Snapchat introduces tap-to-view controls

Snapchat’s latest update adds a new tap-to-view control, so users no longer have to hold down a key to view a message.

This means “no more tired thumbs,” according to Snapchat who announced the update in a blog post. Of course, those who have used Snapchat for a while will have to re-adjust. The press and hold user interface has been in place since Snapchat launched in 2011.

The press and hold system wasn’t a problem when viewing photos and short video clips. But as video lengths have increased – partly because of the Discover section adding content from the likes of MTV and Vice – Snapchat had to make changes so that people wouldn’t mind viewing these clips.

Another important addition is two-factor authentication when logging in to use the app. Snapchat claims that people will have a “much harder time” if they try to hack into your account.

Finally, Snapchat has added the option to add a photo to the middle of users’ Snapcodes – the scannable codes that can be exchanged with friends to follow one another in the app.