Snapchat is a popular multimedia messaging app known for its emphasis on ephemeral (temporary) content. It's built around the camera, making it easy to share moments instantly.

Here is a guide to help you get started:

Part 1: Setting Up Your Account
Download the App: Get the official Snapchat app from the Apple App Store (for iPhone/iPad) or the Google Play Store (for Android).

Sign Up: Open the app and tap "Sign Up."

Enter your Name and Birthday. (You must be at least 13.)

Choose a Username (this is your unique Snap ID and is permanent, so choose wisely).

Create a Password.

Enter and verify your Phone Number or Email Address.

Find Friends (Optional): Snapchat will ask for permission to access your contacts to suggest friends who are already on the app.

Set Up Your Bitmoji (Optional): This is a personalized cartoon avatar that represents you on Snapchat.

Part 2: Understanding the Main Screens
Snapchat's interface is based on a few key swipe directions from the main Camera Screen:

Screen   Direction   Icon   Purpose
Profile   Swipe Down or Tap Profile Icon (top-left)   Your Bitmoji/Photo   Manage your account, add friends, view your Snapcode, and check your Snap Score.
Chat   Swipe Right or Tap Chat Icon (bottom-left)   💬   See a list of your conversations, Snaps from friends, and start a text chat or call.
Stories   Swipe Left or Tap Stories Icon (bottom-right)   ▶
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    View Stories posted by your friends, content from Publishers, and general community content.
Snap Map   Pinch Out on Camera or Tap Map Icon   📍   See where your friends are (if they share their location) and check out public Snaps from around the world.
Spotlight   Tap Play Button (bottom-right of Camera)   ▶
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  (Play Button)   A vertical feed for short, entertaining videos, similar to TikTok or Instagram Reels.

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Part 3: Taking and Sending a Snap
The Camera Screen is the first thing you see when you open the app.

1. Taking a Photo or Video
Action   How to Do It
Photo (Snap)   Tap the Capture Button (large circular button at the bottom).
Video (Snap)   Press and hold the Capture Button. (You can record up to 60 seconds).
Switch Cameras   Tap the Flip Camera icon (🔄) or simply double-tap anywhere on the screen.
Use Lenses/Filters   Tap on your face on the screen to load the Lenses Carousel at the bottom. Scroll through to try different AR effects.

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2. Editing Your Snap
Once you take a Snap, you'll see an edit screen with tools on the right and bottom:

Tool   Icon   Purpose
Text   T   Add a caption to your Snap.
Draw   ✏
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    Draw freehand on your Snap.
Stickers   □ (Peel icon)   Add Emojis, Stickers, GIFs, or your Bitmoji.
Time/Loop   🕒   (Bottom-right) Set how long a recipient can view your Snap (from 1 second to unlimited view/loop).

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3. Sending Your Snap
Tap the "Send To" button (blue arrow ➡
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 ) in the bottom-right corner.

Select the friends you want to send it to.

Choose "My Story" if you want to share it publicly with your friends for 24 hours.

Tap the Send button at the bottom.

Part 4: Key Snapchat Terminology
Snap: A photo or video you send to a friend or post to your Story.

Story: A collection of Snaps that lasts for 24 hours.

Chat: The text messaging feature. Unlike Snaps, text messages in a Chat do not disappear until you both leave the conversation or until 24 hours after they are viewed (depending on your settings).

Snapstreak: A number that appears next to a friend's name when you send Snaps to each other for several consecutive days. It's a fun way to measure closeness!

Snapcode: Your unique QR-code-like image that makes it easy for others to add you as a friend by simply scanning the code.