Snapchat has altered the way we communicate. All of our photos were taken indefinitely before it. Snapchat launched a new concept: disappearing moments.  

Today, Snapchat is huge. It has over 470 million daily users which are projected to be more than 470 million by 2026. Individuals post more than 5 billion snaps daily, and the average user spends approximately 30 minutes on the application daily. It is more than an application; it is a way of life to most people.  

However, Snapchat is no longer the only option. Some individuals want greater privacy; others wish to use cooler filters; and still others require a scene change. There are numerous good choices, whether you prioritize safety, are bored with identical filters, or need a specific feature.  

This is a list of your final recommendations of the best apps like Snapchat in 2026.  

13 Best Apps Like Snapchat (2026)  

The following list has been curated by us, depending on the features that you are fond of: disappearing messages, fun face filters, and private chatting.  

1. Instagram  

The largest competitor of Snapchat is Instagram and the most used alternative. It is the best app like Snapchat. Under the ownership of Meta, it borrowed the most popular feature of Snapchat, which was Stories, and made it even bigger. It is ideal when you desire a single application to do all permanent posts, temporary tales and direct messaging.

Key Features:  

  •  Stories: disappearing photos and videos.  
  •  Vanish Mode: the messages in the chat will vanish as soon as they are viewed and the chat is closed.  
  •  Filters and Effects: millions of creative AR filters to your selfies.  
  •  Reels: videos are short, entertaining videos like TikTok and Snapchat Spotlight.

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2. Telegram  

Telegram is the best option if privacy is your primary motive for using Snapchat. It is among the best apps like Snapchat. It is a cloud-based messaging application that is immensely quick and safe. Snapchat can be compared to Telegram; however, unlike Snapchat, which is all about photos, Telegram is all about speed and text security, although its photo-editing features are also excellent.  

Key Features:  

  •  Secret Chats: the messages are end-to-end encrypted and can not be forwarded.  
  •  Self-Destruct Timer: the messages can be set to self-destruct after a predetermined time ranging between seconds and weeks.  
  •  Massive File sharing: share videos and files of up to 2GB.  
  •  Stickers: an enormous collection of animated stickers.  

3. Signal 

Signal is generally regarded as being the safest messaging application around the globe. Journalists and security experts use it as it keeps your information private. It is among the best apps like Snapchat. It lacks the fun filters of Snapchat, but it fits the disappearing message feature exactly, in case users care about secrecy.  

Key Features:  

  •  Disappearing Messages: configure a timer that causes messages to disappear on both sides of the chat.  
  •  View -Once Media: post photos or videos that are only seen once, and then they get deleted.  
  •  No Tracking: The application does not gather much information about you.  
  •  Encrypted Calls: voice and video calls that are crystal clear and can not be overheard by any other person.  

4. Snapseed  

In case you are already using Snapchat just to make your pictures look cool by adding filters and the likes, and then save them, then Snapseed is the professional version you are looking for. It is an owned Google tool that is powerful yet easy to use. It does not send messages, but it makes your pictures appear fantastic for sharing elsewhere.  

Key Features:  

  •  29+ Tools: These are Healing, Brush, Structure, HDR, and Perspective.  
  • Face Pose Face pose: pose portraits using a 3D model.  
  •  Expand: cleverly enlarge the size of your canvas by filling in the background content.  
  •  Non-destructive editing: you can correct any changes that you have made.  

5. TikTok  

Tik Tok is the monarch of the short videos. Whereas Snapchat is used to communicate with friends, Tik Tok is used to entertain the world. It is among the best apps like Snapchat. In case you like Snapchat Spotlight functionality or waste all day scrolling through the funny videos, Tik Tok will be the right place to be in 2026.  

Key Features:  

  • Short-Form Video: create videos between 15 10 minutes.  
  •  Duet and Stitch: work together with the videos of other users creatively.  
  •  Viral Filters: the face filters in this category are usually more sophisticated and fashionable than those at Snapchat.  
  • Music Library: This is a separate access to an enormous music library to include in your videos  

6. B612  

B612 is a camera app that is tailored to selfies. It is extremely popular in Asia and has acquired millions of users across the world. It is the Snapchat camera without the pressure of the social media, you just snap the photo, edit it, and save it.  

Key Features:  

  •  Smart Beauty: natural-looking real-time effects of beauty.  
  •  AR Stickers: more than 1500 various stickers that follow your movements with the face.  
  • Music Video: no problem making music videos with cool music.  
  •  Bounce: make Boomerang looping video loops with ease.  

7. Marco Polo  

Marco Polo identifies itself as a video walkie talkie. It works well with close friends and family that are too occupied to make a live phone call. You send a video message and your friend views and responds whenever they get the time. It is intimate compared to a text and not as tiring as a FaceTime.

Key Features:

  •  Video Messages: Get videos that remain till you delete them.  
  •  Voice Effects: Voices can be changed to sound like a robot or helium voice is added.  
  •  No Advertisements: The interface is uncluttered and it is only aimed at connecting people.  
  • Videos are stored in your polos so that you can relive critical moments.  

8. Yubo  

Yubo is dubbed as the Tinder of teens and it is more of creating new friends. It is concerned with live streaming up to 10 individuals simultaneously. The application is not about speaking with your already existing friends and more about finding new friends with whom you have the same interest. Yubo inspects ages at the expense of security.  

