What Does “Scoop” Mean on Snapchat? The Ultimate Guide

The term “Scoop” on Snapchat essentially refers to a private story created for a select group of friends. Think of it as your inner circle’s exclusive content feed, where you share moments that aren’t meant for the eyes of your entire friend list. It’s a way to share more personal or niche content with a smaller audience, fostering a sense of intimacy and exclusivity.

Understanding Snapchat’s Scoop Feature

Snapchat’s appeal lies in its ephemeral nature and focus on visual communication. The platform is constantly evolving, introducing features that enhance user experience and cater to different social needs. The “Scoop” functionality, though not explicitly labeled as such within the app itself, cleverly leverages the existing custom story feature to achieve a specific purpose: creating a curated experience for chosen friends.

The Nuances of Scoop: More Than Just a Group Chat

While group chats on Snapchat allow for real-time conversations, a Scoop is designed for broadcasting moments, like a personal mini-series for your closest confidantes. Imagine sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of your weekend project, a funny anecdote only a specific group would appreciate, or a countdown to a special event shared just with those involved. It’s about targeted sharing and maintaining a degree of privacy within the broader Snapchat landscape.

How to Create Your Own Scoop

Creating a Scoop involves using the Custom Story function. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Open Snapchat: Launch the Snapchat app on your device.
2. Access Your Profile: Tap on your Bitmoji or profile icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
3. Find the “Custom Stories” Option: Scroll down to the “Stories” section and tap “+ Custom Story.”
4. Choose a Name: Give your Scoop a name. This name isn’t visible to the viewers. It’s just for your organizational purposes. You might call it “Book Club,” “Hiking Crew,” or something equally relevant to the group you plan to include.
5. Select Your Audience: This is the crucial step. Choose the specific friends you want to include in your Scoop. Remember, only these individuals will be able to view the content you post.
6. Start Sharing: Once your audience is set, you can begin adding snaps to your Scoop just like you would add to your regular story.

Why Use a Scoop Instead of a Regular Story?

The primary reason to use a Scoop lies in the level of control and privacy it offers. Here’s a breakdown:

• Targeted Audience: You can share content tailored specifically to a group with shared interests or experiences.
• Reduced Pressure: Sharing with a smaller group can feel less intimidating than broadcasting to your entire friend list.
• Stronger Connections: It allows for more intimate and meaningful interactions.
• Content Relevance: You avoid bombarding uninterested friends with irrelevant content.

Scoop Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts

While Scoops are meant to be private and exclusive, there are certain etiquette guidelines to keep in mind:

• Don’t Add People Without Their Knowledge: It’s best practice to inform people they’ve been added to a Scoop, especially if it’s focused on a particular topic or event.
• Be Mindful of Content: Even within a private group, consider the content you share. Avoid anything potentially offensive or harmful.
• Respect Boundaries: If someone asks to be removed from a Scoop, promptly remove them.
• Keep it Active (or Delete It): If a Scoop becomes inactive, consider deleting it to avoid clutter.
• Don’t Over-Share: Even with a smaller audience, avoid overwhelming the group with excessive snaps.

FAQs About Snapchat’s “Scoop”

Here are answers to frequently asked questions to deepen your understanding of the Scoop phenomenon on Snapchat:

1. Can other people see who’s in my Scoop?

No, viewers of your Scoop will only see that you posted the story. They cannot see the list of other members included in that custom story. The audience list is only visible to the creator of the Scoop.

2. How do I know if I’m in someone’s Scoop?

You won’t receive a specific notification indicating that you’ve been added to a Scoop. The easiest way to know is if you see a private story from a friend and you know you’re part of their inner circle or share a specific interest with them. You can also simply ask the person who posted the story.

3. Can I request to be added to someone’s Scoop?

While you can express your interest in being included, it’s generally best to let the story creator decide. Directly requesting might come across as pushy. Build a strong relationship with the person, and let your shared interests naturally lead to inclusion.

4. What happens if I block someone in a Scoop?

If you block someone, they will no longer be able to see your stories, including the Scoop, and you will no longer see theirs. Blocking effectively removes both of you from each other’s Snapchat world.

5. Can I have multiple Scoops with different friends?

Yes, absolutely! You can create as many Scoops as you want, each with a different group of friends. This allows you to cater content to various interests and social circles.

6. How long do Scoops last?

Like regular Snapchat stories, Scoops disappear after 24 hours. This ephemeral nature encourages spontaneous sharing.

7. Can I save snaps from a Scoop?

You can screenshot snaps from a Scoop, but the sender will be notified that you took a screenshot. It’s considered good etiquette to ask permission before taking screenshots of someone’s private story.

8. Are Scoops the same as group chats?

No, they are different. Group chats are for ongoing conversations and real-time interaction. Scoops are for broadcasting moments, like a curated personal feed for a select group.

9. How do I remove someone from my Scoop?

To remove someone, go to your profile, find the custom story (your Scoop), tap the three dots next to the story name, and then edit the story. From there, you can unselect the person you want to remove.

10. Can I see who viewed my Scoop?

Yes, you can see who viewed your Scoop, just like you can see who viewed your regular story. This allows you to gauge engagement and understand which content resonates most with your audience.

11. Is the term “Scoop” officially used by Snapchat?

No, the term “Scoop” is not an official Snapchat term. It’s a slang term used by users to describe a private, custom story shared with a select group of friends.

12. Does Snapchat notify people when I edit the viewers of a Custom Story?

No, Snapchat does not directly notify users when you edit the viewers of a Custom Story (Scoop). However, if you remove someone from the list, they will no longer see the story, which effectively informs them of their removal indirectly.

By understanding the nuances of Snapchat’s Scoop feature and following these guidelines, you can enhance your Snapchat experience and strengthen connections with your closest friends.