Snapchat is one of the most popular social media and messaging apps, allowing users to share photos, videos, and messages that disappear after viewing. With over 265 million daily active users, Snapchat has become a hub for sharing ephemeral messaging and creative content.
However, Snapchat is not for everyone. Some users may find Snapchat overly complex or limiting, while others may simply look for apps offering similar features. Fortunately, there are several excellent Snapchat alternatives available across iOS and Android.
This article shares the five best apps, like Snapchat, as of October 2023. For each recommended Snapchat alternative, we provide:
- A brief overview covering key features and target user base
- Download and user statistics
- Pros and cons compared to Snapchat
- Links to download the apps from the App Store and Google Play
1. Instagram
Overview: Instagram is a wildly popular photo and video-sharing social network owned by Meta (formerly Facebook). While not marketed as a Snapchat alternative, Instagram does offer disappearing messages, Stories, and camera filters and effects. With over 2 billion monthly active users, Instagram is one of the few apps that rivals Snapchat’s scale.
Downloads: Over 2 billion downloads on Android and iOS
Users: Over 2 billion monthly active users
Pros:
- Massive existing user base
- Feature-rich app with feed, Stories, Reels, chats, etc
- Diverse content as professional influencers and brands are active
- A polished and intuitive interface
Cons:
- No screenshot detection for disappearing messages
- Public feed and profile by default
- More cluttered UI and notifications than Snapchat
Links:
2. WhatsApp
Overview: WhatsApp is the world’s most popular messaging app, with over 2 billion users. While not designed as a social network, WhatsApp does offer popular Snapchat features like disappearing messages, video calling, and group chats. It’s an ideal Snapchat alternative for messaging friends and family.
Downloads: Over 5 billion downloads on Android and iOS
Users: Over 2 billion monthly active users
Pros:
- Encrypted messaging for privacy
- Group chats with up to 256 people
- Free messaging and calls
- Seamless real-time messaging
Cons:
- No filters, AR lenses, or Stories
- Limited to contacts only
- Very basic compared to Snapchat’s features
Links:
3. Telegram
Overview: Telegram is a popular encrypted messaging app that offers Snapchat-style disappearing chats. It has a strong focus on privacy and security. Telegram also supports group chats with up to 200,000 members and channels for broadcasting to unlimited audiences.
Downloads: Over 1 billion downloads on Android and iOS
Users: Over 700 million monthly active users
Pros:
- Encrypted private and group chats
- Powerful cloud storage for media
- Supports channels and huge groups
- Free with no ads
Cons:
- No augmented reality (AR) filters or lenses
- More limited discovery compared to Snapchat
- It can feel cluttered with many features
Links:
4. Signal
Overview: Signal is a private messenger app focused on secure, encrypted messaging and calling. It supports disappearing chats along with end-to-end encryption. Signal is lightweight, quick, and ideal for private conversations.
Downloads: Over 100 million downloads on Android and iOS
Users: Est. 40 million monthly active users
Pros:
- True end-to-end encryption
- Minimalist design
- Disappearing messages
- Nonprofit backed by donations
Cons:
- No media sharing or group chats
- Fundamental chat features
- Small user base
- No AR lenses, filters, etc
Links:
5. LINE
Overview: LINE is a messaging app that originated in Asia and has grown popular across Europe and North America. It offers disappearing chats, fun stickers, video calls, and group chats with up to 200 members.
Downloads: Over 1 billion downloads on Android and iOS
Users: 84 million monthly active users
Pros:
- Fun stickers and AR effects
- Provides a timeline for sharing moments
- Strong user base in Asia and Europe
- Group chats and video calls
Cons:
- The smaller user base in the US
- Heavy focus on stickers over creativity
- It can be a cluttered UI
- Limited privacy features
Links:
Key Takeaways
- Instagram offers the most similar overall experience and massive user base, making it the best Snapchat alternative overall. However, it lacks privacy features.
- WhatsApp and Telegram excel for simple encrypted chats and calls with friends and family.
- Signal is ideal for the most privacy-conscious with heavily encrypted chats.
- LINE is great for casual messaging with fun, creative features but a smaller user base in the US.
While no app perfectly replicates the Snapchat experience, the apps above provide excellent alternatives based on your priorities and individual needs. With 2+ billion active users each, Instagram and WhatsApp are natural top choices for Snapchat defectors looking for the largest audiences. But apps like Telegram and Signal offer more unique advantages around privacy and security.
References
Statista. “Most popular social networks worldwide as of October 2022, ranked by number of active users.” Accessed: October 11, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/272014/global-social-networks-ranked-by-number-of-users/
SensorTower. “Top Apps Worldwide for August 2022 by Downloads.” Accessed: October 11, 2022. https://sensortower.com/blog/top-apps-worldwide-august-2022-downloads
Snap Inc. “Snapchat by the Numbers.” Accessed: October 11, 2022. https://www.snap.com/en-US/news/by-the-numbers
Signal. “About Signal.” Accessed: October 11, 2022. https://signal.org/workworkwork/
Telegram. “400 million monthly active users.” February 22, 2022. https://telegram.org/blog/400-million
LINE Corp. “LINE Reaches 84 Million Global MAU in July 2020.” August 7, 2020. https://linecorp.com/en/pr/news/en/2020/2713
