Snapchat is one of the most used apps in the world. People use it every day to send pictures, videos, and short messages. But have you ever wondered, “When was Snapchat created?”
This article will walk you through the full story. We’ll talk about when it started, who made it, and how it changed how we talk online.
Snapchat may seem like just a fun way to send photos, but there’s a big story behind it—one that started in a college dorm room.
When Was Snapchat Created?
Snapchat was first released in July 2011. It began as a project made by a few college students who wanted a new way to send pictures.
The idea was simple: what if you could send a photo that disappeared after someone looked at it?
At that time, most social media apps kept your photos and posts forever. Snapchat was different. It gave people a way to share moments that wouldn’t last.
Who Made Snapchat?
Snapchat was created by Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown. They were students at Stanford University in California.
Reggie Brown had the idea of sending disappearing pictures. He shared it with Evan Spiegel, who liked it. They asked Bobby Murphy, who was great at coding, to help build it.
Together, they launched the first version of the app in 2011. But they didn’t call it Snapchat at first.
From Picaboo to Snapchat
The First Name Was Picaboo
When the app first came out in July 2011, it was called Picaboo. It worked on iPhones and let users send photos that vanished a few seconds after being opened.
But Picaboo didn’t do well. It had few users. There was also a big fight between the founders. Reggie Brown was pushed out of the company. He later sued and got a large settlement.
After the conflict, the team changed the name to Snapchat in September 2011.
This new name caught on—and fast.
What Made Snapchat Special?
Snapchat was different from other apps. It didn’t try to be perfect or polished. Instead, it was about real, quick moments.
Here’s what made it stand out:
- Photos disappear after viewing
- No likes or comments
- Easy to use
- Private chats
It felt fresh. People, especially teens, loved that they could send funny or casual snaps without pressure.
Major Changes in Snapchat’s History
2012 – A Big Jump in Users
In 2012, Snapchat grew fast. People were sending more than 20 million snaps per day. Most users were teens and college students.
It spread from school to school, like a secret tool for friends.
2013 – Stories and Screenshot Alerts
Snapchat added Stories in 2013. This feature let users post photos and videos that all their friends could see. These posts lasted for 24 hours.
They also added alerts that told users if someone took a screenshot of their snap. This helped keep things more private and built trust.
2014 – Chat and Video Call Features
Snapchat became more than just photo sharing. They added chat and video calls, turning the app into a full way to talk with friends.
Now people could message, video call, and send disappearing snaps all in one app.
2015 – Filters, Lenses, and Discover
In 2015, Snapchat became even more fun:
- Lenses were added. These are the filters that put dog ears, funny glasses, or other effects on your face.
- Discover launched. This section let users see news, stories, and fun content from big brands like CNN and BuzzFeed.
How Snapchat Changed Social Media
Snapchat did more than make a cool app—it changed the way people share online.
Before Snapchat, most apps made you post things for everyone to see forever. Snapchat made sharing feel private and temporary.
Here’s what Snapchat changed:
- People became more open and real.
- Videos were now made in vertical format, perfect for phones.
- Other apps copied Snapchat’s ideas. Instagram added Stories, Facebook tried too, and even YouTube made short video tools.
Snapchat also made apps more fun with augmented reality—like face filters and world lenses.
When Did Snapchat Become a Big Business?
Snapchat’s parent company, Snap Inc., was created in 2016. They called themselves a camera company, not just a social app.
In 2017, Snap Inc. went public on the stock market. Their value was around $24 billion. That’s a huge number for a company that started just six years earlier.
Since then, they’ve added more features, like:
- Bitmoji (your own cartoon avatar)
- Snap Map (to see where your friends are)
- Spotlight (short videos, like TikTok)
Snapchat keeps changing to stay popular.
What Is Snapchat Like Today?
Snapchat is still going strong in 2025. The app has over 400 million daily users.
Most users are between 13 and 29 years old. But more older users are joining too. Brands, teachers, and even news outlets use Snapchat now.
New tools like AI chatbots, better filters, and fun games keep people coming back.
Snapchat is no longer just a photo app. It’s a place to watch shows, talk to friends, learn things, and be creative.
Why Snapchat Worked So Well
Snapchat’s success came from being bold and different.
Here’s why it worked:
- It solved a real problem: too much pressure from public posts.
- It was fast, fun, and private.
- It kept growing with new tools and features.
- It knew its users and listened to them.
Even when other apps copied its features, Snapchat kept moving forward.
Conclusion
So, when was Snapchat created? It was launched in July 2011—but it feels like it’s been around forever.
What started as a college idea became a tool used by millions every day. Snapchat changed how we share moments, talk to friends, and express who we are.