Snapchat is a tremendously popular multimedia messaging application. It has revolutionized the sending of photos and videos with just a click, without extra charges like traditional text messaging. However, when dealing with multimedia, it’s hard for app developers to regulate the type of content shared on the application. Consequently, Snapchat allows users to report snaps and accounts to maintain platform security. So, what happens when your account or your content is reported on Snapchat? Let’s delve into this in detail.

Identifying the Cause of Report

Snapchat grants total creative freedom to users to send whatever they want, provided they do not violate the community guidelines or another entity’s rights. Their policy lists the following types of content as bases for reporting:

  • Explicit sexual content
  • Harassment and bullying
  • Threats, violence, and harm
  • Deceptive practices and false information
  • Identity theft
  • Illegal content
  • Criminal activity involving drugs and weapons
  • Promotion of tobacco and alcohol
  • Terrorism, hate groups
  • Hate speech

However, these are not the only content that can be reported. Any content or account can be reported, and any of the above reasons can be invoked.

Reporting Modes

Account reporting can be done via the app or on the web. Reports made on the app are the simplest way to go about it, as most content on the platform comes with an option to report it, be it an account or content posted by an account. Snapchat’s support website is the alternative if you cannot access the app or report the content/user.

Result of Reporting

Reporting a media or an account doesn’t lead to its immediate removal. If that were the case, more accounts would be deleted than used per day.

Here’s what happens when your content or your account is reported on Snapchat.

  • Moderator verification: Once a report is made against content or a user, the moderators receive the report and review it. If the report is accurate and deemed in violation of the app’s guidelines, further actions are taken.
  • Notification receipt: The reported user is informed via an app notification. The notification also states the reason for the content removal or their account reporting.
  • Response period: After spotting an issue, Snapchat allows users to contest the report, leading to more substantial involvement of the platform’s moderators.
  • Content or account removal: If the moderators find the user’s response unsatisfactory, they remove the content from the platform. If your account has been reported and found in violation of Snapchat’s policies, it can be suspended or removed, depending on the case’s severity.

Conclusion

If your Snapchat account or content has been reported and it violates Snapchat’s policy, you will be informed and asked to update the content. The reason is also stated in the notification. If you find the report baseless, you can contest it and prevent your account from being suspended or removed. However, if your account violates certain guidelines and gets removed, you can create a new account using a new email address and start from scratch. In short, follow the rules, respect others, and use Snapchat safely!

FAQ

How do you know if your Snapchat account has been reported?

Snapchat does not directly inform users if they have been reported. However, if content you have posted violates community guidelines and has been reported by another user, you will receive a notification from Snapchat stating that your content has been removed. If your account receives a significant number of reports or if you seriously violate Snapchat’s rules, your account may be temporarily or permanently suspended.

How long does it take for a Snapchat report to be processed?

The time it takes to process a report on Snapchat can vary. It depends on the number of reports that Snapchat’s moderation team has to process at that time. Generally, you can expect a report to be processed within 24 to 48 hours, but it can take longer in certain situations.

How many reports does it take to close a Snapchat account?

There is no specific number of reports required to close a Snapchat account. Snapchat reviews each report individually and makes a decision based on the reported content and context. A single report may suffice if the content severely violates community guidelines. However, in most cases, several reports and an in-depth investigation are required before action is taken against an account.

Are reported Snapchat accounts deleted?

Not necessarily. When an account is reported, Snapchat’s team investigates the report and checks if the account or content violates community guidelines. If so, Snapchat may choose to delete the specific content or, in more severe cases, suspend or delete the account. However, each situation is evaluated individually, and an account is only deleted if a serious or repeated violation of community guidelines is found.