The Snapchat timer is one of the many different features the app offers its users. The app launched the ability for its users to take self timer pictures in 2019, and it’s often overlooked by many of its users. It’s important to know all of the features of an app whether you’re using it for work or for pleasure. Knowing how to take a photo on Snapchat using the self timer is a simple task that can enhance your social media prowess.
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What is Snapchat?
If you’re unfamiliar with the app, it is a social media platform available for iOS and Android devices. Initially released in 2011, the basic concept of the app is that it allows its users to send pictures and messages that will only be available to the receiver for a limited amount of time. After the Snapchat message times out or the receiver closes it, the picture, video, or text is lost forever. This type of ephemeral messaging deviated from traditional platforms like Facebook, which preserves posts and messages forever or until the user decides to delete them.
Snapchat provides a more personal approach to the social media game. The initial design let its users send snaps to specific people, allowing for a more natural flow of connection. In 2021, Snapchat retains that sense of personal connection and private conversation, but they’ve also introduced many features, like the ability to take Snapchat timer photos, to enhance the user experience.
Why Should You Use Snapchat?
The social media app is often put into a different category than its competitors like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. This might be because the main focus of the app is less about consumption and more about direct communication. Now that it’s been around for a decade, there are plenty of reasons you might be interested in using Snapchat for personal or business reasons.
Aside from the Snapchat timer photo function, you can now post “stories” that will appear to your friends for 24 hours. You also now have the option to save your snaps to your memories where you can have access to them at any time. In addition to that, you can mess around with AR filters and lenses. There’s also a “Discover” section in which you can find content from celebrities, influencers, and major publications like BuzzFeed, Seventeen, and PinkNews. You can even customize a personal “Bitmoji,” which is essentially just an avatar that looks like you. With so many different features at your fingertips, it’s easy to overlook the smaller ones, like the timer function.
Many people use Snapchat for the same reasons that they use any social media platform: to stay connected with friends, update others on their own life, and consume content. On a business level, Snapchat is an underrated platform for marketing. Most companies dedicate their social media campaigns and efforts to apps like Facebook and Instagram. Little do they know that they’re missing out on unique opportunities Snapchat presents for marketers.
How to Use the Snapchat Self-Timer
Aside from a few social media trends dedicated to its use, the self timer on Snapchat is often overlooked by users. Before this feature was introduced to the platform, users could only take photos by touching the screen in some way. Essentially, you either had to take a selfie or take a picture of someone else. With the Snapchat camera timer, you can take a variety of different types of photos. Because Snapchat is such an individual-based app, it’s no surprise that they eventually introduced the self timer feature. Here’s the rundown on how to use the Snapchat self timer.
The first thing you’ll want to do is open the app. Snapchat opens to the front camera. At the top right corner, there’s a bar that allows you to access a number of features. To the common user, these features go unnoticed. The first allows you to switch from the front camera to the back camera on your phone. The second turns the flash feature on and off. The third and fourth icons give you the option to add music to your videos. Then, there’s an arrow that allows you to drop the menu down. In order to access the self timer on Snapchat, you’ll need to tap the arrow. You’ll see the word “Timer” next to a stopwatch icon.
Click on the stopwatch icon, and you’re set to take a photo with the self timer on Snapchat. All you have to do is tap the circle at the bottom of the screen, get in whatever position you want for the picture, and wait three seconds before the picture is taken.
It’s really that simple. Just two clicks and you can take a picture using the self timer on Snapchat. Whether you’re interested in taking a silly picture for your friends or a picture that makes you look like a model, the Snapchat self timer is the perfect feature for you.
Ways to Enhance Snapchat Timer Photos
If you’re interested in using the Snapchat timer function for marketing purposes or if you just want your timed selfies to look more professional, here are some quick tips that make all the difference.
Use the grid feature
Located in the same menu as the self timer, Snapchat also gives its users a grid feature. With the grid feature, you can focus more on the composition of your shot. Even though Snapchat is best used when taking vertical pictures, the rule of thirds still applies. The grid lines show you where to place what you want to be seen. In conjunction with the self timer, you can quickly assess where your subject needs to be.
Try out the focus mode
Snapchat also has a focus feature comparable to portrait mode on the iPhone. Essentially, the focus mode brings your subject forward by blurring the background. This can result in professional-looking photos. Using the focus mode with the self timer on Snapchat, you can shoot polished photos on a budget.
Pay attention to lighting
While the rules of photography might not be on your mind when it comes to Snapchat, if you’re looking to take a great picture, they should be. One of the main principles of photography is to make sure you get the correct lighting. Whether you decide to use artificial or natural lighting, keep these tips in mind:
- Start by shooting in natural light
- Use flash tastefully
- Place your source of light close to the subject
- Think about color temperature
- Make sure the subject catches the eye rather than the background
How To Use Snapchat for Marketing
While you might think that the app doesn’t have as many opportunities for marketing as other social media platforms, there are still ways for your company to create a Snapchat presence. Like many other apps, Snapchat offers users the ability to create a business account. Once you’ve created your business account, you’ll be able to customize your profile, post snap stories, interact with other snap users, and advertise on Snapchat. There are plenty of great ways to market on Snapchat, but you have to do your research before you begin.
Advertising on Snapchat
There are three different ways to advertise on Snapchat:
- Traditional ads
- Branded lenses
- Geotags
Snap ads are 10 second long videos that tell users about your company and often invite them to visit a link to your website or some other call to action. Branded lenses are an interactive way to promote your company. Lenses use AR and facial recognition to apply crazy animations to a person’s face. If your branded lens is particularly funny or cool, it also has a chance of going viral. Geotags on the other hand are filters that are applied to a picture after it’s already been taken. Usually, they are based on location, hence the name “Geotag.” For example, businesses often have personalized geotags. Sometimes companies will even create geotags for special events.
Additionally, influencer marketing also exists on Snapchat. The power of influencers across all platforms continues to grow, and Snapchat is not immune to it. If you choose to work with influencers to promote your product or service, don’t leave Snapchat out of the picture.
If you need assistance advertising on Snapchat, SEO Design Chicago offers Snapchat advertising services.
Benefits of Using the Self Timer on Snapchat
As stated before, there are plenty of uses for the self timer feature on Snapchat. Whether you’re interested in using it for personal or marketing purposes, there are plenty of opportunities for you to create good Snapchat content. The self timer is just one of the many innovative features Snapchat offers to its users.
If you have any questions about Snapchat’s self timer, how to use Snapchat for personal or marketing purposes, contact SEO Design Chicago today. We specialize in optimizing your social media marketing to reach as many consumers as possible. We offer many different services, with experts in a range of fields within digital marketing services.
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