Snapchat has unveiled its calling and messaging features will now be available on the web.
The new on the web feature will allow Snapchatters to use the same features in the app – Bitmoji, Chat Reactions, Chat Reply, and In-Chat Presence – now in a web browser.
Snapchat for web will have a phased rollout from July 18, beginning with Snapchat+ subscribers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Meanwhile, Snapchatters across Australia and New Zealand will have to wait a little while to use the feature.
Snapchat+ subscribers in France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will also get a chance to try it before it is rolled out to the entire community worldwide soon.
To access, Snapchatters can head to web.snapchat.com, login with their Snapchat username and password and pick up their conversations right where they left off on mobile – but now from the big screen.
Users can to take advantage of all of their favourite features from messaging on the mobile app, plus Lenses is also coming soon for video calls. Snapchatters will also be able to send Snaps right from their computer.
In a media session attended by Mediaweek last week, a spokesperson for the platform demonstrated how Bitmoji could be used in a chat to show when a Snapchatter is using their desktop or the app. This provides context to their friend on the other end and shows them what device they are chatting from.
Like all of the platform’s products, the team designed Snapchat for web with privacy and safety in mind.
The team will launch with a unique privacy screen that hides the Snap window if you click away for another task.
A team of Snap engineers based in Australia played a key role in developing the platform’s for web global product.
Ryan Thomas, who leads the Sydney-based engineering group, said: “We’ve got a very talented team of local engineers who build Calling for Snapchat, and have extended this onto Snapchat for Web.
“With over 100 million Snapchatters making calls to their friends on Snapchat every month, we knew this was a critical element to get right.
“We’re pleased that an important part of the Snapchat for Web experience has been created here in Australia and will be utilised by people all over the world,” Thomas added.
