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New Snapchat: Update can’t be reversed and unhappy users should ‘give it a chance’, says company

'It may take some getting used to, but we think it’s a much better experience'

Aatif Sulleyman
Thursday 08 February 2018 17:54 GMT
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Snapchat release new version of the app for 2018

Snapchat has said it “isn’t possible” to revert back to the old version of the app, as people continue to complain about its brand new user interface.

The Snapchat Support Twitter account has been busy responding to a barrage of criticism from unhappy users, many of whom are struggling to find their favourite features, especially Stories.

However, one of the most common requests they’ve made is for the update to be completely reversed, so they can go back to using the old version of the app.

However, Snapchat says this isn’t an option.

“It’s not possible to revert to a previous version of Snapchat, but we’re happy to answer any questions you have about the new layout,” Snapchat has tweeted several times throughout the day.

The company has also called for patience, and is urging users to give the update “a chance”.

Replying to somebody who threatened to completely stop using the app because of the update, the Support account said, “Sorry you feel that way. Give it a chance – it may take some getting used to, but we think it’s a much better experience.”

It is also having to regularly tweet the line: “An update as big as this one can take a little getting used to, but we hope you’ll enjoy it once you settle in”.

Snapchat announced the redesign last November, after reporting revenue and user growth well below Wall Street expectations.

It also admitted that some people found the app difficult to understand and use, because of its unusual UI.

In the old version of the app, many of Snapchat’s key features were scattered around in seemingly random places, or buried inside menus you might not have noticed, or even recognised as menus.

Snapchat hopes that the redesign helps the company make money and attract new users. Despite the complaints from its existing fans, it announced strong fourth-quarter financial results this week.

“There is a strong likelihood that the redesign of our application will be disruptive to our business in the short term, and we don’t yet know how the behaviour of our community will change when they begin to use our updated application,” Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel said before the new Snapchat came out.

“We’re willing to take that risk for what we believe are substantial long-term benefits to our business.”

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