What does the lock on Snapchat story mean?
Written by: Hrishikesh Pardeshi, Founder at Flexiple, buildd & Remote Tools.
Last updated: Jul 12, 2023
During the pandemic, Snapchat garnered humongous popularity. According to a survey, people shared 4 billion snaps on the platform because they had nothing to do but stay indoors. Sharing regular snaps is a trending phenomenon on Snapchat.
On the other hand, sharing stories is another fun thing on Snapchat. Moreover, who wouldn't want to view their friends stories and get a peek into each other's lives?
However, have you spotted the lock symbol in your friends stories? It must be weird to notice a purple lock symbol guarding your friend's stories.
So, let's learn what does lock feature mean on Snapchat story.
TLDR
Your friends have added a private story on Snapchat if you notice a lock symbol on them. Only users selected by the host can view the story. It means that you are included in your friend's special friends list, and they feel secure in sharing stories with you. So, feel fortunate if you see the lock icon.
Table of Contents
What are Snapchat's private stories?
Snapchat's fantastic features and viral trends have gained the platform many users in the past decade. People enthusiastically share snaps with their close friends or family members. Today, Snapchatter's favorite activity is to share a normal story or Snapstreaks with their people.
Everyone can see your custom story unless you have a private account. The scenario entirely changes when you choose a private story.
Now, Snapchat enables users to share a normal snap and also, post a private story. Private Snapchat story mean you post stories with your favorite people only.
So, remember, your pal has shared a private story if you notice a grey lock icon against any Snapchat stories.
Let's decode what this lock means on the stories tab on Snapchat.
What is lock on private story mean on Snapchat?
Snapchat app enhances the user's experience by introducing various customizable options. Similarly, Snapchatters can select their audience and decide with whom they want to share their private moments. One of the most popular social media apps, Snapchat allows users to share a private story with a specific group.
However, users will get confused about whether a story shared with them is private or default. No worries because the Snapchat lock logo eliminates this confusion.
So, unapproved friends won't be able to view your private Snapchat story or lock symbol on it. Unviewed Snapchat stories show a purple lock.
In contrast, a viewed story has gray lock around them. In addition, a gray lock also appears when you create a private story.
Remember these noteworthy points:
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The custom story section appears at the upper part of Snapchat. Also, a blue circle surround it.
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Private Snapchat story doesn't emerge in your friend's inbox.
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You can also react to your friend's private custom stories with a cute sticker.
Now you know how Snapchat's private stories page works. So, let's decode the way to create a private story.
How to create a private story on snapchat?
As you now get clarity on how Snapchat's private stories appear, let's understand how to create them.
Here is the step-by-step instruction on creating a private Snapchat story:
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Open Snapchat and log in with your details.
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Complete filling in other details for your profile page. Give your Snapchat handle a unique username.
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Click on your profile icon. It allows you to create a private story.
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Tap on "+ custom story."
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Now, click on the "Private story" option.
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Select your specific audiences with whom you want to share your stories.
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Carefully create your private story Snapchat list.
Note: respond with adorable GIFs on Snapchat to your friend's particular story.
Some people confuse themselves between a private story and a personal snap. So, let's get a clear understanding of both concepts.
Geo stories
Geo stories differ from Private Snapchat stories. These stories only appear to the users present in your vicinity. Additionally, you can watch your own geo stories by clicking on the profile icon.
Sending individual snaps
Users send snaps to their pal privately. It disappears when your friend views the snap.
To create snaps and send individually, you need to select your audience, which is possible when you have a video or photo. So, you create an audience and send them a picture or video snaps regularly.
Why prefer Private Stories?
Here are a few reason on why one should prefer private story on snapchat over anything else.
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Sending snaps individually is not a streamlined process. However, a private story does similar work for you and is straightforward.
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You can remove someone who makes you feel uncomfortable.
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People don't get notifications when you exclude them from Snapchat stories.
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The intuitive gray lock on Snapchat reminds you that you've watched the Snapchat story.
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You can choose private story option when you feel uncomfortable explicitly sharing Snapchat stories with everyone.
Get started with private story on Snapchat
Snapchat lets you share private stories similar to Instagram. Only the people you select to share your story can view and react to them. The lock on Snapchat specifies that you are considered to view someone's private story.
Another advantage of private stories is that you get more control over selecting an audience. So, you can choose your friends first before other users. Take advantage of this excellent feature and create numerous private Snapchat stories.
Hopefully, this article helped you to learn what the lock means on Snapchat stories.
FAQs
How to view someone's story without letting them know?
Clear your Snapchat cache after viewing a particular story. It won't let a person know that you've watched their story.
You can also expand your audience and find more people to interact with on Snapchat.
Why would anyone want to share a Snapchat story privately?
Sending snaps individually to each friend is time-consuming. However, a private story relieves you from this hectic task and allows you to quickly create your friend's list and share your private moments with them.