Snapchat Rolls Out Group Streaks and 'Infinite Retention' for Chats
Snapchat has introduced two highly anticipated features: "Infinite Retention" and Group Streaks, which will allow users to save chat histories and build collective streaks with friends. The new features are being rolled out after a successful testing period that began in 2024.
According to Snapchat's announcement, the company has been listening to user feedback and responding to requests for more flexibility in its messaging system. "We've often heard from our community that Snapchatters want to save their chats forever and wish they could build streaks with their favorite groups," the statement reads.
Infinite Retention is a setting that will allow users to keep chat histories, preventing messages from disappearing after 24 hours. This feature can be enabled or disabled for each conversation, giving users more control over their messaging experience. When Infinite Retention is turned on, the other person in the conversation will receive a notification and have the option to switch it off.
Group Streaks, on the other hand, enable collective streaks with friends. To maintain an individual streak, users must send and receive at least one photo or video every day. This feature allows groups of friends to build and maintain a shared streak, fostering a sense of community and encouraging regular communication.
The new features are part of Snapchat's ongoing efforts to improve its messaging system and provide users with more flexibility and control. "We're always looking for ways to enhance the user experience," said a company spokesperson. "These new features will help our users build stronger connections with their friends and family."
Snapchat has been testing Infinite Retention since 2024, and the feature is now being rolled out broadly. Group Streaks are also available to all users, although they may take some time to become widely adopted.
The introduction of these features marks a significant shift in Snapchat's messaging system, which was previously known for its ephemeral nature. The company's decision to allow users to save chat histories and build collective streaks reflects a growing trend towards more flexible and user-friendly messaging apps.
As the new features are rolled out, users can expect to see changes in their messaging experience. Infinite Retention will give users more control over their chat history, while Group Streaks will enable collective streaks with friends. The company's spokesperson noted that Snapchat is committed to continuing to innovate and improve its services.
The rollout of these new features is a significant development for Snapchat, which has been working to compete with other popular messaging apps. With the introduction of Infinite Retention and Group Streaks, Snapchat is taking a step towards providing users with more flexibility and control over their messaging experience.
Background: Snapchat's messaging system was previously known for its ephemeral nature, where messages would disappear after 24 hours. However, user feedback has driven the company to introduce features that allow users to save chat histories and build collective streaks with friends.
Context: The introduction of Infinite Retention and Group Streaks reflects a growing trend towards more flexible and user-friendly messaging apps. Other popular messaging apps have introduced similar features in recent years, and Snapchat is following suit.
Perspective: The new features are part of Snapchat's ongoing efforts to improve its messaging system and provide users with more flexibility and control. "We're always looking for ways to enhance the user experience," said a company spokesperson.
*Reporting by Engadget.*
