Snapchat has confirmed the existence of a number of new features as part of its major redesign, including a Do Not Disturb mode and new fonts. In recent times, the Snap-owned social app has faced tough competition from Instagram Stories, with the latter constantly introducing Snapchat-inspired features. Now, though, it appears Snapchat is taking a page out of Instagram’s book by debuting a couple of functionalities previously added to its rival.
Only recently did Instagram introduce new text options, allowing users to decorate their Stories with a variety of fonts, but now Snapchat users will be able to do a similar thing thanks to an upcoming update. As part of the change, users will now be able to switch between the “Classic,” “Big Text,” “Glow,” and “Rainbow” fonts, the latter two of which are brand new. Additionally and just like Instagram users, those who use Snapchat will now be able to add more than one caption to a photo at a time. Aside from new fonts, Snapchat has also introduced a new Do Not Disturb mode, which is said to have already rolled out quietly to users. With this, users of the app will be able to mute private and group chats without letting others know, as can be done on WhatsApp or Messenger, therefore removing any notifications related to the chats in question. Interestingly, though, it appears the mute option is currently indefinite, meaning conversations will also have to be unmuted in order to receive notifications once again. The new Do Not Disturb feature is currently available to users across the globe, while the new caption options will be rolling out in the near future as part of Snapchat’s redesign. Unfortunately for many, this redesign is currently limited to users in Australia, Canada, and the UK, with a wider rollout currently being delayed.
Snapchat’s approach to new features is a drastic contrast to Instagram’s initiative. After all, Instagram churns out new additions to its app every month, while Snap is growing its alternative at a much slower rate. However, with Snap’s Q4 financial report just around the corner, it remains to be seen if its Snapchat strategy is finally beginning to pay off, or whether the company will be forced to rethink the app’s future as Instagram’s presence continues to grow.
