Snapchat is an app that allows you to quickly take a photo or video, add text or filters, and send it to as many friends as you like. Because the content you send is (by default) deleted after 24 hours, Snapchat allows for more spontaneous conversations than other social networks.
But spontaneous doesn’t always mean simple. Although you can send a Snap with a few clicks, Snapchat’s interface, especially the many emojis and symbols it uses as indicators, may not be fully understood. If you don’t know what the colored hearts next to your friends’ names mean, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll see the meanings of the icons and symbols that appear in some colors on Snapchat.
The Meanings of Purple and Red Snaps on Snapchat
Snapchat has color-coded icons that give you a quick update on your message status, as long as you know what they mean. These icons appear on your Friends screen and show the status of the last Snap or chat you sent. Let’s take a look at what they are.
Red arrows:
A full red arrow: You sent a Snap with no sound and your friend didn’t open it.
Empty red arrow: Your friend opened your silent Snap.
Red squares:
Full red square: Your friend sent you a silent Snap and you didn’t open it.
Empty red square: The silent Snap you sent was viewed by this friend.
Double empty red arrow: This friend took a screenshot of a silent Snap.
Red circle with a point: This friend replayed a silent Snap.
Purple arrows:
Full purple arrow: You sent a Snap with sound and your friend didn’t open it.
Empty purple arrow: Your friend opened your Snap with sound.
Purple squares:
Full purple squares: Your friend sent you an audio Snap and you didn’t open it.
Empty purple square: You watched an audio Snap from this friend.
Double empty purple arrow: This friend took a screenshot of the audio Snap.
Purple circle with a point: This friend replayed a Snap with audio.
Blue arrows:
Full blue arrow: You sent a Chat message to this friend and it was not read.
Empty blue arrow: Your friend opened your Chat message.
Filled blue square: This friend sent you a Chat message and you read it.
Empty blue square: You viewed a Chat message from this friend.
Double empty blue arrow: This friend took a screenshot of a Chat message.
What Do the Purple Boxes Next to My Friends’ Names Mean?
If your friend has entered their date of birth on Snapchat, their zodiac sign will usually appear as a purple box – depending on the system you use, they may look slightly different from the above. As long as you’re aware of what’s what, these icons give you an idea of when their birthday is, even if you don’t know the exact date. If it’s your friend’s birthday, a birthday cake emoji will also appear next to it.
