I’ve been debating whether to bring this up because it’s bothered me for a while. After initially dismissing it as a passing trend, I’ve realized it’s only grown stronger, and it needs to be addressed:
providers should stop using Snapchat as a form of verification or as a link on their ads.
Snapchat had its moment back in the mid-2000s. Its appeal was in its promise of privacy—messages and videos would disappear after being viewed, creating a safe space for those wanting to keep parts of their lives private. At the time, it was revolutionary. But as time passed, Snapchat became more of a casual social media app than a reliable platform, especially when it comes to the hobby.
Not many directories allow Snapchat to be linked with their accounts, but I'm beginning to understand Eros is very famous for allowing this on their site.
Recently, it seems Snapchat is being used as a quick fix for providers trying to establish credibility. This is particularly common among those transitioning from content creation into the hobby. Many of these individuals come into this space without a proper understanding of how it works, and unfortunately, some clients enable this by booking them despite red flags. These new providers often lack the essentials for building trust, like a solid online presence, and turn to Snapchat as an easy shortcut.
As a careful client, I prioritize providers with a reputable online presence, one that’s recognized and semi-established within the community. Social media platforms like
X (formerly Twitter),
Instagram, and even
BlueSky are acceptable tools for this purpose. Some providers also effectively use TikTok for exposure. However, Snapchat simply doesn’t hold up as a reliable verification tool.
Unlike other platforms, Snapchat offers no transparency—it doesn’t tell us anything meaningful about the provider or their legitimacy. While you could argue that some social media apps in general lack depth, Snapchat is the weakest link of them all.
For providers considering using Snapchat for verification or as a key part of their ads: please reconsider. It does more harm than good, eroding trust instead of building it.
