If you’re scrolling through Snapchat and see “by mention” under someone’s story or snap, you might be wondering what it means. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many Snapchat users, especially beginners, find this feature a little confusing at first. In this guide, we’ll break it all down in simple terms. You’ll learn what “by mention” means, why people use it, how to mention someone, and how you can control mentions for your privacy. Let’s dive into the world of mentions on Snapchat step by step.
What Does “By Mention” Mean on Snapchat?
On Snapchat, “by mention” appears when someone tags or mentions another user in their snap or story. This means the snap creator has included another Snapchat username using the “@” symbol. For example, if your friend posts a photo and writes “Hanging out with @username,” that user is now “mentioned.” When other people view the story, they’ll see “by mention” below it, which is Snapchat’s way of saying this snap includes a tagged person.
It’s similar to tagging on Instagram or Facebook, but Snapchat keeps it slightly more subtle. Clicking on the “by mention” username will take you directly to that user’s profile, making it easy for others to add them or view their content. This feature helps users give credit, share profiles, or simply show who’s with them in the moment.
Why Do People Use Mentions on Snapchat?
Mentions aren’t just there for show—they’re a helpful social feature. People use mentions for several reasons. Some use it to introduce friends to their followers. Others use mentions to grow their own or a friend’s audience. Businesses, influencers, and creators also use mentions to promote brands, events, or partnerships on Snapchat.
Think of mentions as a way to connect people. When you mention someone, you’re telling your viewers, “Hey, check out this person too!” It builds social circles, encourages engagement, and makes Snapchat feel more interactive. Whether it’s for fun, networking, or promotion, mentions play an important role in how Snapchat stories spread.
To Give a Shout-Out
One of the most common reasons people use mentions is to give a shout-out. A shout-out means publicly acknowledging or appreciating someone. For instance, you might post a story of your best friend’s birthday party and mention them so your followers know who you’re celebrating. Or, maybe you’re trying to hype up a friend’s new music release or small business. By tagging them, you’re sending your audience straight to their Snapchat profile with just one tap.
Shout-outs are not limited to friends—they’re often used by influencers to collaborate. A beauty vlogger might say, “Makeup inspo from @makeupartistsnap,” allowing viewers to check out the tagged artist directly. It’s simple, effective, and feels personal.
To Get More Views
Mentions often lead to more profile visits and views. When someone is mentioned, their followers might come over to see what’s happening. It creates a chain reaction of engagement. If you’re trying to grow your Snapchat presence, collaborating and mentioning each other is a smart strategy.
To Start a Group Chat
Did you know mentions can help start conversations? Tagging friends in a story can inspire group chats. When mutual friends see the tag, they may want to join in. It’s like dropping a social cue: “We’re all hanging out, let’s connect here too.”
How to Mention Someone on Snapchat
Mentioning someone is easy:
- Open Snapchat and take a photo or video.
- Tap on the text tool (“T” icon).
- Type “@” followed by their Snapchat username.
- As you type, suggestions will pop up—tap on the correct user.
- Post your story or send your snap.
Once posted, their username appears clickable in your snap. Anyone who views it can tap the name to view their profile or add them.
What Happens When You Mention Someone?
When you mention someone, Snapchat sends them a notification saying, “You were mentioned in a story.” They’ll see which story or snap includes them. They can then view your snap, share it with their friends, or even post it on their own story if they like.
For viewers, the mentioned user’s name becomes interactive. A tap leads straight to their profile, where they can add the person or send a friend request. This makes mentions a powerful way to connect networks and grow friend lists.
Can You Remove a Mention on Snapchat?
Yes, but with limits. As the snap creator, you can edit or delete your own snap to remove a mention. However, you can’t directly remove someone else’s mention of you unless you ask them to delete it. Snapchat does not offer a “remove mention” feature for users who were tagged.
This limitation means you need to manage your mentions carefully. If you don’t want people mentioning you freely, there are privacy settings you can adjust (we’ll cover that soon).
Removing Your Own Mention
If you’ve mentioned someone by mistake or changed your mind, deleting the snap is the only option. To do this:
- Go to your story.
- Find the snap with the mention.
- Tap the three dots (…) and select “Delete Snap.”
This removes the mention from your story and stops any further notifications or clicks.
What About Others Mentioning You?
If someone else mentions you and you’re not comfortable with it, Snapchat suggests contacting the person directly and asking them to remove the snap. Currently, there’s no automatic way to “unmention” yourself.
Tips for Using Mentions Safely
Mentions are fun but come with responsibility. To keep things safe:
- Only mention people who are okay with it.
- Avoid tagging someone in sensitive or private moments.
- Remember that anyone who sees your story can tap and view the mentioned profile.
Watch Your Privacy Settings
Snapchat allows you to control who can mention you:
- Go to your Snapchat settings.
- Find “Mentions” under Privacy.
- Choose between “Everyone,” “My Friends,” or “No One.”
This prevents unwanted mentions and protects your account from being tagged without consent.
About Mentions on Snapchat
Mentions are Snapchat’s way of making stories more interactive. They’re perfect for shout-outs, collaborations, and connecting friend groups. But like any feature, they should be used thoughtfully. Remember that a mention makes your profile more visible to others, so privacy-conscious users should adjust settings accordingly.
The Bottom Line
So, what does “by mention” mean on Snapchat? It’s simple: someone tagged another user in their snap or story. This feature helps friends connect, lets creators promote each other, and keeps Snapchat’s social vibe alive. Whether you’re giving a shout-out, starting a group chat, or boosting a friend’s account, mentions are a handy tool.
But use them wisely—respect others’ privacy, manage your own settings, and enjoy Snapchat’s fun way of keeping people connected. Now that you know all about mentions, you can use them confidently without confusion.
