Snapchat introduces ‘Topic Chats’ for public conversations on trending issues

Snapchat is reportedly working on a new “Topic Chats” feature allowing a significant shift away from the platform's conventional focus on private conversations since its inception.

The new feature will allow users to chat on trending topics happening in the world including entertainment, reality TV shows, sports, and other shared interests.

The profiles will remain private to anyone you are not friends with and help to control unwanted friend requests.

The recent development implies that all messages must comply with Snapchat’s Community Guidelines and have the chance to report any content that is inappropriate.

In this regard, the company will impose certain policies and take action against violators in the form of warnings and account blocking.

The Topic Chats will also appear related to Spotlight videos, the app’s TikTok short-form video feature.

Snapchat’s new feature will help to engage users in a more conversational manner.

The company wrote in a blogpost that Snapchatters create billions of Snaps every day, and the new feature will urge the community to comment publicly about the trending topic and events.

Topic chats are expected to be introduced to users in Canada, New Zealand, and the U.S. over the next few weeks.

These chats will be available through Chat shortcuts, search results, and Spotlight videos.

Nonetheless, users can join by clicking the large yellow “Join the Chat” button that appears on a story, and the feature will foster conversations in a more integrated manner.