More "Chat" Coming to Snap's App via New Messaging Features

Threads, Bitmoji reactions, emoji polls, and even improved audio calls are making Snapchat just a little more… chatty!

Four mobile screen mockups show bitmoji reactions, a selfie with a poll sticker, threaded replies, and a 5-way video call.

The new features were announced as a way to kick off the new year by making chatting on Snapchat “more fun and expressive.”

The features are now available on Android and iOS, including:

  • Chat Reply - To start a thread, hold down on a message in any group Chat and tap Reply. Your message will appear below a quoted version of the message you’re replying to.

  • Bitmoji Reactions - Similar to reactions on other apps, seven Bitmoji icons provide “a quick and easy way to react to any message.”

  • Poll Stickers - Snapchat’s new visual Polls allow you to add “Emoji-powered Polls” to Snaps and Stories. As the posted, you can see how your friends voted to help ensure responses stay thoughtful and kind. This feature lives in the Stickers folder when creating a Snap.

  • Improved Calling - Snapchat claims to have “reimagined our video and audio calling interface to make live conversations more fun.” This includes the ability to add Lenses and preview who has answered a group call before you join.

Why it Matters

While these upgrades are not likely to set the social media world on fire, they do point to some themes for both Snapchat and social media in general:

  • The importance of private and semi-private spaces.

  • The ongoing importance of Snapchat’s partnerships and acquisitions—especially the Bitmoji feature.

  • The competition between social apps and text messaging/”chat” apps like WhatsApp.




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