Snapchat is rolling out a brand-new way for users to connect publicly — Topic Chats. This new feature expands Snapchat's traditional private-messaging focus and introduces a community-driven discussion space built around trending topics, big events, and viral moments.
In this guide, you'll learn what Topic Chats are, how they work, where to find them, and how creators or brands can use them for engagement and visibility.
What Are Snapchat Topic Chats?
Topic Chats are public, interest-based group conversations that allow Snapchatters to join discussions about news events, trending stories, entertainment, and viral content.
Instead of only sending Snaps privately, users can now:
Join open conversations around popular topics
Interact with others who share similar interests
See relevant Snaps or Spotlight videos tied to the topic
Discover if their friends are participating
This shift marks Snapchat's biggest step toward public social interaction in years.
Where Will Topic Chats Appear?
Snapchat will integrate Topic Chats across multiple discovery surfaces, making them easy to find:
Chat shortcuts
Search results
Stories page
Spotlight videos
Whenever you see a big yellow "Join the Chat" button, you can instantly enter the public discussion.
The rollout is happening "over the coming weeks" in:
Canada
New Zealand
The United States
How to Join and Use Topic Chats
Here's a simple walkthrough for new users:
1. Look for the 'Join the Chat' Button
If a Story or Spotlight video is tied to a trending topic, you'll see a yellow button prompting you to join.
2. Browse Active Chats
You can access available Topic Chats from:
The Stories tab
Spotlight feed
The search bar
3. Check if your friends are inside
Before joining, you'll be able to see whether any of your friends are already participating.
4. Engage in the discussion
Inside the Topic Chat, you can:
5. Return to your Topic Chat Page
Chats you join will stay pinned at the top of your Topic Chats page for quick access.
Is Topic Chat Safe? Snapchat's Moderation Approach
Because public chats can attract unwanted behavior, Snapchat says the feature will be actively moderated to:
Remove harmful content
Protect younger users
Keep discussions civil
However, heavy manual moderation could impact how quickly the feature scales globally.
Why Topic Chats Matter for Users and Creators
1. More engagement opportunities
Snap's younger audience can now connect beyond private friend groups.
2. A new way for creators to grow
Creators can join trending conversations to:
Increase visibility
Share relevant Snaps
Build niche communities
3. Potential ad and targeting expansion
With topic-based discussions, Snapchat can:
4. A way for Snap to boost slowing user growth
As Snapchat seeks to regain momentum in major markets, Topic Chats may serve as a fresh engagement driver.
How to Leverage Topic Chats for Maximum Reach
Whether you're a casual user, creator, or social media manager, here are strategies to make the most of Topic Chats:
✔ Participate early in trending chats
Early messages typically gain more visibility.
✔ Use Snaps to add context
Visuals help your message stand out inside fast-moving chats.
✔ Engage in your niche
If you post gaming, fashion, travel, or tech content, join Topic Chats related to your niche for targeted exposure.
✔ Repurpose insights for other platforms
Trending topics often align with news cycles — a great opportunity to cross-post to TikTok, Reels, or YouTube Shorts.
Final Thoughts
Snapchat Topic Chats represent a major evolution for the platform — shifting from private messaging toward public, interest-driven conversations. For everyday users, it's a new way to meet like-minded people. For creators and brands, it introduces fresh opportunities to reach new audiences.
