Snapchat is a multimedia messaging app developed by Snap Inc. It was launched in 2011 by Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown while they were students at Stanford University. The app is known for its ephemeral messaging, where photos and videos (called “Snaps”) disappear after being viewed. Over the years, Snapchat has evolved into a full-fledged social media platform with various features.

Key Features of Snapchat

1. Snaps – Users can send photos or videos that disappear after being viewed.
2. Stories – Users can post Snaps to their “Story,” which remains visible for 24 hours.
3. Snap Map – Allows users to share their location and see where friends are on a map.
4. Lenses & Filters – Augmented Reality (AR) filters and effects that enhance Snaps.
5. Chat & Video Calls – Private messaging and video calling features.
6. Discover – A section where users can watch content from brands, influencers, and media outlets.
7. Spotlight – A short-form video platform similar to TikTok.
8. Bitmoji Integration – Customizable avatars for users.
9. Memories – A feature that lets users save Snaps and Stories.

Business Model

Snapchat generates revenue through:

• Advertising – Sponsored Snaps, Stories, and AR lenses.
• Snapchat+ (Subscription) – Premium features for users.
• In-App Purchases – Digital goods like filters, Bitmoji outfits, and more.

Read Previous Post – Artificial Intelligence: What’s the Buzz About It?

User Base & Popularity

• Over 400 million daily active users (as of 2024).
• Popular among Gen Z and Millennials.
• Competes with Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp in the social media space.

Snapchat was built using a combination of programming languages, each serving different aspects of the app’s functionality. The key languages include:

1. Objective-C & Swift – Used for the iOS app development.
2. Java & Kotlin – Used for the Android app development.
3. Python – Used on the backend, particularly for handling machine learning, analytics, and backend services.
4. C++ – Used for performance-critical tasks, including image and video processing.
5. Go (Golang) – Used for high-performance backend services and scalability.
6. JavaScript (Node.js) – Used in some parts of the backend and web applications.
7. PHP – Historically used in some backend services but less prominent now.

Snapchat also relies on various frameworks and tools like Google Cloud, Kubernetes, and machine learning libraries for different functionalities.

Snapchat continues to innovate with AI, AR, and interactive experiences, making it one of the most dynamic social platforms today.