Snapchat launches universal search bar for better navigation

Snapchat is all geared up with the major design update of 2017. And with this update, the social network is addressing one of its key issues- increasing its user base.

Now instead of putting your snap code on other social media platforms, you just have to tap on 'universal search bar' at the top of the screen to navigate the app and find friends, groups, discover publishers and Our Stories.

According to TechCrunch, new search feature “could be a huge boon to brands, businesses, and influencers hoping to build their Snapchat audience.”

The new look is currently available to Snapchat beta testers on Android. However, it is expected to roll out for other users as well soon.

The latest update also brings “Quick Chat” suggestions that let you hop to a particular friend’s message thread or story a lot faster. Here, you can also see friend requests and contacts that you are yet to add to your Snapchat profile. That can be little annoying as well, particularly when you don't want to add all your contacts.

Snapchat will also be showing now a series of “cards” with your friends’ profile you chat most often with. Once you’ve found the friend, you can tap on the card to start chatting, check their public story or profile.

Moreover, Snapchat is also opening its 'Our Story' to all users. Initially, Our Story was available only for limited users. With this update, all the users can submit their stories, and then company will decide how to aggregate it.

Snapchat is also getting ready for an initial public offering (IPO) that may value the messaging platform at as much as $25 billion.