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5 best apps like Snapchat for Android
Snapchat is quickly becoming one of the most popular social media platforms. It does really well with the younger generation. In terms of sheer numbers, that’s the generation that most companies want to be a part of. Thus, we’ve seen a lot of companies try to emulate Snapchat to try and cash in on its success. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. You’re likely here because you like the idea of Snapchat. However, for whatever reason, you may not like Snapchat itself. There are some options in this space. We focused on two main features. The augmented reality and the expiring messages (in both Story form and individual messages). Here are the best apps like Snapchat.
The best apps like Snapchat for Android
Price: Free
Facebook does a lot of things. It being a little like Snapchat is one of them. It has a Stories feature. Facebook Stories works a lot like Snapchat Stories. You post a short video or image. Your friends can then see it for the next 24 hours. You can also share with individuals. It’s a little clunky to use. It does have to share space with the rest of Facebook. However, if you like the idea but don’t want a new social network, Facebook has you covered. It’s one of the easier apps like Snapchat.
Marco Polo
Price: Free / $9.99
Marco Polo is a video chat and video messaging service. It works a lot like Snapchat’s in terms of video. You can send video messages for later viewing or video call for immediate contact. However, unlike Snapchat, this app keeps your video messages for replay later. Imagine a Snapchat that doesn’t self-destruct, but also only works in video and you have Marco Polo in a nutshell. The app uses your phone number and you can create various groups for your family, friend groups, and other stuff like that. The video quality was more than good enough for most. It’s also entirely free to use.
See also: The best video chat apps for Android
Price: Free
Instagram is about as close to Snapchat that you can get without it actually being Snapchat. It’s a camera-first social network. It lets you send images to individuals that expire. You can even upload videos and photos to your Instagram Story that will auto-delete after 24 hours. It has the added bonus of live video support. The whole experience feels better integrated into Instagram’s core premise than Facebook. Plus, you get all the features of Snapchat along with a full social network that is camera first, words second.
See also: The best apps like Instagram for Android
Skype
Price: Free
Skype is quickly joining the ranks of apps like Snapchat. In 2017, Skype released the Highlights feature. It works basically like Snapchat Stories. You upload whatever you’re doing and it disappears after seven days. Behind that is the same Skype that everyone knows about. You can do video calls, text chats, voice chats, and pretty much whatever else you want to do. Microsoft has hit a few snags with the latest round of Skype updates. However, they are working on improving these new features and new UI.
Wink (and similar apps)
Price: Free (usually)
There is apparently an entire subset of apps for Snapchat users. The purpose is to help users find new Snapchat friends. Wink is one such example. It functions a little bit like Tinder. You see profiles and swipe left and right to accept or decline. Once you match up, you can chat over Wink or link up everybody’s Snapchat and continue the chat there. Another such app in this space is Hoop. We’ll be honest, the apps work for some company for a bit, but don’t look any further than that. Some people treat these as dating services and it just doesn’t work like that. In any case, it’s a good way to fill out your Snapchat friends list if yours is a little smaller than you would like.
Bonus: OEM specific AR features
Price: Free
Snapchat’s AR features are among the best in any app. OEMs get this. They have started including similar AR features in their software. Notable features include Samsung’s AR emoji, the iPhone’s Animoji, and there are some other OEMs that do it too. These apps map your face, turn it into some sort of animal or animated character, and you can make them talk or do whatever. This is very similar to Bitmoji and Snapchat and we actually quite like that OEMs are moving in this sort of direction. It’s fun, even if it’s not 100% functional. Hit the button to learn more about Animoji, AR emoji, and more about the tech itself.
If we missed any great apps like Snapchat, tell us about them in the comments! You can also click here to check out our latest Android app and game lists!
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