Snapchat, the long-time exclusive mobile messaging app, has finally released a PC version called Snapchat for Web. However, it does have one major flaw compared to Discord and other desktop messaging apps: you have to pay to use it right now.
Like the original mobile, Snapchat for web will allow users to share snaps, talk in text chats and even video calls, but now they can be made from a PC too. Additionally, Snapchat's signature feature that deletes messages after 24 hours is also making a comeback.
However, while all of that sounds great, especially for Snapchat users who want new and convenient ways to access their favorite social media platform, Snapchat for the web is currently exclusive to Snapchat Plus subscribers.
Snapchat Plus is a paid version of the messaging app that unlocks early access features for those who want to pay a monthly fee. It's not the most expensive subscription out there at just $3.99 / £3.99 / AU$4.89 per month, but it's infinitely more expensive than Discord and other free messaging services.
At a time when many of us are looking to cut costs, Snapchat Plus (and, by extension, Snapchat for the web) seems utterly useless.
This is especially true considering that Snapchat for the web isn't even a finished product. Lenses, Snapchat's famous AR filters, are not yet available for web calls, which has a serious downside compared to the smartphone version of the app. If users are supposed to pay for the service, we expect it to be at least as good as the free version that already exists.
To add insult to injury, the service is only available in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. There are plans to roll it out to users around the world, but we'll have to see when it comes to fruition.
Analytics: Another Reason Not to Pay for Snapchat Plus
Snapchat's disappointing web launch has once again seen Snap not giving us a reason to pay for its paid tier. Earlier this month, our software and download expert, Daryl Baxter, gave Snapchat Plus a try and promptly canceled it.
Snap Maps, a tool that lets users see where their friends are on a world map, used to be weird enough, but the new Ghost Trail made it even more invasive. Not only will you be able to see where your friends are right now, but you'll see a trail of where they've been in the last 24 hours.
This setting can be turned off, but if someone doesn't know, they could be inadvertently transmitting your private location data, which in some circumstances could mean you're unknowingly putting yourself in harm's way.
For Snapchat Plus to be successful, we'll need your updates to provide a reason to subscribe, because right now it's just encouraging us to stay away.