How to use Snapchat on a Mac – Definitive 2026 guide

Looking for ways to use Snapchat on your Mac? I'll walk you through the best methods I've found. Whether you're managing multiple projects or just want to streamline your digital life, this guide is for you.

How to get Snapchat on Mac quickly

There's no official Snapchat app for Mac yet. Snapchat has deliberately kept its app mobile-only to maintain the quick, spontaneous experience it's known for.

But the good news is there are several workarounds I've tested that let you use Snapchat on your Mac. Maybe you don't have a smartphone available or prefer working from your Mac. Or maybe you're managing multiple projects and find it more efficient to handle all your communications from your Mac workspace.

Below, I'll show you the most reliable methods.

Get BlueStacks for Mac, the Snapchat emulator

BlueStacks App Player lets you run Android apps on your Mac. That means you can install Snapchat for Android and use it as if you were on a phone.

Steps to install BlueStacks and Snapchat on your Mac:

1. Go tobluestacks.com and download BlueStacks for Mac (choose the Apple Silicon or Intel version as needed).
2. Open the .dmg installer from your Downloads folder.
3. Follow the prompts to grant permissions and complete the installation.
4. Launch BlueStacks.

BlueStacks for Mac provides a simple and intuitive way to run Snapchat.

Also, check out how to use TikTok on Mac.

Link your Google Account to use Bluestacks

To use BlueStacks, you'll need a Google Account for downloading apps from the Play Store. If you don't have one, you can create it for free.

1. Click the Google Play Store icon inside BlueStacks.
2. Sign in with your Google Account or create a new one.

Once linked, your Mac acts like an Android device. You'll notice apps run smoothly, and your Mac's webcam can even be used for Snaps.

Download Snapchat on Mac

Now, let's get Snapchat running:

1. Open the Google Play Store in BlueStacks.
2. Use the search bar to type “Snapchat” and press Return.
3. Select Snapchat from the results, then click Install.
4. Once installed, open Snapchat from the BlueStacks home screen.

Source: support.bluestacks.com

Snapchat will detect your Mac’s webcam and microphone, so you can send Snaps and video calls just like on a phone.

That covers the BlueStacks method. In my experience, it's the most reliable way to get Snapchat running on Mac, though there are a few alternatives worth considering.

Get Snapchat on Mac without BlueStacks

You might wonder if you can use Snapchat on your Mac without installing an emulator. The answer is yes. I’ll show you the two most common ways to get Snapchat.

Method 1: Using Snapchat for Web

Snapchat now offers a web version. To strata using it:

1. Visitweb.snapchat.com in Chrome, Safari, or Edge.
2. Log in with your Snapchat account.
3. You can chat, send Snaps (using your Mac’s webcam), and join voice or video calls—all in your browser.

This is the easiest way to use Snapchat on a Mac without any extra downloads.

Method 2: Using Unite to turn Snapchat for Web into an app

With Unite, you can transform any website into a native Mac app and use it directly from the Dock. The setup is simple and doesn't require technical skills at all. 

To create a Snapchat app on Mac:

1. Install and open Unite.
2. Click Create App.
3. Name your app (in our case, it’s “Snapchat” or whatever you like) and add a URL.
4. Customize your new app if needed, and then click Create application.

Once the app is created, you can launch it from the Dock as an app:

Read also:

• Save Snapchat Videos
• Use Wechat on Mac
• Download TikTok videos in 4 different ways

Why Snapchat matters and how to use it on a Mac

If you're not familiar with Snapchat, it's an instant messaging app with a twist. Snapchat matters as it connects you with friends but keeps things light — messages disappear after a short time, which addresses concerns many people have about their digital footprint.

Snapchat pioneered “stories”— short messages or videos that delete themselves after posting. Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook later copied this feature, making it a standard in social media.

Although other social apps compete for Snapchat's audience, the app still boasts a huge user base and engagement:

• Snapchat serves over 477 million daily users as of Q3 2025.
• In the US, Snapchat reaches more than 90% of 13–24 year olds.
• The average user spends around 30 minutes per day in the app.
• Snapchat's revenues keep growing, showing a positive outlook for the platform.

Snapchat is here to stay. If you want to get Snapchat on your Mac, here's how you can do it — even though there's no official Mac app yet.

That’s how to get Snapchat on Mac

Even though there’s no official Snapchat app for Mac, you have reliable ways to stay connected: 

• Use Snapchat for Web for a quick, download-free experience.
• Run the full Android app with BlueStacks to access all features.
• Turn the web version into a Mac app using Unite for easy access from the Dock.

The good thing about Unite is that it is part of Setapp, a Mac and iOS app platform with over 260 apps under a single subscription. So, you can try other apps to enhance your social media experience. Try all apps free for seven days.

Whichever method you choose, now you know how to get Snapchat on Mac and keep your chats, Snaps, and calls just a click away.