.
Snap unveiled Snapchat+, a new premium membership service, last month with the potential to increase its income. Because of the online version, the new $3.99 per month membership option may be appealing.
All Snapchat users in Australia and New Zealand, as well as Snapchat+ members in the US, UK, and Canada, will have access to the web-based version of the app from launch.
Soon, customers of Snapchat+ in France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will be able to use the service.