Snapchat’s Optimal Viewing Area

If you’re using an up to date mobile device (for example a Samsung Note or an iPhone 6s), have you ever noticed a black border at the top and bottom of a Snapchatter’s story or image? There’s a really simple reason why this happens!

The truth is, not all  mobile device  screens are created equal. There are 2 common sizes of pictures (snaps) that I’ve notice from Snapchat users that I don’t think many people are aware of, but should be! I see a difference when using  a larger screen phone/tablet like an iPhone 6/Plus  vs a smaller device like the iPhone 4s when viewing other Snapchatters content. I realize that depending on the device you use the output of Snaps are different. I’ve found that there is a Snapchat Text Safe Area or otherwise known as The Optimal Viewing Area. This is important to consider if you are drawing, adding text or important messages to your snaps.

Below is a comparison of what I mean:  Example A is a snap I created using my iPhone 6 Plus. Example B shows you what it looks like viewed from a smaller screen device like the iPhone 4s.
The thing to remember here is, not everyone has the most current mobile device.
If your friend has a small screen device they will be missing parts of your snaps if it falls outside the Optimal Viewing/Text Safe Area. Notice that in Example A, I signed/doodled my Snap art with my Snapchat username SHAUNAYALA at the bottom right corner of the screen – it looks fine on the iPhone 6 Plus (large phone example) however it is cropped out of the iPhone 4s version (smaller phone example).

Clearly,  if there is any doodle or text at the exact bottom or exact top of your snap there is a possibility half (if not more) of your friends will NOT see it. BUT rest assured, I have created a handy dandy picture highlighting in red the “NO GO ZONE” aka, “THE RED ZONE”  aka “THE ZONE YOU DONT WANT TO PUT ANYTHING IN“, so that you can make sure the entirety of your snap is visible to EVERYONE.  

Simplest illustration ever right? Just remember, “No no” to the very top and “No no” to the very bottom!  Alright, now that I have bestowed on you this valuable piece of information, go forth and create some incredible snaps!! It will be helpful when someone decides to screenshot something amazing from you and share it with the world! Your signature or message will be fully seen, regardless of the device it is being viewed from.

Now, don’t forget the optimal viewing area!

Guest Star

This article was written by a guest Snapchat writer.