Don't miss our holiday offer - up to 50% OFF!
What Does “Delivered” Mean on Snapchat?
Snapchat has revolutionized the way we communicate, offering real-time interactions through snaps, chats, and stories. Among the various terms and features on the platform, one word frequently encountered by users is “Delivered.” If you’re new to Snapchat or trying to decipher its terminology, understanding what “Delivered” means is essential for effectively navigating the app.
When using Snapchat, you may notice the “Delivered” notification below your sent messages or snaps. While it seems straightforward, the term has specific implications within the app’s communication ecosystem. This article breaks down what “Delivered” means on Snapchat, its significance, and how it affects your interactions.
What Does “Delivered” Mean?
“Delivered” on Snapchat indicates that your snap or message has successfully reached the recipient’s account. This means that the content is now available on their device for them to view, but they haven’t opened it yet. It is a confirmation that your communication has been sent and received on the server, ensuring that the recipient can access it as soon as they log in or open the app.
In simple terms, “Delivered” acts as a bridge between sending and opening. It assures the sender that their message has reached its destination but doesn’t guarantee that the recipient has seen it.
How Does Snapchat Display Delivery Status?
- Gray Arrow: When you send a snap or message, a gray arrow first appears, indicating the content is being sent.
- Purple, Red, or Blue Arrow (Delivered): Once the snap or message is delivered, the arrow changes color:
- Purple for video snaps
- Red for photo snaps
- Blue for text messages
This color-coded system helps you quickly identify the type of content delivered to the recipient.
Also, read What Does ‘Opened’ Mean on Snapchat?
Importance of the “Delivered” Status
- Confirmation of Receipt: “Delivered” lets you know your snap or message has reached the recipient’s account without issues like network errors or app glitches.
- Efficient Communication: It eliminates the guesswork by confirming that your content is ready for viewing, streamlining interactions on Snapchat.
- Encourages Engagement: Seeing the “Delivered” status assures you that the recipient is likely to engage with your message soon.
Why Hasn’t Your Snap Been Delivered?
Sometimes, your snaps or messages may not show the “Delivered” status. Here are common reasons:
- Recipient’s Account Is Inactive: If the recipient hasn’t logged into Snapchat recently, the content may remain undelivered until they reconnect.
- Network Issues: Poor internet connectivity on either end can delay delivery.
- Blocked or Removed: If the recipient has blocked or removed you as a friend, your snaps will not be delivered.
- Pending Friend Request: If you’ve sent a snap to someone who hasn’t accepted your friend request, it will remain undelivered.
How Does “Delivered” Differ From “Opened”?
Understanding the difference between “Delivered” and “Opened” is crucial:
- Delivered: Confirms that the snap or message has reached the recipient’s account but hasn’t been viewed.
- Opened: Indicates that the recipient has seen or interacted with your content. The arrow changes to a hollow icon when this happens.
For example, you may send a photo snap that shows “Delivered” immediately but might take hours or days before it shows “Opened.”
Also, read What Does ‘Live Location’ Mean on Snapchat?
Can You Tell if Someone Ignored Your Snap?

While the “Delivered” status ensures that your content has reached the recipient, it doesn’t guarantee a response. If a snap remains delivered but unopened for an extended period, it’s possible the recipient has chosen to ignore it or hasn’t been active on Snapchat.
Tips to Ensure Your Snaps Are Delivered
- Maintain Strong Connectivity: A stable internet connection ensures your snaps are sent and delivered promptly.
- Check Friend Status: Ensure you’re friends with the recipient to avoid delivery issues.
- Resend if Necessary: If a snap isn’t delivered, you can try resending it after verifying your connection and account status.
Similar Terms on Snapchat
- Sent: This status indicates that your snap or message has been sent but hasn’t reached the recipient’s account yet. This might occur due to connectivity issues.
- Opened: The recipient has viewed your snap or message, confirming the engagement.
- Pending: Your snap or message is waiting to be delivered, often due to a pending friend request or an inactive account.
Also, read What Does ‘Accept Friend’ Mean on Snapchat?
Why Understanding “Delivered” Matters
Knowing what “Delivered” means can improve your Snapchat experience in several ways:
- Effective Communication: You’ll know when your messages have successfully reached their destination.
- Avoid Misunderstandings: By understanding delivery mechanics, you can avoid assuming a recipient has ignored you when they simply haven’t been online.
- Better Troubleshooting: Recognizing why snaps aren’t delivered helps you identify and resolve issues like connectivity problems or friend request status.
Conclusion
On Snapchat, “Delivered” is a key status that bridges the gap between sending and receiving. It confirms that your snap or message has reached the recipient’s account, ready for them to view at their convenience. By understanding this term and its implications, you can communicate more effectively and troubleshoot any issues that arise. So the next time you see “Delivered” on Snapchat, you’ll know exactly what it signifies and how to interpret it within the context of your conversation.