Snapchat, a platform long known for private, disappearing messages, is stepping into a new era with the launch of “Topic Chats”, a feature designed to let users participate in public conversations without sacrificing their privacy. The rollout marks one of the most significant expansions of Snapchat’s social experience in years, giving users a space to discuss everything from Formula 1 races to reality shows like Below Deck.
How Topic Chats Work: Public Conversations, Private Profiles
Unlike traditional chatrooms on other social platforms, Snapchat’s Topic Chats are built around controlled visibility. Users can post messages using their display name, but their actual profile remains locked away from strangers. Snapchat confirmed that Topic Chats do not allow others to tap into your profile, meaning no unsolicited friend requests or unwanted DMs.
Display names are shown alongside messages, but they cannot be searched, adding another layer of protection. This balance allows users to express themselves freely while keeping their personal identity shielded from the wider public.
Snapchat launches Topic Chats, which enables public conversations on subjects like F1, and plans to use AI and other safety tech to moderate the chats (@aiishamalik1 / TechCrunch)https://t.co/8E4CxeXMG5https://t.co/nw4SRpk86R
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LLM-Powered Moderation and Strict Community Rules
With any public discussion space comes the risk of misuse, and Snapchat says it has built Topic Chats with safety at the centre. The company told TechCrunch it will rely on large language model (LLM) technology, automated tools, and human review teams to monitor conversations.
Messages must follow Snapchat’s Community Guidelines, and users can report anything inappropriate. The platform says violators may face warnings, restrictions, or complete account bans, a clear attempt to prevent the feature from turning into a toxic chatroom.
See What Your Friends Are Talking About
Topic Chats also feature a social discovery element. Snapchat will show users the chats their friends have joined, helping people find communities they may want to explore, whether that’s sports, pop culture, gaming, or local interests.
Alongside the discussions, Snapchat will surface related Spotlight videos, making Topic Chats a blend of conversation and content discovery.
Where and When the Feature Is Rolling Out
The company is rolling out Topic Chats gradually in the U.S., Canada, and New Zealand. Over the next few weeks, users will start seeing Topic Chats appear:
- In Chat shortcuts
- Inside Search
- On the Stories page
- Under Spotlight videos
If you spot a large yellow button that says “Join the Chat”, tapping it will take you directly into the discussion.
Snapchat also revealed that messages in Topic Chats will be stored for up to five years, marking a departure from the platform’s usual ephemeral style.
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