The 10-second photo messaging app added text messaging and video chats; debuted its first ad — a 20-second trailer for Universal Pictures’ horror movie “Ouija” — launched Snapcash, an easy way for users to exchange money, and, after introducing location-based photo filters, announced it would allow users to create and share their own geofilters.
For all this, Snapchat earned the title of Fastest Growing App of 2014, made a splashy New Year’s Eve debut in New York City, streaming global snaps on two video screens in Times Square and was recently valued at $10 billion after raising $485 million from 23 investors.
That’s not bad for a mobile app where content disappears after its been viewed. But even as Hollywood has jumped on board, Snapchat’s 30 million monthly users remain largely under the age of 25. So whether you’re looking to play catch up in 2015 or just want to add to your friends list, take a look at some of the media outlets, influencers and artists who’ve mastered the now-you-see-it-now-you-don’t social platform.
Why you should follow:Ryan Seacrest is no slouch when it comes to social media but nothing gives you better access to the backstage action at events like “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” or the iHeartRadio Music Festival like the host’s real-time snaps.
2. Username: caseyneistat
Why you should follow: You might have seen the viral video Casey Neistat created this year, pitting Facebook against Snapchat. (Hint: Mark Zuckerberg’s platform didn’t pass the teen test.) The producer-director brings the same energy to his own account, whether he’s sharing snaps from around the world or his local cineplex.
3. Username: nowthisnews
Why you should follow: The mobile news startup was one of the first news outlets on the platform. NowThisNews delivers daily headlines via images overlayed with text and drawings. It’s a visual style that’s well suited to the app’s younger demo.
4. Username: gma_abc
Why you should follow: “Good Morning America” social media correspondent Tony Reali takes advantage of celebrity guests like Taylor Swift, Seth Rogen, Lady Gaga and Jamie Foxx to share behind-the-scenes snaps and quickie interviews.
5. Username: lacma_museum
Why you should follow: The Los Angeles County Museum of Art was the first museum to join Snapchat and has received widespread praise for its snap art, which pairs online slang with classic masterpieces.
Why you should follow: The “Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon” uses Snapchat to announce upcoming guests. Followers are also challenged to submit their own drawings of pegacorns or turkey selfies, which are then shared to Tumblr.
7. Username: nprnews
Why you should follow: NPR’s cerebral strategy is perfectly suited to their brand — the non-profit shares a daily offbeat fact from a recently reported story.
8. Username: mashable
Why you should follow: Mashable’s Snapchat team excels at visual storytelling, whether they’re celebrating Central Park’s 150th anniversary, Shark Week or National Cheese Pizza Day. The account also offers a glimpse inside the company’s Flatiron District offices, provides live coverage during tech releases and shares Snapchat updates as they happen.
9. Username: girlshbo
Why you should follow: HBO’s “Girls” was one of the first TV series to see Snapchat’s potential, especially for its coveted young demo. They jumped on the platform last January and have used it since then to post quotes, behind-the-scenes photos, tune-in reminders and previews.
Why you should follow: Using Snapchat’s scribble feature, the Oscar winner specializes in decorating his self portraits with psychedelic war paint. Leto will also share run-of-the-mill selfies and scenery snaps from his far-flung travels.
11. Username: mtv
Why you should follow: The music network embraced Snapchat in 2014 by revealing its 2014 Video Music Awards nominees through the visual messaging app. MTV also regularly posts snaps of guests like Daniel Radcliffe, Ed Sheeran, Iggy Azalea and Demi Lovato dropping by the studio.
12. Username: mplatco
Why you should follow: MPlatco (real name Mike Plato) has been described as the Van Gogh of Snapchat and it’s not hard to see why. Wizards, superheroes and pop culture icons are this artist’s speciality whether drawing for himself or others.
13. Username: jeromejarre
Why you should follow: After conquering Vine, French entrepreneur and viral video creator Jerome Jarre turned his attention to Snapchat where he amassed 1.5 million friends at last count. Jarre co-founded GrapeStory, a talent agency for Vine and Snapchat stars.
14. Username: Shonduras
Why you should follow: Shonduras (real name Shaun McBride) was dubbed a “Snapchat celebrity” early on and hasn’t looked back since. Along with his own upbeat 10-second stories, he does work for brands like Disneyland, Major League Soccer and more.
Why you should follow: The Washington Post has been experimenting with Snapchat this year, using the photo and video sharing platform for cover everything from the Super Bowl and a performance of the Nutcracker at the Kennedy Center to crowd sourcing snaps during cold weather and the 2014 election.
Follow TheWrap on Snapchat: “TheWrapNews”
YouTube's 25 Biggest Stars (Photos)
Galvin Free and Daniel Gruchy created "The Slow Mo Guys" in 2010, a series which simply consists of different things filmed in extreme slow motion. Their channel now has over 4 million subscribers and over 330 million views.
Zoe Sugg, known to her fans as Zoella, hosts a fashion, beauty and lifestyle channel. She recently signed a two-book deal with Penguin Books for "Girl Online," a loosely autobiographical book about an anonymous young blogger goes viral.
