Snapchat is a mobile app that allows millions of users to connect through exchanging pictures and videos together as well as having a chat feature too. In a recent update, Version 10.26.1.0, Snapchat decided to change their approach of the user experience. This meant changing icons, algorithms and the placement of certain features – for instance, the widely used ‘Discovery’ tab used by Media Outlets such as MASHABLE and VICE News. Android users haven’t yet experienced this new update but Snap Inc. who operates Snapchat, claims it’ll be in the ‘coming weeks’.
Many were unhappy with this update – claiming it was hard to use and ‘unintuitive’ and that is was ‘uncalled for’. This happened despite Snap Inc. tweeting about a new Snapchat redesign and that it will ‘take some getting use to’. An online petition was started, begging Snap Inc. to reinstate the old version and UI (User Interface) of Snapchat but many fake tweets and false responses have been made. Snapchat has come out stating that they won’t be changing or reverting the update and that they will be making minor tuning and adjustments to the app where required.
Much of the community is hurt by this, saying how their view counts have halved since the update and some even leaving the platform entirely because of this. Recently, Kylie Jenner, one of the world’s most famous social media stars has come out saying:
sooo does anyone else not open Snapchat anymore? Or is it just me… ugh this is so sad.
— Kylie Jenner (@KylieJenner) February 21, 2018
As a result of this, Snapchat and its parent company, Snap Inc. lost $1.5bn USD in their market value as Kylie announced she no longer used the platform and will most likely turn to Instagram more. Join us on our Instagram or Snapchat to give us your opinions on this subject!
