Snapchat today launches Snapchat for Web, a browser-based application for users to access the messaging platform without picking up their phones.
It will allow users, at first just Snapchat+ subscribers in the UK and elsewhere, to access the online social media company’s calling and messaging features.
The company said it plans to roll out the feature, which involves logging into web.snapchat.com with a web browser like Chrome or Firefox, to all users “soon.”
While only the main messaging features will be available out of the box on the web app, including snapshots, video calling lenses should be added soon.
The move suggests that the age profile of Snapchat’s user base is changing, as desktop and laptop users tend to prefer browser-based apps.
Roughly 80% of Snapchat’s ad audience profile is 18 and older, according to Data Reportal, with rival app TikTok now growing the most with under-18s. The move was fueled by “many in our community spending more time online, whether it’s learning or working remotely, streaming or just browsing.” “We saw a great opportunity to make it easy for our community to stay connected throughout the day and we can’t wait to bring our favorite core Snapchat capabilities to the web,”
The web app’s security measures include a privacy screen that hides the Snapchat web window and conversations from users if they click to perform another task. Snapchat launched on the web, allowing users to log in without a mobile phone
The web-based application is likely to be more popular with older users who spend more time working or learning remotely on desktops and laptops.
