Snapchat launches 'Topic Chats' for public discussions on trending topics

Snapchat is introducing a new “Topic Chats” feature, following its primary focus on private conversations since its founding. The social network says the feature allows users to chat about what’s happening in the world and across diverse communities, from Formula 1 to the reality TV show “Below Deck.”

However, profiles will remain private to anyone you’re not friends with, helping control unwanted friend requests or DMs, Snapchat says.

According to TechCrunch, while a user’s display name will be visible next to their message, others won’t be able to tap on their profile from a Topic Chat, the company told TechCrunch in an email. And unlike usernames, display names can’t be utilized to search for someone.

Snapchat is employing LLM technology and other safety measures to moderate Topic Chats, ensuring they remain safe and appropriate, as reported to TechCrunch.

All messages must comply with Snapchat’s Community Guidelines, and users have the chance to report any content that is inappropriate. The company states that it will enforce its policies by taking action against violators, which may include issuing warnings and account blocking.

To help people discover common interests, the company will allow users to see which Topic Chats their friends have joined.

In addition to messages, Topic Chats will also appear related to Spotlight videos, which are the app’s TikTok-like short-form videos.

Until now, the only place for public conversations on Snapchat has been in Spotlight comments. Snapchat says it was inspired to launch Topic Chats after observing how its community interacts in public comments, as it sought to provide users with a new way to engage in these conversations.

“Snapchatters create billions of Snaps every day, sharing moments with friends and family, and as we’ve expanded services like Spotlight, we’ve also found that the Snapchat community loves commenting publicly about trending topics and events,” the company wrote in a blog post.

Topic Chats will be introduced to Snapchat users in Canada, New Zealand, and the U.S. over the next few weeks. These chats will be accessible through Chat shortcuts, search results, the Stories page, and Spotlight videos. Users can join a chatroom by clicking the large yellow “Join the Chat” button that appears on a Story or Spotlight video.

Snapchat adds that messages sent in Topic Chats will be maintained for up to five years.