Shane Dawson is best known for creating YouTube comedy videos that include recurring characters, and spoofs of popular TV shows and music videos. The multi-talented online star has also released five songs of his own and made his own film on Starz's "The Chair" titled "Not Cool."
YouTube beauty expert Michelle Phan became Lancome's official make-up artist and in 2011 she co-founded ipsy, a monthly subscription service for make-up.
Matthew Clarke rose to fame after a video of him and friend, David Milchard, reenacting conversations with his two-year-old daughter, Coco, went viral. He is currently on Season 3 of his series as he reenacts conversations with the now 3-year-old.
Grav3yardgirl, also known as Bunny Meyer, hosts fashion and beauty videos. She is known for her segments "Does This Really Work," "Follow Me Around" and "First Impression Friday."
Grace Helbig entered the YouTube arena by creating R-rated versions of fairy tales. The unique twist on children's classics won Helbig her own show on My Damn Channel called "DailyGrace," and an gig on "Attack of The Show" as both a host and correspondent. She currently has a pilot in development at E!.
Felix Kjellberg, better known online as PewDiePie, is a video game commentator. He has over 31 million subscribers to his channel and is one of the fastest-growing YouTube channels.
Bethany Mota rose to YouTube fame after posting haul videos in 2009. Since then, she's gone on multiple tours, paired with Aeropostale to create a fashion line and currently stars on the 19th season of "Dancing with the Stars."
"Epic Meal Time," created by Harley Morenstein and Sterling Toth, is a Canadian cooking show that creates high calorie meals, usually including meat and alcohol. The channel has over six million subscribers and has won the Shorty Award for Food.
The founder of 5 Second Films, Brian Firenzi started a movement in 2005 in the dormitories of USC that has led to over 115 million views on YouTube. The micro-films have even featured the talents of Patton Oswalt, Andrew W.K. and "Weird Al" Yankovic.
With over 1.5 million followers on his channel, Chester See entertains his vast audience with original songs, sketches and short films.
After breaking his back and legs during a snowboarding accident, Devin Graham moved behind the camera for a series of cinematic, breath-taking extreme sport videos that have amassed more than 415 million views and more than 2.5 million subscribers.
Michael Jordan or Muhammad Ali? Hitler or Darth Vader? These are the questions we want answered, and Peter Shukoff and Lloyd Ahlquist answered them with "Epic Rap Battles of History." Their channel boasts over 11 million subscribers, with over 1.2 billion views for their videos.
Hannah Hart's "My Drunk Kitchen" embraces alcohol-fuelled baking, drawing in over 1.4 million subscribers and over 105 million views. She was also recently chosen to co-host the Streamys with friend and fellow YouTube star, Grace Helbig.
Jesse Wellens pranked his girlfriend, Jeana, attempting the cinnamon challenge in 2007, leading to the launch of "PrankvsPrank," an ongoing prank war that has since gained over 884 million combined views and 6.4 million subscribers. Surprisingly, the couple is still together.
Jenna Marbles has over 14 million subscribers, making her the seventh most-subscribed-to channel and the top YouTube channel run by a woman, with over 1.5 billion views.
Lindsey Stirling -- a violinist, dancer and performer -- posts both music videos and live performances on "Her YouTube Channel," which has over 5 million subscribers and 735 million views.
Henry Reich created a series of science education videos called "MinutePhysics" in order to get kids excited about learning. His channel has over 2.5 million subscribers and videos have been featured on "PBS Newshour" and "NBC News."
Philip DeFranco has hosted his own news/talk show on YouTube since 2007, which has garnered over 3 million subscribers and 1 billion views.
The Piano Guys gained their popularity through YouTube where they posted piano and cello renditions of popular songs. They have since attracted over three million subscribers and many of their songs have more than 20 million views each. After getting a record deal, their first four albums all reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts.
Ray William Johnson started hosting "Equas Three," a commentary show on viral videos, from his dorm room in 2008. That has grown to over 10.8 million subscribers and over 2 billion views. Johnson left the show in March, but Robby Motz has since taken over and the funny, biting commentary hasn't slowed down.
With nearly 20 million subscribers, 3.7 billion video views and three different spans of time as the most subscribed YouTube channel, Ian Andrew Hecox and Anthony Padilla can lodge a claim as the Lords of the Internet with their comedy duo "Smosh."
Toby Turner has succeeded with not one, but three YouTube channels, with a combined total of 14.9 million subscribers and over 3.2 billion views.
UberHaxorNova has earned over 2 million subscribers through his inappropriate jokes. He is also known for his "rage" videos.
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The video platform has created a new generation of online celebrities, earning them million of views and sometimes millions of dollars
Galvin Free and Daniel Gruchy created "The Slow Mo Guys" in 2010, a series which simply consists of different things filmed in extreme slow motion. Their channel now has over 4 million subscribers and over 330 million views.
