How do you use the Snapchat?

Snapchat, which launched in September 2011, is an online photo sharing application, and can also be used to share text and films. What makes Snapchat different from other such sites is that the sender can determine how long the receiver of the message can view what has been sent.

The time limit of each communication is up to ten seconds - and then it vanishes for good. The site's founders believe this limit prevents users from projecting an idealized or outright fictional version of themselves, thus enabling truer one-to-one communications.

The time limit also means the images or text take up less memory on your device, given they delete themselves after the limit expires.The limit is also handy if send an image to a friend that you don't want to hang around for too long!

Snapchat is free to download and can be used on Android and iOS devices.

Why Shouldn't I Just Stick with Instagram?

One of Snapchat's boasts is that it offers its users a more intimate service than Instagram, so instead of broadcasting to the world, you are sharing with chosen friends. The social 'looping' effect, whereby recipient(s) are brought back to Snapchat is much faster than, for example, Instagram’s, meaning a message or image can gain greater momentum in a shorter space of time.

For hacking queries on Snapchat, check out How do you hack someone's Snapchat? or How do you hack Snapchat on iPhone with no jailbreak?

This film further explains Snapchat: