How to Send a Snapchat Without a Photo

Create and share text-only Snaps in chats and Stories

Co-authored by Jack Lloyd Reviewed by Anyah Le Gilmore-Jones

Last Updated: September 2, 2024

While you could just cover your camera while taking a snap and then add a caption, there are a couple of other ways you can send Snapchats without a photo! Text snaps--also known as "chats"--can be sent from the Chat page, or you can add a chat to a user's story on the Stories page and send it to them as a direct message. While chats don't have a viewing time limit the way that picture snaps do, they disappear after both parties have read the chat text.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Sending a Chat from the Chat Page

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Snapchat should open directly to the camera interface.
This will bring up the Chat page; you'll find all of your recent conversations here in chronological order.

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3
Swipe right on a contact's name. This will open a chat window with that specific contact.
- There is no way to group chat on Snapchat.
4
Type a message in the "Send a chat" field. From here, you can also attach a picture, call or video call your recipient, or attach a Bitmoji if you have the service installed on your phone.
- Your recipient will receive a notification that says "[Your name] is typing..." when you begin typing, and another notification when you send your chat.
5
Tap "Send" when you're done. This will send your chat. Your chat will show up on the "Chat" page as a blue arrow; when your recipient opens it, the blue arrow will become hollow.
- Unless you or your recipient tap and hold the chat text to save it, Snapchat chats disappear entirely once both parties have read the chat.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Sending a Chat from the Stories Page

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Snapchat should open directly to the camera interface.
This will take you to the Stories page, where all of your contacts' stories are arranged in order from newest to oldest.
You should see a "Chat" option toward the bottom of the screen.
Tapping the "Chat" button will freeze the story in place, so don't worry about running out of time.
This will overlay the story image with your text.
This chat will show up on the "Chat" page as a blue arrow; when your recipient opens it, the blue arrow will become hollow.

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Tips

To save a message, tap and hold the text in the chat window. You can only do this when you view the chat for the first time.

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You can screenshot chats the same way you can screenshot regular snaps. Both parties in the chat will be notified if you do so.

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