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Snapchat's explosive growth can be traced back to a distinct gap in the social media market when it first launched. At that time, platforms were dominated by polished and curated content. Founders Bobby Murphy and Evan Spiegel identified a need for something more authentic. As Spiegel articulated, “We wanted a place to share awkward selfies and funny photos with our friends,” marking the inception of "ephemeral messaging" — snaps that disappear after a short time.
This concept turned the social media paradigm on its head. Rather than presenting permanent highlights of life, Snapchat encouraged users to share spontaneous, low-stakes moments. The app was not focused on capturing an idealized “Kodak moment” but rather on the rawness of everyday interactions.