Snapchat can be a whirlwind of cryptic symbols, mysterious emojis, and color-coded circles. If you’ve ever opened the app and spotted a purple circle around someone’s profile picture or name, you’re not alone in wondering what it actually means.
Let’s break it down once and for all: What does the purple circle mean on Snapchat—and should you be tapping it?
TL;DR: The Purple Circle on Snapchat Means a New Story (With Video)
In the simplest terms:
- A purple circle around someone’s Bitmoji or profile icon means they’ve posted a new Snapchat Story that includes video content.
- Snapchat uses different colors to represent different types of content:
- Purple = Video Story
- Blue = Chat or private Snap
- Red = Photo Story
So when you see purple, it’s Snapchat’s visual cue that a video Story is waiting to be watched.
What Exactly Is a Snapchat Story?
Snapchat Stories are collections of Snaps (photos or videos) that your friends post, which are visible for 24 hours. When someone uploads a video to their Story, Snapchat wraps a purple gradient ring around their profile icon to notify others.
Here’s how the colors typically break down:
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Purple | Video Story available |
| Red | Photo-only Story |
| Blue | Chat or unseen Snap |
| Gray | You’ve already viewed this Story |
Why Does Snapchat Use a Purple Circle?
Snapchat’s interface is all about speed and visual simplicity. Instead of writing “this is a video story,” it just shows you a purple ring—instant recognition.
Snapchat says this helps you know what kind of content you’re about to view without needing to open it. So if you’re short on time, or just in a mood for quick videos, you know what to prioritize.
FAQs: People Also Ask About the Purple Circle on Snapchat
❓ Is the purple circle only for videos?
Yes, primarily. Snapchat uses it to highlight Stories that contain video clips. If a friend uploads only photos, it typically shows a red circle instead.
❓ What if I see a purple circle with no new Story?
This can happen when:
- Snapchat glitches (yes, it happens).
- The Story has been deleted quickly after being posted.
- The app hasn’t refreshed properly.
Try force-closing the app and reopening it. If it persists, it’s likely a cache issue.
❓ Can I change the color of my Story ring?
Nope. Snapchat decides the color based on your content type. You can’t choose red, purple, or blue—it’s automated.
❓ What does it mean if the purple circle has a lock icon?
That’s Snapchat’s way of saying it’s a Private Story—visible only to a select list of people. You’ve been chosen (yay!), but it’s not for everyone’s eyes.
❓ Why does someone’s purple ring stay there after I’ve watched their Story?
Usually, the ring disappears once you’ve watched it. But if they add another Snap to the same Story within 24 hours, the ring reappears.
How to Use Purple Circles to Your Advantage
For the Snapchat content creators and influencers reading this—here’s how you can leverage the purple ring for more engagement:
- Tease a video in your photo Snap first, then follow up with the real content to build curiosity.
- Post consistently throughout the day to keep the purple circle active on your followers’ feeds.
- Use Snapchat’s video tools (slow-mo, filters, captions) to make your Story irresistibly tappable.
Purple Circle vs. Purple Dot: Are They Different?
Yes! Snapchat also shows a purple dot next to names in your chat list, which means that person has a new Story you haven’t viewed yet.
So:
- Purple circle = On the profile icon (video Story available)
- Purple dot = In the chat list (new Story alert)
How Snapchat Uses Visual Cues to Keep You Hooked
Snapchat has mastered the art of keeping you coming back. These colored rings and dots are part of a psychological design strategy:
- Color-coded urgency: You’re more likely to click something if you know it might disappear in 24 hours.
- Instant recognition: A quick glance tells you if it’s a chat, photo, or video.
- Social curiosity: When a Story is private (purple circle + lock), your brain automatically wonders, “Why was I picked?”
Snap Etiquette: Should You Tap Every Purple Ring?
You’re not obligated to view every Story—but tapping them keeps you in the loop, especially if:
- It’s a friend or crush (let’s be real).
- You’re maintaining a Snapchat Streak.
- You don’t want to miss exclusive event invites or behind-the-scenes content.
Final Take: Stay in the Know
In today’s fast-moving digital world, symbols are the new language—and Snapchat’s purple circle is no exception.
To recap:
✅ Purple Circle = Video Story
✅ It disappears after you watch it (unless they add more)
✅ It’s Snapchat’s way of saying, “Hey, something cool just dropped.”
So the next time you see that mysterious purple ring, you’ll know exactly what’s going on—and why it’s worth tapping.
