Snapchat updated to let people see stories and snaps without holding finger down

App also gets a way to add people who are near you

Snapchat (Getty)

Snapchat has finally stopped people from having to hold their finger down on the screen while they watch snaps and stories.

Before, people had to get tired thumbs while they covered up the screen to make the snap play. But now, users can “Tap to View”, letting people see the whole video or picture with just one click.

“This means no more tired thumbs while watching a several-hundred-second Story… and a little getting used to for anyone who has been Snapchatting for a while,” Snapchat said, introducing the feature.

The update comes with other changes like a tool called “Add Nearby”, which lets users add people that are in the vicinity. If everyone opens the feature, other people will show up — and can be added to the friends list with one tap.

The app has also upgraded Snapcodes, a special code that lets people add friends easily. Users can now add a selfie to the code so they can be recognised, and screenshotted Snapcodes can be added, if they’re shared in another app.

The company has also added two-factor authentication in an attempt to make the app more secure. That works by requiring users to enter a code sent to their smartphone as well as a password, so that people must actually have someone’s device if they’re trying to break into their account.