Snapchat doesn’t work like other social apps. If you’re trying to figure out how to follow someone on Snapchat without sending a direct request, you’re not alone. I remember the first time I used the app, it wasn’t clear who saw what, or how following even worked.
Over time, I figured out the steps. Whether you’re trying to follow a celebrity, a public creator, or someone you know casually, the approach is pretty straightforward once you understand how Snapchat handles privacy and following.
Growing Your Following on Snapchat
Even though Snapchat isn’t as follower-focused as other platforms, having a strong following still plays a role, especially if you’re a public creator. It helps your stories reach more people, increases engagement, and signals that your content is worth watching.
For those looking to grow faster, some choose to buy Snap followers through trusted platforms like Socialplug to build initial momentum. When combined with consistent posting and real value, it can help attract the right audience and boost visibility naturally.
Snapchat Isn’t Built Like Instagram or Twitter
Right off the bat, Snapchat doesn’t use the same “follow” system as other platforms. You don’t just hit “follow” and start seeing everything.
That’s why the language is different. On Snapchat, it’s more about “adding” than following. But for public profiles, things work a bit differently. You can follow them without needing them to add you back.
Public Accounts Can Be Followed
Some users, especially creators or influencers, have public profiles. If you find one of these, you can follow them instantly. You’ll start seeing their stories, spotlight videos, and updates without needing permission.
That’s the closest thing Snapchat has to a one-sided “follow” like Instagram.
Regular Accounts Require an Add
If the person’s profile isn’t public, you’ll have to send an add request. They can choose whether to accept it or not. Until then, you won’t see much, maybe a bit of their Bitmoji or profile emoji if they use one.
This is how Snapchat keeps personal connections more private than most social networks.
You Can Still View Some Info
Even if you’re not added back, public story settings may allow you to view a few updates. Some users choose to share stories with “Everyone,” not just friends. If you’re following someone like that, their content can appear in your feed.
So, in short, if they allow it, you can follow and watch without needing approval.
Finding Someone to Follow
The first step is always finding the right profile. Snapchat gives you multiple ways to search for users, but each has different results. I’ve tested all of them, and some methods work better than others depending on how private the person’s profile is.
You can use Snapcodes, usernames, phone numbers, or even links.
Snapcode Scanning Works Best in Person
Snapcodes are those little ghost-shaped QR codes you see on someone’s profile. If you’re with the person or they’ve shared the code online, open Snapchat, point your camera at it, and tap to scan.
It’s the fastest way to pull up their profile. From there, you can add or follow depending on their privacy settings.
Searching by Username Still Works
You can search for a person directly using their handle. Just go to the search bar at the top of the camera screen, type the name, and see what shows up.
Some people hide from search completely, so if you don’t see anything, that might be why. If the profile is public, you’ll see a subscribe button. If it’s private, you’ll see the option to add them.
This is especially helpful if you’re trying to follow creators, influencers, or even brands offering business consulting services through Snapchat content or public updates.
Following Through Shared Profile Links
Snapchat lets users create shareable profile URLs. If someone sends you a profile link, just tap it and it’ll open in Snapchat and show their account. You can follow or subscribe directly if it’s set to public.
Some creators share these on Instagram or Twitter to make it easier for new followers to find them.
Following Without Sending a Friend Request
Yes, you can follow someone without sending a traditional “add” request if they’ve set their profile to public. This part gets confused a lot, so I’ll break it down clearly.
Public profiles offer you a subscribe button. You won’t get added back, but you’ll start seeing their public content. You can also react to stories, reply, or even send messages, depending on their message settings.
Subscribe Button = Follow.
Think of the “Subscribe” button on Snapchat as the follow feature. You won’t appear on their friends list, but you’ll stay updated with their stories. If you’ve ever seen this option on someone’s profile, you’ve found a public account.
You can follow as many public accounts as you want, there’s no limit, and you don’t need approval.
Ghost Mode Still Protects Privacy
Even if you follow someone, you won’t always know where they are or see their Snap Map activity unless they’ve shared it. Ghost Mode or limited location sharing ensures followers only see what the user wants to show.
That’s why many people feel safe keeping public stories while staying invisible on the map.
Private Profiles Can’t Be Followed Anonymously
If someone has a locked profile, there’s no way around the friend request. You have to tap “Add Friend” and wait for them to accept. Until then, you won’t see much of their story or activity.
That’s a design choice Snapchat made to protect users, so there’s no trick to bypass it.
Why Following on Snapchat Still Matters
Even though the app isn’t follower-focused, following still helps you keep up with people you care about. It gives you access to content, shows support, and makes communication easier if they allow it.
Following also affects what you see in your Discover tab. The more you follow public profiles, the more related content Snapchat recommends to you.
Following Creators Helps You Stay Updated
If you follow a public creator, their story will often appear near the top of your feed. This helps you stay updated without digging through search or watching random videos.
For creators, those followers show up in their insights even if you’re not friends.
You Can Interact with Public Stories
Following doesn’t just mean watching. On public stories, you can reply, share reactions, and sometimes even swipe up with questions. If the user checks their inbox, they may respond, especially if they’re looking to build a following.
It’s one of the only ways you can connect with creators without being added.
Your Data Isn’t Shared Back
Following someone on Snapchat doesn’t send them your information unless they choose to look deeper. If you’re not friends, they don’t see your snaps, location, or score, just your display name and messages if you send one.
That helps protect you while still letting you enjoy the content. If you’re serious about growing your Snapchat following, platforms like Socialplug offer tools to give your profile a natural boost, making it easier to connect with more users
Conclusion
So if you were wondering how to follow someone on Snapchat without sending a request, now you’ve got your answer. It’s all about whether their account is public or private. Snapchat makes it easy to keep up with creators, celebrities, or even regular users if they’ve opened their settings.
You won’t need to spam the add button or wait for approvals every time. Just hit subscribe, watch their updates, and stay in the loop quietly. Whether you’re following for fun or just want to check in now and then, it’s all possible.