Snapchat is ideal for sending funny videos, but mastering how to start a conversation on Snapchat can be a little more involved.

Snapchat is the perfect place to goof around, whether you’re sending selfies to your friends or posting too many cat videos. But if you want to talk to someone and actually carry on a conversation, this is how to start a conversation on Snapchat.

Why should you want to know how to start a conversation on Snapchat?

Chatting via your phone has become totally normal, it is actually probably more common than talking face to face *sadly*. But when you like someone, saying hey what’s up? via text message can be a bit nerve racking. Snapchat removes some of that intensity by offering a safe place.

Just like tagging someone in a meme on Instagram, starting a conversation on Snapchat feels a little more subtle and natural. This way there is something that gives you an in, rather than being so vulnerable and starting a conversation out of the blue.

Why not start a conversation somewhere else?

Like I said earlier, Snapchat is casual, and another plus is the privacy. So if you’re reaching out to your crush, your friends won’t see it in their activity page.

You can send a photo and message back and forth and keep it just between you two. There is also a lot less judgement on Snapchat than on other apps. There aren’t likes or followers. It is more of a free platform. It seems to be the one app you don’t have to worry about, perhaps because everything disappears after 24 hours. [Read: The best ways to find what you’re looking for on social media]

How to start a conversation on Snapchat

First, open the app. Just kidding. I’m sure you already have it opened. A great place to start is by watching this person’s story. And check to see if they watched yours. This may give you some background on what they’re interested in or find funny. What do they normally post about?

Do they go to the gym daily? Are they always posting their food? Or are they pretty quiet?

Plus if your crush or whoever you want to chat with watches your story regularly you may feel a bit more confident about starting that conversation.

#1 Respond to their story. If you want an in or are looking for a subtle way to figure how to start a conversation on Snapchat, simply reply to their story.

Avoid just saying LOL or haha. Try to say something that leads into a conversation. Ask a question or bring up something that post reminded you of. This way you can actually interact with a full conversation. [Read: Fun and flirty questions to ask someone to get to know them better]

#2 Send a simple snap. If you want to be super subtle, post to your story and hope they respond. But sending them something is the best way to get a response.

Maybe send them a screenshot of a song you’re listening to that you know they like. Or send a photo of your pet. Everyone loves a cute furry friend picture.

#3 Do NOT make it weird. By this I mean do not send a dick pic or the female equivalent. Unless you’re in a committed relationship, this is not going to get you a conversation.

Most likely it will get you blocked. And there go your dreams of carrying out a Snapchat conversation. [Read: How to keep your intimate connection alive by following these Snapchat streak rules]

#4 Be sneaky. You can do this by sending a one-second snap. Send an innocent photo. It can be of your dinner, your pet, a selfie, what have you. But setting the time to only one second will raise questions.

Most likely this person will ask what the photo was. This gives you the beginning of a conversation.

#5 Send a question with a photo. Some people don’t like the messaging part of Snapchat. I get it. Sometimes you lose the message and it gets confusing. Plus photos are a lot more interesting. And getting or sending a cute picture is always a plus.

So send a question in your picture. Ask if your outfit is cute, ask which place you should order dinner from, etc. And this is a bit more intriguing than just a message.

#6 Make it funny. Personally, I get the most Snapchat responses to funny or embarrassing posts. Most particularly when I post an old photo of myself from childhood or my awkward years.

People love to reminisce about the past and gently make fun. [Read: The best funny conversation starters to make you fit in]

#7 Share an article. A great use for the subscriptions section of Snapchat isn’t just catching up on random news, but also sharing that news. So, if you read a hilarious Buzzfeed list or saw some tea on a celebrity couple send it on over.

Obviously, be aware of this person’s interests enough to know what they would find funny or relatable. But this can be a great way to start a conversation on Snapchat. 

#8 Do NOT send what you put on your story. This is a big pet peeve for a lot of people on Snapchat. If you put something on your story, there is no need to send it to anyone individually. 

This just comes across a bit desperate and needy if I’m completely honest. So try to avoid this at all costs. While I’m telling you what not to do, you may also want to avoid a massively long story. No more than 10 a day is best unless you’re the most interesting person in the world. Which, sorry, you’re probably not.

#9  Be patient. Some people are busy. They don’t have time to check Snapchat every minute. If you sent a snap and they didn’t open it right away, or they even take hours, do not bombard them.

It is one thing to send one or two photos or messages, but if this person opens Snapchat when they get home from work and sees 10 messages from you they will likely be more annoyed then intrigued. If you want the result to be a conversation, let it come naturally. Don’t force it. [Read: Flirting over text and intrigue your crush with just your words]

#10 Move on. If you tried messaging this person, sending them photos, and replying to their stories, and you haven’t received more than one word responses, they may just not be interested. If they open your snaps and don’t reply it is not a good sign. And if they just don’t open them at all, time to move on.

Snapchat is an easy place to casually start a conversation, but that doesn’t mean a guarantee. Some people just aren’t interested. So, once you’ve given it an appropriate level of effort and it hasn’t worked, set your sights on someone new.

Snapchat is a great way to enter the flirting stage of a relationship. But it isn’t a dating app, so use it with an art of subtlety, just try not to over do it. Also be aware of the signs if this Snapchat conversation is just not going to happen.

[Read: Woo your crush by learning the best way to start a conversation]

Everyone should know how to start a conversation on Snapchat. In this day and age, it is a go to place for interaction and entertainment and a great way to work your way into a flirtation. But subtlety is key here.