What Does The Purple Circle Mean On Snapchat?
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What Does The Purple Circle Mean On Snapchat?

Jasmyne Jeffery March 16, 2023

It’s impossible to know what all the little icons, emojis and more mean across social media, particularly when they’re used more than once. This can be the case even within the same app, so we don’t blame you if you’re confused. We’re here to explain what the purple circle or ring means on Snapchat after users noticed it more than once.

Sure, lots of us have grown up with social media and our families think we’re experts on everything Instagram, Twitter and more. However, that’s just not the case and there’s stuff we don’t know to; in particular, what every little thing means. So that you don’t lose your credibility, we can explain what the purple ring means on Snapchat for when the next family member comes running.

Since launching in 2011, Snapchat has introduced a lot of new features like Snapchat+, their subscription service, and a whole range of Snapchat emojis and icons which have different meanings. With the purple ring update coming at the end of last year, it seems the app is still updating itself to keep relevant.

What Does The Purple Circle Mean On Snapchat?

Not actually a new feature, the purple circle on Snapchat means exactly the same as the blue circle.

Frequent Snapchat users will remember that a blue ring used to appear around people’s profile pictures on the stories tab. You could also see on the Quick Add section for suggested friends. All this meant was that that person had uploaded a story which you hadn’t viewed yet. Be aware that you won’t be able to view stories from those you haven’t added unless they’ve made their profile public.

This is pretty similar to Instagram Stories which have a pink/yellow ring around them when something has been added.

Photo by Alexander Shatov on Unsplash

After an update in last 2022, Snapchat changed the blue ring to a purple. So, you don’t have to learn anything new! Like before, once you’ve viewed their story then the ring will grey out until that person posts something else.

Thankfully, it’s a little less complicated then all the chat icons, which have different shapes and colours depending on what they mean!

The Purple Ring With A Lock

The only variation to the purple circle is when it has a lock icon next to it. If you see that one your friend’s stories has this, that means that only a certain group of people can view it. Luckily, if you can see it, then you’re part of that elite club.

You can set up a private story really easily by going to your profile, selecting story and then private story. At this point, you’ll need to select the friend you want to see it, and you’re ready to go. Think of it like Instagram’s close friends feature and you’re on the right lines, but their ring will be green.

Now you’re in the know about the purple ring on Snapchat, you can blag that you’ve been in the know all along!

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Jasmyne Jeffery is a full-time writer on Freshered after working freelance with GRV Media previously. She attended the University of South Wales where she was also a student blogger. In 2022, she graduated with a first-class honours degree in English and Creative Writing. Jasmyne worked briefly for her local newspaper before heading to university and completing an internship at a publishing company. She is now pursuing and loving a career in journalism. Jasmyne has a particular interest in student news, entertainment, and social media, whilst also (trying!) to help put the world to right. Originally from North Devon, she is currently loving the small-city life in Cardiff.