Snapchat is big on random symbols, in fact some of these symbols are so random that it’s hard to understand why they’re there. However, it’s important to know what these icons mean if you’re a serious Snapchat user. They play a role in conveying something important about your Snapchat behavior and especially your Snapstreak.
The hourglass icon is one of those icons that conveys information about the use of Snapchat. So, here’s everything you need to know about the hourglass symbol, how long it lasts, and why it appears in the first place.
What does the hourglass icon on Snapchat mean?
The hourglass icon is like a countdown. Snapchat introduced this icon to ensure that a user knows that a series of snaps with another user is about to end and they need to take steps to ensure that the series continues. This is basically a warning that you are losing your performance and you need to up your Snapchat game so that the hourglass icon can be replaced with the power/fire icon again, indicating that you are on your Snapstreak. Remember that a Snapstreak is defined by the number of Snaps you send, not any form of text conversation.
The icon will appear next to your profile and the profile icon of the contact you snapped with just before the end of your two Snapstreaks.
Related: How to Create a Public Profile on Snapchat: Step-by-Step Guide
How long is the hourglass on Snapchat?
The appearance of the hourglass icon is definitely a bad thing, unless you want a Snapstreak relationship with another user to end. There has been a debate about the duration of the symbol and therefore its window to continue with a Snapstreak. Some previous Reddit threads claim the footage is two to three hours long, but another thread suggests the hourglass icon is four to seven hours long. The timing of the hourglass icon is a bit elusive, as is the timeline of its duration.
The reason the hourglass icon is extravagant in its time frame and appearance is probably because no two Snapstreaks are the same. Snapchat can give you an extended hourglass window for a series of shots that spanned months, and a much smaller hourglass window for series that lasted just a few days. The time window depends on the duration of your Snapstreak.
How to avoid the hourglass icon on your Snapchat?
Each Snapstreak is calculated within a 24-hour window. This means that at least one plugin (without chat) must be exchanged between you and another user on both sides within the 24-hour window to avoid the hourglass icon. If no snapshots are exchanged, the dreaded hourglass icon will appear at the end of the 24 hour window, the power/fire icon will disappear, and the countdown will begin. Here are some tips to help you avoid the hourglass icon on your Snapchat.
Shoot for the love of shooting
If maintaining the shot sequence is more important than the type of shot sent, take a black or white photo to at least keep the hourglass icon at bay. Be sure to inform the other party so they are not caught off guard by the pointless shot.
Related: What does SFS mean on Snapchat? And how to use it?
maintain a routine
Even a good morning shot every morning can go a long way in keeping your shooting streak going. Make sure to send a regular Snap at a set time during the day so your Snapstreak will eventually run on reliable autopilot.
Inform the other party
A streak depends on a round trip. So while you’re doing your part, it’s important that the user you’re snap trading with knows that you really care about keeping their Snapstreak. Make sure the user is also involved in the process, otherwise the images will be lost forever if they don’t hook you in time.
What happens if the hourglass icon appears despite holding down a streak?
There have been a few instances where the hourglass icon appeared and eventually the power/fire icon disappeared to negate that the user is sincerely holding on to their streak. In such a scenario, the best thing that you can do is to contact Snapchat support and let them know about this issue. The Snapchat support team will fix your issue so that the hourglass icon disappears and the Snapstreak icon appears next to your profile again.
That’s all you need to know about the hourglass icon on Snapchat. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. Take care and stay safe!
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