Snapchat Inc. has announced Chat 2.0, which comes with a number of new features aimed at making Snapchat the best way to communicate. The latest version now allows you to video and audio call, giving you the control when you need to mute the microphone or switch off your camera. The changes also include the ability to record short videos or audio notes to truly express your emotions to your friends — if the new stickers that have also been introduced just won’t do.

Below we look at how to use four of the new features so that you can get the most out of the new Snapchat.

Make sure you have the latest version

To have access to all of Snapchat latest updates you will need to have the latest version of Snapchat for Android or iOS installed on your phone. The update is rolling out slowly across the globe, so an update may not be available yet for your phone.

In case you missed an update notification, check the App Store or the Play Store for the latest version. If it is not available you will have to remain patient.   

How to use the new features in Chat 2.0

Once you have the latest version of the app installed you can access all the exciting new features, like video and audio calls, multiple photo uploads, lots of stickers and more. .

To see the new features in action, go into the Snapchat app > Discover section > tap the icon of the ghost throwing up a rainbow and watch the video.

Video call your friend

With the latest update to Snapchat, you can make video and audio calls to your friends or family.

Select the person you want to chat with > swipe right on their name > tap on the video camera button (found next to the middle round button) > your video call will go through to your friend.

If you want to rather just phone your friend, simply tap the phone icon for an audio call.

Tip: If the call to your friend doesn’t work, check that they have updated their app to the latest version.  

When you start a video or audio call with your friend, they will receive a notification and can either Join, Ignore or Watch it. If the person you are calling, misses your call, Snapchat will let you know that they are unavailable, while if they tap the Ignore button you will be alerted that they ‘can’t talk right now.’

When you are in a video chat you can still use the same features you enjoyed in a private chat, but now you also have access to some of the new features like texting each other during the video and sending stickers.

If your surroundings change during your video or audio chats and aren’t as private as you would like you can select to turn off your camera or mute your microphone. Switch your camera off by tapping the green video camera icon. You will continue to be able to see them, but they won’t see you. If during an audio call, you need to switch off your microphone, simply tap the green phone icon. Tap the icon again when you want to speak.

Tip: Swipe down on the video to minimize the video to a tiny bubble on your screen.

Express your emotions with stickers

Snapchat made news last week when it paid an astounding $100 million for online comic and emoji making firm Bitstrips Inc. With Chat 2.0, the company has introduced 200 stickers that you can send to friends during text, video and audio chats. However, at this stage, there are no Bitmojis, the customizable cartoon avatars developed by Bitstrips.

To send a sticker to a friend, tap the new smiley face button > choose your sticker. Alternatively, type your emotion — like love, happy, angry, etc. — in the chat line and Snapchat will provide you with some sticker recommendations to choose from.

Send video GIFs of your smiling or frustrated face

If a sticker just won’t cut it to express how you are feeling, you can now send video GIFs and audio notes to the person you are chatting to.

To send a short video of yourself, press and hold the video camera button > release the button when you are finished recording. The short video will be sent to your friend. Alternatively for an audio note, press and hold the phone icon to record your message.

Send multiple photos during your chats

The update now allows you to send multiple photos at one time, during your text, audio and video chats. Tap the picture icon during your chat and select as many photos as you want.

Tip: Before sending your photos you can customize them by using Snapchat’s text, drawing and filter tools.

When you send photos during a video call they will show up in the chat window as a translucent overlay.

Image credit: Ellen De Vos, Flickr