Snapchat is expanding beyond its long-time focus on private messaging with the launch of “Topic Chats,” a new feature that allows users to publicly discuss trending topics and shared interests. From Formula 1 to hit reality shows like Below Deck, the company says Topic Chats will let users connect around cultural moments and community conversations.
Despite the shift toward public interaction, Snapchat stresses that privacy remains central. Profiles will stay hidden from anyone who isn’t already a friend, meaning strangers cannot send friend requests or direct messages. While a user’s display name appears beside their messages, it cannot be tapped to open a profile, and unlike usernames, display names aren’t searchable.
To keep Topic Chats safe, Snapchat says it will rely on LLM-powered moderation alongside other safety tools. All content must comply with Snapchat’s Community Guidelines, and users can report inappropriate posts. The company says it will take action against violators, including issuing warnings or blocking accounts.
Users will also be able to see which Topic Chats their friends have joined, making it easier to discover shared interests. In addition to messages, Topic Chats will highlight relevant Spotlight videos, the platform’s TikTok-style short-form clips.
Before this launch, the only place for public conversation on Snapchat was through Spotlight comments. The company says Topic Chats were inspired by the strong engagement it has seen in those comment sections.
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“Snapchatters create billions of Snaps every day … and we found the community loves commenting publicly about trending topics and events,” the company wrote in a blog post.
The rollout will begin in Canada, New Zealand, and the U.S. over the coming weeks. Topic Chats will appear in Chat shortcuts, search results, Stories, and on Spotlight videos. When users see a large yellow “Join the Chat” button on Stories or Spotlight clips, they can tap it to enter the chatroom.
Snapchat also confirmed that messages in these Topic Chats will be stored for up to five years.
