Snapchat

Definition

Snapchat is a multimedia messaging app designed for sending photos and videos that disappear after being viewed. It incorporates various mobile journalism techniques, allowing users to share live stories, engage with audiences through real-time updates, and utilize multimedia features such as filters, lenses, and geotags to enhance their storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Snapchat was launched in 2011 and quickly became popular among younger audiences for its unique approach to ephemeral messaging.
2. The app's 'Snap Map' feature allows users to see where their friends are located in real-time and discover local stories from around the world.
3. Snapchat introduced 'Discover,' a platform within the app for publishers to share news and entertainment content in a visually engaging format.
4. The use of augmented reality (AR) in Snapchat has paved the way for innovative storytelling methods, making journalism more interactive and engaging.
5. With over 500 million monthly active users, Snapchat remains a key player in mobile journalism, influencing how stories are created and consumed.

Review Questions

• How does Snapchat's Stories feature enhance mobile journalism for users?
  • Snapchat's Stories feature allows users to create a narrative by compiling multiple snaps into one cohesive story that can be shared with their audience for 24 hours. This ephemeral nature encourages real-time engagement and creates a sense of urgency, prompting users to consume content quickly. The ability to include multimedia elements such as images, videos, and text makes storytelling more dynamic and relatable, which is essential for effective mobile journalism.
• In what ways do Snapchat's filters and augmented reality features contribute to creative storytelling in journalism?
  • Snapchat's filters and augmented reality features significantly enhance creative storytelling by allowing journalists to incorporate visually engaging elements into their snaps. These tools enable users to create unique and entertaining content that captures attention and communicates messages effectively. By using AR, journalists can contextualize their stories in a visually compelling way, making the information more accessible and engaging for viewers.
• Evaluate the impact of Snapchat's Discover feature on traditional news media and its role in shaping mobile journalism.
  • Snapchat's Discover feature has transformed the landscape of traditional news media by providing a platform for publishers to reach younger audiences with visually rich content. This shift encourages media organizations to adapt their storytelling methods to fit the fast-paced environment of social media, where concise, engaging visuals are paramount. As mobile journalism continues to evolve, platforms like Snapchat challenge traditional news outlets to innovate their approaches and connect with audiences in meaningful ways while fostering an interactive experience.

Related terms

Stories: A feature on Snapchat that allows users to compile photos and videos into a narrative that can be viewed by friends for 24 hours.

Filters: Augmented reality tools within Snapchat that can alter the appearance of photos and videos, adding fun visual effects.

Geofilters: Customizable overlays available on Snapchat that can be added to snaps based on the user's location, often used for events or specific areas.