Snapchat is viewed as a messaging app, although some might argue that it is almost like a social media platform, which is why for the longest time ever, the company resisted the idea of allowing its users to create social network profiles, claiming that chances are people you chat with are your friends already.However it looks like the company has finally caved because they have since launched what they are calling “friendship profiles” (via The Verge). However unlike social media profiles like those on Facebook or Instagram, these profiles are only visible to you and your friend. They also act as a hub where it collates all the shared media between you and your friend (or group).
In a way this is similar to apps such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and LINE, where you can see the profile of your friend/contact and also be able to search for media files that you sent to each other, without that information being made available to other.
According to the company, “In each Friendship Profile, you’ll find the images, videos, messages, links, and more that you and your friends have saved in Chat, all in one place. Friendship Profiles make it easy to find your favorite memories and the important information you’ve saved over time. It’s the fastest way to find the highlights of your friendship.”
If you are a Snapchat user and you don’t see the profiles yet, not to worry as Snapchat has stated that the feature is expected to rollout worldwide over the coming weeks.