New Snapchat Features Instant Messaging, Video Chat

Snapchat is expanding to include written instant messaging and video chatting instead of just individual images and videos.

The new, upgraded version of Snapchat will allow users to have live conversations instead of sharing one-off photos or videos to one another.

“[Until] today, we felt that Snapchat was missing an important part of conversation: presence. There’s nothing like knowing you have the full attention of your friend while you’re chatting,” reads the Snapchat announcement.

Even though Snapchat has adopted more in depth communication, it is still retaining its original gimmick of default deletion. As long as you remain on the chat window, you will be able to view previously sent messages from your session, but to save a specific message for later use, you must tap on the message or screenshot your conversation.

The default deletion allows Snapchat to continue to differentiate itself from other messaging apps.

The video component will only kick in when both parties involved in a private chat are on the app at the same time and looking at the same conversation.

To help users adjust to the more complicated aspects of the app’s newest feature, Snapchat has created a new official Twitter account named ‘Snapchat Support.’