Snapchat Memories? What’s that?

You know Snapchat, the messaging app that is apparently a huge threat to Facebook? Part of its selling point has always been its spontaneity. Things are shared on Snapchat as they happen and then disappear either after a few seconds or, in the case of photos added to users’ shared galleries known as Stories, within 24 hours.

Snapchat appeals to those who prefer to share with a smaller group. Intimate sharing, rather than the public nature of Twitter or the mass sharing on Facebook. The fact that photos didn't hang around afterwards, waiting to be dredged up by future employers to embarrass you, was another bonus.

It can get a bit confusing though, especially when you don’t remember exactly what you said in the last message you sent your friend. And sometimes you really want to add photos to your Story after they happen and have been sent on to your friends.

That’s where Snapchat memories comes in.

Still don’t get it.

Basically it’s a way to save your Snaps and Stories on Snapchat. Swipe up when you’re on the camera screen and there it is.

Right. Doesn’t it kind of defeat the purpose of Snapchat though?

Sort of. It takes away the “in the moment” element of Snapchat, so now you might get older Snaps in among the new stuff. But Snapchat has already thought of that. Anything older than 24 hours will have a frame around it that immediately gives away that this is an older photo. It’s also searchable with keywords, which beats scrolling through several hundred images (or thousand) in your camera roll.

Let’s face it though, Snapchat has been gradually eroding its original premise over the years. At one stage, you couldn’t replay snaps; now you can. And the button to download to your camera roll is also a new addition.

Hang on. You could already save your Snaps?

Yes, you could download them to your camera roll from the app. This is different though; your Memories are backed up to Snapchat, not your phone. It keeps it all separate, which may appeal to users.

There’s something else too. Recognising that you might want to show friends your Memories, but not necessarily all of them, there’s a “My Eyes Only” area that you can save things you’d rather stay private and avoid any awkward moments.

When do I get it?

Sometime in the next month. Snapchat says it is rolling it out “selectively” so keep your eyes peeled.