Snapchat now allows users to make voice and video calls using a browser on their laptop or PC, provided they have a Snapchat+ subscription.
As a part of the Snapchat+ subscription, users will now be able to send Snaps and make calls using Snapchat for Web, a browser-based platform that works just like the Snapchat app. Over the years, Snapchat has grown extremely popular, especially among younger users who love to share photos and videos using the AR filters and Lenses available in the app.
After Snap spent years refining the main application and creating a large user base, it launched a paid version called Snapchat+. As the name suggests, Snapchat+ is a premium subscription that provides additional, exclusive features. These include Ghost Trails, a rewatch counter, a profile badge, and access to upcoming features that might be released for both paying and regular users of Snapchat.
To make a call on Snapchat for Web, select a friend in the chat feed and click on the video camera icon or the phone icon at the top right of the chat. Clicking on the video camera icon will start a video call, and clicking on the phone icon will start a voice call. Once Snapchat for Web users enter a call, it will be displayed on the right side of the screen. Further, calls work across the web and mobile apps – a user on Snapchat for Web can call someone who is using the Snapchat app, and vice-versa. Snapchat users can connect with their friends using any laptop or PC with Google Chrome or Edge. However, non-paying users won’t be able to use Snapchat on their computer at the moment, as the service is currently only available for Snapchat+ subscribers.
Snapchat Wants To Compete With Messaging Apps
The release of Snapchat for Web indicates that Snap is planning to compete with mainstream messaging and communication apps that are available on multiple platforms, including smartphones and desktops. In a press release, Snap mentions that more than 100 million Snapchatters are using the voice and video calling feature per month. Extending the calling functionality to Snapchat for Web could attract more users, especially those who prefer making video calls from their desktop or laptop. This functionality already exists on platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger. These Meta-owned messaging platforms provide audio and video calling on their mobile and desktop apps.
Using Snapchat on a desktop with a keyboard and mouse will be a new experience for users, given that the photo and video sharing platform has been mobile-only since its inception. In the near future, Snapchat for Web will also get support for AR Lenses, allowing users to add fun elements to their Snaps or calls. Currently, the web-based Snapchat platform does not support the Safari browser, but Mac users can access the service using Google Chrome. Although Snapchat+ is available in several regions, Snapchat for Web will initially be available in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Source: Snapchat
