One of the most engaging features on Snapchat is the concept of Snapstreaks. Introduced to encourage daily interaction, Snapstreaks start when two users send each other snaps (not chats) every day for three consecutive days. Once the streak begins, a small fire emoji appears next to the friend’s name, along with the number of days the streak has been going. The longer you and your friend keep exchanging snaps daily, the higher your streak count grows.
Snapstreaks have become a fun challenge among friends, with some users maintaining streaks for hundreds—even thousands—of days. It's not uncommon for people to set reminders or send blank snaps just to ensure the streak doesn’t break. While the feature may seem simple, it creates a sense of accountability and routine, helping users stay connected even through short interactions.
However, Snapstreaks can also become stressful. If either party forgets to send a snap within 24 hours, the streak disappears. To ease user frustration, Snapchat displays an hourglass emoji to warn users when a streak is close to ending. In some cases, Snap Planets even allows users to restore lost streaks by submitting a request.
Ultimately, Snapstreaks highlight how digital platforms can gamify communication to make it more engaging. They serve as a reminder that even a quick snap can strengthen a friendship and keep the conversation going. Whether you're snapping a selfie or a random view of your desk, it’s the consistency that keeps the streak—and the connection—alive.