How To Get Big Writing On Snapchat

In the sea of social media platforms it seems Facebook would reign supreme indefinitely, but that isn't the case anymore. With the increased popularity of Instagram, Twitter and, more importantly, Snapchat, you don't have to stick to one and can use any of the ones above exclusively. Snapchat, for example, while a social media platform, provides its users with a feature that put Snapchat on the map: pictures and videos sent between users would delete themselves after being viewed.

Social media platforms like Facebook are incredibly easy to learn right out of the box, needing very little help on navigating Facebook's interface considering it seems overwhelming at first. Snapchat, on the other hand, doesn't share that reputation, regardless of the simplicity of the platform.

You see, Snapchat is an ingenious idea – that much is true. However, it doesn't extend that innovative design with any concrete tutorials, and Snapchat is full of little gems that can only be accessed if you knew that a certain gesture on your screen opened it. For better or for worse, you are left in the dark to discover much of what it has to offer.

The first image Snapchat evokes in the minds of many, specifically individuals that haven't used Snapchat yet, is a picture with text stretched across it. In your mind, it might be basic looking text, but in fact, Snapchat has an extensive editing pool for which to pull different text font from, rather than generic looking text fonts. You have ample room to be very creative with the pictures and videos you share.

Taking a Snap / Video Snap

Obviously, before you can even add text to a font, you need to know how pictures and videos work in Snapchat, or a "Snap." Snaps are a colloquial term amongst Snapchat users to reference a picture or video taken, often referred to as a "video Snap."

1. Locate and launch the Snapchat app. Its icon is a white "ghost" against a neon yellow backdrop. If the Snapchat app was recently installed, you'll find it on one of your home screens. If it isn't there, check inside your App Drawer. All currently installed apps are housed there.

2. Log into Snapchat with a valid Snapchat account, if you aren't already logged in, or create one right there on the spot. Once you've logged in, Snapchat will default to your camera screen.

take a snap

3. On the camera screen, there's a big circle near the bottom of the screen. That's your Shutter button. Tap it quickly to take a picture, a Snap. For a video Snap, you have to tap and hold your finger on the Shutter button

Video Snaps are only limited to 10 seconds. You can go hands-free by starting a video Snap and sliding your finger over the lock icon to the left of the Shutter button. When the lock closes, that means you can remove your finger.

Adding Text to a Snap

After a Snap or video Snap has been taken, you are given a set of editing tools to use. You'll find you can add text, stickers, filters, you can draw, and create your own stickers using the Snap you took.

For this section, only adding text to a Snap is covered. Because video Snaps are a little more complicated, that'll be covered below in its own section, "Adding Text to a Video Snap."

1. Hit the Shutter button and take a Snap of something.

2. When the Snap is presented alongside the editing tools, choose the Text tool, indicated by an uppercase "T."

3. When your virtual keyboard appears, type something in – anything will do. This doesn't have to be sent to anyone. In fact, it can be discarded after you've learned the ropes.

Use your finger to cycle through the handful of text fonts

4. At the top of the virtual keyboard, you'll notice a few text fonts. Use your finger to cycle through the handful of text fonts Snapchat has available. Snapchat doesn't have a library of fonts, but does offer enough for the right occasion.

Accept the changes and you're finished. That's all there is to adding text and fonts. With that being said, there's more to learn and alter.

Moving Text in Snapchat

After you've accepted the changes to the text you are free to move the text where you see fit, except for "Classic" font; that's strictly vertical placement. All you have to do is press your finger against the text, move your finger around and the text will follow.

If you want to turn the text, say, on its side, keep one finger still and, with the other finger, move the text in the direction you want.

Changing Text Font Size

If you're looking to change the size of your text font, you won't find a numbered drop down menu like you would in a text editing program. Instead, you use two fingers. By "pinching" your fingers–moving two fingers closer together–you shrink the size of the text font. By moving those two fingers away from each other, you increase the size of the text font. This method doesn't work for "Classic" font.

The Color Slider

move the slider to change the color

With the color slider, you can get a little creative with the text you use. Take your finger and move the orb up and down the color slider and your text will change accordingly. However, if you wish to change the color of a specific word, simply highlight it.

Adding Text to a Video Snap

Adding text to a video Snap can be difficult and, admittedly, frustrating. In Snapchat, it's known as "pinning," the act of pinning your text to a specific spot in your video Snap. It can prove difficult because of the way Snapchat pins the text, looking for lines and shapes that it can cling to, lines and shapes that are consistent throughout the video. Here's what you do:

1. Take a video Snap. Be steady, careful and try not to jostle your device. The steadier the video, the easier it is for Snapchat to pin your text.

2. Use the Text tool to add the text you want, including all the special detail you want. You'll see your video Snap looping in the background.

3. In order to pin text to a video, you have to first move your text to the desired location. Easier said than done, considering your video Snap can't be paused.

press your finger on the text

4. Once your text is in place, press your finger on the text. You'll see Snapchat throw up a loading sign and, if done successfully, you'll see your text pin to that specific location in your video Snap.

This step may take a few tries.