Christmas is a great time to hang out with friends and spend time with family – it’s always better together! We couldn’t think of a better time to announce Groups, a new way to communicate with up to 16 friends on Snapchat.

Groups can be created while you're sending a Snap or opening a new Chat. When your friends are present in a Group Chat, we show their names at the bottom of the Chat. Simply tap their name to start a one-to-one Chat, and then easily return to the group in a swipe! We call this Quick Chat, and it’s the fastest way to keep the conversation going with one friend without spamming the entire group.

Chats sent to a group are deleted by default after 24 hours. Snaps sent to a group can be opened and replayed just once by each recipient. If Snaps aren't opened, they're deleted after 24 hours – just like Chats.

We’ve also introduced two new creative tools: Scissors and Paintbrush. Use Scissors to cut out part of a Snap on the preview screen to turn it into a sticker! The Paintbrush can be applied to Snaps in Memories, and turns them into artistic masterpieces!

We’re so grateful for your support. Thank you for another terrific year – we love building products for you all! Wishing you a wonderful 2017.

Merry Snapping,

Team Snap