Snapchat’s Facebook-inspired redesign rolls out: Here’s what’s new

The new Snapchat redesign is available for iOS users.

By: MARCIA SEKHOSE
| Updated on: Feb 12 2018, 18:33 IST
Snapchat now uses an algorithm on its new redesign of the app
Snapchat now uses an algorithm on its new redesign of the app (Reuters)

Snapchat announced a redesign of its app last November. The update initially hit a few users, but on Monday it reached a global scale. While there isn't any drastic change to the app's design, the UI has been altered a little and a new algorithm has been put into place.

Through another update, Snapchat believes "separating social from media has allowed us to build the best way to communicate with friends and the best way to watch great content - while addressing many of the problems that plague the Internet today."

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In India, Snapchat's redesign is available only for iOS users. You can update the app to its latest version from the App Store to get the new redesign. The new changes haven't arrived for Android users as yet.

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Snapchat redesign: What's new

To begin with, Snapchat has removed one section on the app, which was one of its best features so far. Previously, if you swiped right you would see the 'Stories' section. Here, you could view your Snap Stories and your friends' as well.

On the new Snapchat if you swipe left you will see a new 'Friends' page. Here, you will see your recent chats and the profile of your friends on Snapchat. You can tap on your friends' profile icons to view their Snap Stories. This section was previously exclusive to chats on Snapchats. While it still shows your recent chats and your friends, the algorithm is "based on the way you communicate with them".

Snapchat has merged Snap Stories on its chats section
Snapchat has merged Snap Stories on its chats section (Marcia Sekhose)
image caption
Snapchat has merged Snap Stories on its chats section (Marcia Sekhose)

Snapchat has also tweaked its Discover section with a new algorithm. Before the update, you would see stories by publishers on the Discover section. Snapchat now shows localised Snap Stories from creators and the community. If you've subscribed to publishers on Snapchat, their Stories will remain on top. Below that you will see other Stories recommended by Snapchat.

Snapchat says that the Discover section will become "uniquely personalized for you". Based on the algorithm of your Snapchat usage, it will show you related Stories. However, they would still undergo the scrutinisation of Snapchat curators.

Lastly, Snapchat now opens the app to its camera.

If you've received the Snapchat and do not like it, you can get the old design back till the company works on a fix for it.

A step by step process has been listed on Twitter (via Mashable) which brings the old design back. However, doing so will delete all your Memories saved on Snapchat.

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First Published Date: 12 Feb, 18:29 IST
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