difference between following and friends on snapchat

Charlotte

2 min read

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26-02-2025

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Snapchat's social dynamic is built around two key relationships: following and friends. While they might seem interchangeable at first glance, there are crucial distinctions that impact how you interact with others on the platform. This article will clarify the differences between following and friends on Snapchat, helping you navigate the app more effectively.

Following on Snapchat: One-Way Street

When you follow someone on Snapchat, it's a one-way street. You'll see their Stories in your feed, but they won't automatically know you're following them. Think of it like subscribing to a YouTube channel – you consume their content, but there's no direct connection established.

• No Notifications: The person you're following won't receive a notification that you've added them to your following list.
• Public Stories: You primarily see their public Stories – content they've shared with a broad audience.
• Limited Interaction: You can't directly message them or participate in features like group chats unless they add you back as a friend.
• Easy to Manage: Following allows you to passively observe a variety of accounts, even celebrities or brands, without necessarily becoming directly connected.

In short: Following is a great way to consume content from people or brands you're interested in without necessarily establishing a two-way relationship.

Friends on Snapchat: A Two-Way Connection

Becoming friends on Snapchat means establishing a mutual connection. Both users have added each other, creating a reciprocal relationship. This unlocks a wider range of features and interactions.

• Notifications: Both users receive a notification when a friend request is accepted.
• Direct Messaging: You can send private Snaps and Chats directly to your friends.
• Story Exclusivity: Friends can share private stories visible only to their friends.
• Collaborative Features: You can participate in group chats, share locations (if enabled), and collaborate on other interactive features.
• Friend Emojis: Snapchat assigns friend emojis based on the strength of your relationship, a fun indicator of your closeness with specific friends.

In short: Friendship on Snapchat signifies a closer, more interactive relationship. It's the cornerstone of personal connections within the app.

How to Follow vs. Add a Friend

The process for following and adding a friend on Snapchat are distinct.

Following Someone:

1. Find the user's profile.
2. Tap the "+" button next to their username.
3. You now follow them.

Adding a Friend:

1. Find the user's profile.
2. Tap the "Add Friend" button. You might need to type in their username or scan their Snapcode.
3. They must accept your friend request for the connection to be complete.

Key Differences Summarized

Understanding these differences is crucial for a better Snapchat experience. Whether you choose to follow or add someone as a friend depends on your desired level of interaction and relationship with that user.