Snapchat just rolled out a big update that gives users the ability to tag friends in Stories and enjoy chaotic group video chats with up to 16 people. It has also added support for even more ridiculous voice calls that support up to 32 people.
Instagram has been stealing users from Snapchat since the popular photo-sharing service started ripping off its best features. Its cloned Stories feature is now bigger than the entire Snapchat platform. So, Snapchat is fighting back.
Mentions and group calls
Its latest update finally adds the ability to tag other users in your Stories. The new feature, Mentions, works just as it does on other social networking platforms; simply use the @ symbol, followed by the Snapchat username of the person you wish to tag.
The user you’ve tagged will get a notification in the chat window to let them know they appear in your Story. Your followers will also be able to tap the tag to view that person’s profile and any public Stories they’ve shared, and add them as a friend.
Snapchat has also added group calls so that you can enjoy conversations with all your friends simultaneously — and don’t worry if you have a large group of contacts. Group video calls support up to 16 people, while group voice calls support up to 32.
Lenses are supported
We’re not sure why you’d want to speak to that many people at once — it sounds like a crazy mess — but at least the option’s there if you need it. To start a group voice or video call, simply tap the call button inside an existing group chat, or start a new one with all the people you want to include.
If you’re like me and you need a filter to look good, then you’ll be pleased to hear Snapchat Lenses are supported during video calls. What’s more, you can switch between them on the fly.