Key Features:  

  •  Live Streaming: Stream with your friends or get on other streams.  
  •  Swipe for Friends: Find your friends that share your tags and interests.  
  •  Games: Play such games as To Be Honest or a drawing quiz within the chat.  
  •  Lenses: Snapchat Snap Kit technology face filters.  

9. Wire/Threema 

2026 update: Wickr Me free consumer edition has disappeared. Wickr was once known to have self-destructing messages.  Wire is the application to use if you desire the military grade security of Wickr. It provides the same degree of high privacy, end-to-end encryption and time-based deletion.  

Key Features (Wire/Threema):  

  •  Real Privacy: No phone number required during sign up (Threema).  
  •  Everything is encrypted: calls, texts and files are all secured.  

10. Glide  

One of the quickest video messaging applications is glide. It broadcasts your video when you are recording it so that your friend can view it live or later in case he or she is busy.It is among the best apps like Snapchat. It is easy and can be used with older phones.  

Key Features:  

  •  Live Video Texting: Live or save.  
  •  Watch Videos on a Smartwatch: Watch videos directly on a smartwatch.  
  •  Snapshots: Capture a snapshot during filming.  
  •  Cloud Storage: Videos are stored on the cloud and do not consume phone space.  

11. Snow  

Snow can be referred to as the Asian Snapchat. It resembles and feels like Snapchat. It is one of the best apps like Snapchat. Snow is the most similar clone in the sense that it offers filters, amusing lenses, and a familiar interface.  

Key Features:  

  •  Makeup Appeals: Virtual makeup to enhance selfies.  
  •  GIF Maker: You can make your own GIFs with your face.  
  •  Daily Stickers: New stickers are introduced on a daily basis.  
  •  Chat: messages that disappear away such as Snapchat.  

12. Facebook Messenger  

You probably have already used this application. Messenger has copied the majority of the best features of Snapchat. It is user-friendly since you are already friends with Facebook users.  

Key Features:  

  •  My Day: Facebook, Stories that last 24 hours.  
  •  Vanish Mode: Swipe up during a chat and you are in a private mode whereby messages disappear immediately you close the chat.  
  •  Take a break: Watch with your friends: Video call and watch videos or TV shows together.  
  •  Rooms: Video chat rooms of up to 50 people.  

13. LINE  

In Japan, and other Asian regions, LINE is a massive success. It is among the best apps like Snapchat. It began as a messaging application and expanded to a super app. It has iconic huge stickers that are expressive and this is what initiated stickers in most apps.  

Key Features:  

  •  Timeline: Share photos on a wall similar to a social network.  
  •  Keep: store favorite messages, photos and videos.  
  •  Authoritative News: Subscribe to celebrities and brands to get their exclusive news.  
  •  Face Play: The Play AR games with your face on video calls

Another application is the Hike Sticker Chat (Note on Availability).  

2026 update: Hike Sticker Chat is no longer in operation. Hike is no longer in business, and was loved because of its local stickers.  

Best Alternative: WhatsApp or Viber.  

Viber is an excellent alternative to Hike, as it has thousands of stickers in its packs. WhatsApp is now also compatible with local stickers.  

Key Features (Viber):  

  • Make your own stickers: Sticker packs.  
  • Viber Lenses: Snapchat-powered AR filters.  

Couple (Note on Availability)  

2026 Update: Although the original Couple app ceased to operate, it was not updated. It was excellent in personal intimacy but has been superseded by new applications.

Best Alternative: Between or Locket Widget

In the case of 2026, the most suitable app to use as a couple is Between. It offers a romantic area only between two individuals. You can chat, save photos and follow anniversaries. Another fashionable alternative is Locket Widget, which allows you to place the photos on the home screen of your partner.  

Key Features (Between):

  •  Private Chat: There are cute stickers and encrypted chat between two people.
  •  Shared Calendar: Keep dates and schedules.
  •  Memory Box: Keep all of your shared photos in one album.

Apple Advice: How to find the right application.

There are too many options, how do you choose? Use this simple checklist:

  • To be Private: In case you prefer your messages to be completely unreadable by anyone else, then you should use Signal or Telegram. They are safer than Snapchat.
  • In the case of Fun Filters: Instagram, Tik Tok, or Snow are your preferred options in case you want to transform your face into a dog or monster.
  • In the case of Close Friend: Marco Polo or Locket Widget can replace the loudness of social media and help you connect with one or two of your best friends.
  • In the case of Dating/Meeting New People: Installing apps such as Yubo would be more effective in broadening your network than the regular chat applications.

Conclusion

Snapchat remains a titan in 2026, but it is not the only means of sharing your moments. You want the military-level security of Signal, the never-ending fun of TikTok, or the cute filters of Snow; there is a different one that will suit your style.

The application that your friends are on is the best one- or the one you can get to persuade them to become part of—attempting to download one or two of these and find whether it makes your daily chatting somewhat more enjoyable.

FAQs

Does it have an app that is identical to Snapchat?

Snow is the closest clone. It nearly shares the interface, disappearing messages, and extremely close face filters.

Which app is less privacy-invading than Snapchat?

Signal is the safest. It relies on high-scale encryption and hardly gathers information about you.

Is it possible to apply Snapchat filters on other apps?

Other apps, such as Viber and Yubo, are actually collaborators with Snapchat in terms of their Lens technology, and thus, you will find those filters in those apps.

What replaced the “Couple” app?

The most popular replacement in 2026 is Between, which provides a private room where couples can communicate and exchange calendars.