Snapchat is one of the newer forms of social media and not everyone knows how to use it properly. There are social rules that should still be followed even though the dynamic is different from other forms of social media. Just because what you do or say "goes away" after a period time doesn't mean it's not annoying when it is overused or too long. Be careful what you put out there because self-image is huge and Snapchat shows the world who you are. Snapchat isn't all bad though, you can still have fun with it! Here are some guidelines to help rookie Snapchat users learn the game and frequent users to improve their Snapchat game!
Snapchat Do Nots
The 100-Second Rule: No one has time or the desire to watch a video that lasts longer than 100 seconds. If the viewers of your story want you to post a long story they should have just hung out with you in the first place. In very rare cases it is okay to exceed this limit, but you are not the exception, you are never the exception.
Post Shirtless Selfies On Your MyStory: There are a lot of reasons for this rule. The biggest reason is self-respect. What you put on your Snapchat is seen by a lot of people. Even if you look like Ryan Gosling, just don't do it. Also, if you don't look like Ryan Gosling this could be detrimental for you as well.
The Concert-Goers: If you have a friend that really wanted to go to the concert with you but couldn't make it, send the videos to them. ONLY THEM. If everyone wanted to go see a George Strait concert they would have went. These snappers usually exceed the limit of 100 seconds on a regular basis.
The Chatters: If you want a full-on conversation with someone just text them. The amount of times I have tried to keep a conversation up with someone through chat are countless. One wrong click and you miss a whole novel, like you skipped a week of your literature class. Mmm. Also, this is sketchy. Why are you trying to hide?
Take a Picture It'll Last Longer: This isn't what Snapchat is for. We want quick snippets of your life, so 10 seconds for a picture (especially those without captions) are really unnecessary. The correct amount of time for a photo is up to you but around six seconds is preferred. When it comes to videos though, feel free to make it 10 seconds long.
Only Filter Occasionally: The pictures you post shouldn't be up for too long, as seen in the previous guideline, so don't worry so much about what you look like. Some things are filter-friendly while not everything needs a filter.
Level of Volume on Videos: You never know where people will be watching your video, so please be considerate of your fellow Snapchat peers.
Selfies Without Words: Selfies without words can come off as conceited. If there is a special occasion, by all means, have at it and let the world see you in your prime. If this is a regular occurrence there may be a bigger issue, or, you're a celebrity.
Screenshotters: Don't be that guy. If it's your significant other and they look cute, sure that's allowed, but don't be creepy. We can see when you do it so it's not sneaky, it's creepy.
Personalized Snaps And MyStory Snaps: Keep these separate. An individual snap makes the receiver feel special, as it should, but when you go look at the MyStories and see that they sent it to everyone it can make you feel neglected or even cheated on.
