Snapchat and Whatsapp are the two most used messaging applications worldwide.
The American company Snapchat was released in 2011, whose primary feature was that images and messages are available for a short period.
After a certain time, the messages and images automatically vanish.
On the other hand, Whatsapp is another American mobile application released in 2009.
Whatsapp is an application software for messaging, sharing images, documents, short videos, etc. Whatsapp messages do not automatically vanish after a certain period.
This is what makes Whatsapp the most used application in the world.
Key Takeaways
- Snapchat is a social media platform focused on ephemeral messaging and content, while WhatsApp is a messaging app that emphasizes privacy and security.
- Snapchat allows for creative expression through filters and lenses, while WhatsApp is more useful in design.
- Snapchat is more popular among younger users, while WhatsApp has a broader age range of users and is more commonly used in international contexts.
Snapchat vs Whatsapp
Snapchat is a social media platform that focuses on visual communication, allowing users to send each other short-lived photographs and videos? WhatsApp is a cross-platform messaging and voice-over-IP service that allows users to exchange text messages, voice- messages, make voice and video chats and share media files over the internet with individuals and groups.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Snapchat | |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Recording | Not Available | Available |
| End-to-end encryption | No | Yes |
| File Size | 17MB | 100 MB |
| Groups | No | Less or equal to 256 |
| Location sharing | Not Available | Available |
| Media | Images/video | Images/video/documents/audio |
| Publisher | Snapchat Inc | Whatsapp Inc |
| Required Android Version | 4.0 + | 2.3.3 or above |
What is Snapchat?
Snapchat Inc is an American multimedia messaging application allowing users to share messages and images.
The images and messages sent to someone get automatically deleted after a certain period (24 Hours).
This feature provided by Snapchat can be advantageous because the other person can misuse some images or videos.
Snapchat has a page to view the latest news, fashion trends, and entertainment news. This feature of Snapchat is not available on Whatsapp, and thus most users find this interesting.
The primary aim of Snapchat was to share photos, which is what the app does.
When users open their Snapchat application on their phone, they will see that their camera is the first thing that opens because Snapchat does not get in the way of what it is designed for.
However, the biggest disadvantage of this app is that you cannot use it on a PC or a desktop.
Snapchat has one of the biggest disadvantages: teenage users can add anyone they want without even knowing them. This way, some data that has been shared can be misused in the future.
Suggestions appear when you use Snapchat showing the add option beside a person’s name. The suggestions appear from your phone’s contacts and people with whom you have mutual friends.
However, it is not always a safe option to add everyone you do not know.
What is Whatsapp?
Whatsapp is an American mobile application designed to share images, texts, documents, file links, and other such things. Whatsapp is an application that anyone can use without any hassle.
Opening a new Whatsapp account is also free, and the user interface is quite simple, which makes it the most used application in the world.
Jan Koum and Brian Acton founded Whatsapp, but now the company is in the hands of Facebook.
Whatsapp has got many more features than Snapchat in some ways. When saving images or texts, then Whatsapp allows you to do that because nowadays, most business meetings are conducted through Whatsapp only.
In Whatsapp, one cannot add anyone because Whatsapp does not give you suggestions to add someone or not.
If you want to add someone to your contact, you must first get their mobile number and save their contact on your phone, and then only that person’s name will appear on your Whatsapp.
You can also easily see who is online and who is not.
This makes it easier for you to text someone, knowing that they will reply to you back. However, Whatsapp allows you to video call or perform normal voice calling besides chatting or texting.
Messages and images are instantly saved, and it does not disappear after 24 hours.
Whatsapp does not come with showing news and trending videos like Snapchat, but it allows the users to share images or videos on their status so that everyone on their contact list can see what they shared.
Images are automatically backed up on your gallery; thus, you can refer to them later too. Important documents and links to some important files can be shared too.
Main Differences Between Snapchat and Whatsapp
- Snapchat does not allow you to save messages or images, whereas Whatsapp allows you to save images and messages and even back up your data.
- Snapchat is much more focused on privacy and security, whereas Whatsapp does not focus on privacy or security.
- Whatsapp is also available for PCs and laptops, whereas Snapchat cannot be used on a PC.
- Whatsapp can share files and documents with the other person, whereas Snapchat lacks in this case.
- Snapchat can also be used for entertainment because it allows users to see short video clips, trending videos, etc. In contrast, Whatsapp does not have that feature in it.
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/cyber.2020.0156
- https://scholarworks.iupui.edu/handle/1805/11160
Last Updated : 19 November, 2023
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
This article offers a comprehensive comparison between the two popular apps. It’s educational and informative.
Absolutely, it’s beneficial to know the key differences.
A well-researched and enlightening article about messaging apps. It’s a great read.
The security features in WhatsApp are compelling. It’s good to know that messages are encrypted and not shared across as easily as Snapchat.
I’ve always preferred WhatsApp for that very reason.
Absolutely, privacy is a top priority especially in today’s digital age.
I find Snapchat’s emphasis on creative expression through filters quite engaging. It’s what sets it apart from other messaging apps.
Indeed, it offers a unique way of communicating visually.
The focus on visual creativity is a key part of Snapchat’s appeal.
WhatsApp definitely seems to be more practical and useful for business-related purposes compared to Snapchat.
I agree, it’s focused more on functionality rather than just social features.
WhatsApp’s approach to adding contacts seems more secure compared to Snapchat’s. Safety is a critical factor in messaging apps.
Yes, ensuring user safety is essential.
I appreciate that the article delves into those details.
Interesting article about the comparison between Snapchat and Whatsapp. I’ve always been curious about the differences between the two.
Yes, it’s a well-detailed overview of both platforms. Thanks for the information!
The differences in the approach to media sharing between the two apps are notable. Snapchat’s focus on trending content and news is interesting.
Indeed, it’s fascinating how each platform caters to different user preferences.
The article does a good job of highlighting the unique advantages and disadvantages of both Snapchat and WhatsApp.
Definitely, it’s an insightful comparison.
Agreed, it provides a balanced perspective on the two platforms.
I’ve always been more inclined towards WhatsApp due to its practical nature and security features.
Likewise, it’s my go-to messaging app as well.
The focus on privacy is commendable.