Social media platforms are continuously evolving, with new features being added regularly. Snapchat is no different, and one of the icons that tends to cause some confusion is the hourglass or sand timer. So, what does the hourglass on Snapchat mean? This article aims to provide a thorough understanding of this Snapchat symbol and its significance.
The Hourglass Emoji on Snapchat
The hourglass emoji in Snapchat appears next to a friend’s name. It serves as a warning or reminder that your Snapstreak with that person is about to end. A Snapstreak is a feature that shows how many consecutive days you and a Snapchat friend have been sharing snaps. Each person must send and receive at least one Snap with the other within a 24-hour period to maintain the streak. The hourglass symbol is Snapchat’s way of gently nudging you to continue your Snapstreak. If you or your friend fail to send a snap within the 24-hour period after the hourglass icon appears, your Snapstreak will end.
Understanding Snapstreaks
When you frequently exchange snaps with a friend on Snapchat, you’ll notice a number next to a flame emoji – this is your Snapstreak. The number indicates the length of your streak, i.e., how many days you’ve been continuously snapping each other. Each day the streak is maintained, the number goes up. Snapstreaks can be a fun way to measure the level of interaction you have with a friend.
Remember, only snaps sent back and forth directly count toward a Snapstreak. Snaps sent to groups or stories do not count. Likewise, chat messages, voice notes, and video calls do not contribute to a Snapstreak.
Preventing a Snapstreak From Ending
If you see the hourglass emoji, the best way to preserve your Snapstreak is to send a snap to the friend immediately. Once either of you sends a snap, the hourglass emoji will disappear, and the fire symbol (indicating your Snapstreak) will remain. Ideally, you should interact daily on Snapchat to prevent the hourglass symbol from appearing in the first place.
In the eventuality that you lose a Snapstreak even though you have exchanged snaps within the past 24 hours, Snapchat does permit one time restoration. You can file a claim on Snapchat’s support website and select “My Snapstreaks disappeared” under the ‘Contact Us’ section.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the hourglass emoji on Snapchat serves as a reminder for you to keep your Snapstreaks alive. It adds an exciting layer of interaction and engagement on the platform. While it may seem alarming at first, it’s simply there to prompt you to send a snap, helping you maintain your Snapstreaks and keep the fun going!