If you are new to Snapchat, you might have noticed a list of people under a section called Quick Add. If you are wondering what it is, how it works, and how it chooses those specific people, you are in the right place.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the Quick Add feature in simple English.
What is Quick Add on Snapchat?
Quick Add is a friend-suggestion feature on Snapchat. Think of it like the “People You May Know” section on Facebook or Instagram.
It is designed to help you find friends and grow your network without having to search for every person by their exact username. It creates a list of people you might actually know in real life based on shared connections.
How Does Snapchat Choose Who to Suggest?
Snapchat doesn’t just pick random names. It uses an algorithm (a smart computer system) to suggest people based on:
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Mutual Friends: This is the most common factor. If you and another person share several friends, Snapchat will suggest you connect.
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Phone Contacts: If you have synced your phone’s contact list with Snapchat, the app will show you people from your address book who are already on the app.
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Location: Sometimes, Snapchat suggests people who are in your local area or city.
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Common Interests: If you interact with similar types of content or public stories, the app might suggest like-minded users.
How to Access and Use Quick Add
Finding the Quick Add list is very easy. Follow these simple steps:
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Open Snapchat and tap the Search icon (magnifying glass) at the top left.
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Alternatively, tap your Profile Icon (Bitmoji) in the top left and select Add Friends.
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Scroll down to see the Quick Add header.
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To add someone, simply tap the “+ Add” button next to their name.
How to Manage Your Quick Add Settings
Not everyone wants to be suggested to others, and you might not want to see certain suggestions. You can control this in your settings.
1. Stop appearing in other people’s Quick Add
If you don’t want strangers or acquaintances to find you through this feature:
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Tap your Profile Icon > Settings (Gear Icon).
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Scroll down to the “Privacy Control” section.
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Tap See Me in Quick Add.
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Uncheck the box. Now, you won’t show up in other people’s suggestions.
2. Hide specific suggestions
If Snapchat suggests someone you don’t like or don’t know, you can remove them:
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In the Quick Add list, tap the “X” on the right side of the person’s name. This will hide that specific suggestion forever.
Safety Tips for Using Quick Add
While it’s a great way to find friends, keep these safety rules in mind:
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Check Mutual Friends: Before adding someone, look at how many mutual friends you have. If it says “10+ Mutual Friends,” they are likely part of your social circle.
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Be Selective: You don’t have to add everyone. It is better to have a small group of real friends than a large list of strangers.
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Privacy First: Regularly check your “Who Can Contact Me” settings to ensure only friends can send you Snaps or see your location on the Snap Map.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does Snapchat notify someone when you add them via Quick Add?
Yes. When you add someone, they will receive a notification. Unlike a search, their notification will specifically say “Added you via Quick Add,” so they will know you found them through the app’s suggestions rather than searching for their name directly.
2. Why do I keep seeing the same person in my Quick Add?
If someone keeps appearing, it is usually because you have a very high number of mutual friends or they are in your phone’s contact list. Even if you hit the “X” to hide them, the algorithm might bring them back later if you gain even more mutual connections.
3. Can someone see if I viewed their profile on Quick Add?
No. Simply looking at a person’s name or clicking on their profile from the Quick Add list does not notify them. They only get a notification if you actually hit the “+ Add” button or view their Public Story.
4. Why is my Quick Add list empty?
If your list is empty, it usually means you have already added everyone the algorithm can find. To get more suggestions, try syncing your phone contacts in the settings or adding a few more friends manually; this gives the app new “mutual connections” to work with.
5. Is it safe to add people from Quick Add?
While Quick Add is generally safe because it focuses on mutual friends, you should still be cautious. Always look for a common friend count (e.g., “5 Mutual Friends”) before adding someone to ensure they aren’t a total stranger.
Summary
Quick Add is a convenient tool to help you find friends quickly by using mutual connections and contacts. It makes the app more social and helps beginners get started. However, always remember to manage your privacy settings so you feel comfortable with who can see your profile.