Do We Have to Open Snaps Sent to Us to Maintain a Streak?

When it comes to maintaining a Snapchat streak, there's a common misconception that both parties must not only send but also open their snaps within a 24-hour period. However, this isn’t strictly true. To determine this, let's break down the requirements and explore the nuances of maintaining a streak.

How do Snapchat Streaks Work?

To start and maintain a Snapchat streak, both users must exchange at least one snap (either a photo or video) with each other within a 24-hour period. Here are the key points to remember:

Only Sending Snaps: You do not have to open the snaps sent to you to maintain the streak. You can keep the streak going by sending snaps without opening the ones you receive. No Requirement for Viewing: Openness of the received snap does not impact the streak itself, as long as the sender gets a snap back within the 24-hour window. No Group Snaps: Snaps sent in a group chat or through Snapchat Memories, Spectacles, or any other feature, do not count towards individual streaks. Each user must maintain their streaks separately.

Personal Experiences and Tips

Many Snapchat users, like myself, maintain a consistent streak of over 90, even during a global lockdown. I keep close to 100 streaks daily, though it has dropped to about 90 due to the lockdown. I choose not to view the snaps I receive unless it's necessary for a specific reason. For instance, if I only have a few minutes to check my streaks, it might take me upwards of 30 minutes to go through each one. However, this doesn’t affect the streak as long as I send a snap back within the 24-hour window.

It's important to note that viewing snaps that are sent to you can increase your score, which is a key motivation for some users. Nevertheless, you can maintain your streak by sending snaps and not opening any of them. This strategy is widely used by people who prioritize sending over receiving.

Best Practices for Maintaining Streaks

Here are some tips to help you maintain your Snapchat streaks effectively:

Schedule Snaps: Set specific times to send your snaps, ensuring that you cover all your streaks within the 24-hour window. This can help you avoid confusion and ensure a consistent streak. Designate Days: Assign specific days to manage each streak to keep track of which friends need a snap within a 24-hour period. Keep Your Phone Handy: Make sure your phone is accessible when you need to send a snap. Tools like extensions can also help you quickly send snaps even if you're away from your phone.

By following these guidelines, you can maintain a healthy number of Snapchat streaks without the added pressure of consistently viewing all the snaps you receive.

In conclusion, while opening the snaps you receive can offer additional benefits, it is not mandatory to maintain a Snapchat streak. As long as you send snaps within the required 24-hour window, you can keep your streaks intact. Experiment with your own strategy and find what works best for you!