Snapchat Hourglass Emoji: What It Means & How To Use It

Beau Schmidt II 22 May 2025

Ever wondered what that little hourglass icon next to your friend's name on Snapchat truly signifies? It's not just a random graphic; it's a key to understanding your social connections within the app, a visual cue that speaks volumes about your relationships.

Snapchat, a dominant force in the social media landscape, thrives on its innovative features and the language of symbols it employs. The hourglass emoji is one such element, a carefully crafted tool designed to enrich the user experience. Whether you're a seasoned "Snapchatter" or new to the platform, this piece will unravel the intricacies of the hourglass, demystifying its meaning and offering practical insights for navigating its implications.

We will dissect every aspect of the hourglass emoji from its foundational definition and appearance to how it influences user behavior. Well also delve into the steps to personalize your Snapchat settings, enabling you to manage the visibility of this feature to suit your preferences. By the time you conclude this exploration, you'll possess a comprehensive grasp of the hourglass emoji and its impact on your Snapchat interactions.

Table of Contents:

About the Founders
Understanding the Hourglass Emoji
Snapchat Features Linked to the Hourglass
How to Locate the Hourglass Emoji
Why Does the Hourglass Appear?
Managing Privacy Settings
Tips for Managing the Hourglass
Frequently Asked Questions
Impact on Snapchat Users
Conclusion

About the Founders

While this article primarily focuses on the hourglass emoji, it's essential to recognize the individuals behind the platform that brought it to life. Snapchat was conceived in 2011 by Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown. Heres a glimpse into the backgrounds of these innovative minds:

Name	Role	Birthdate	Notable Achievements
Evan Spiegel	CEO of Snapchat	June 24, 1990	Co-founded Snapchat and transformed it into a global phenomenon.
Bobby Murphy	CTO of Snapchat	March 18, 1991	Developed the core technology behind Snapchat and played a pivotal role in its success.
Reggie Brown	Co-founder	September 11, 1989	Contributed significantly to the early stages of Snapchat's development.

Understanding the Hourglass Emoji

The hourglass emoji, in the context of Snapchat, serves as a visual identifier for a specific relationship dynamic, rooted in the platform's "Best Friends" feature. When you see an hourglass beside a users name, it signals a shared connection that both you and the user have a mutual best friend. This seemingly simple symbol unlocks a deeper understanding of your relational landscape within the Snapchat ecosystem.

The intention of this feature is to provide users with a nuanced understanding of the relationships they cultivate within the platform, offering a visual shorthand for relational ties. It's a subtle yet effective tool that can help foster a sense of community and strengthen connections among users. This feature goes beyond mere decoration; it's designed to enhance the way you interact and navigate the social connections Snapchat provides.

Decoding the Hourglass Symbol

The hourglass emoji exemplifies Snapchat's commitment to enriching user interactions through expressive visual cues. It functions as a clear marker of deeper bonds, offering a straightforward way to identify mutual friends and understand your interconnectedness within the platform.

The hourglass appears when you and another user share a best friend.
It encourages users to engage in more meaningful and consistent interactions.
This feature is an integral part of the system Snapchat uses to create a more connected community.

Snapchat Features Linked to the Hourglass

The hourglass emoji is just one element within a complex ecosystem of features designed to amplify user engagement and create a rich, immersive social environment on Snapchat.

Best Friends List

The Best Friends list is a dynamically generated roster of users with whom you engage most frequently. The hourglass emoji is directly correlated to this list; it highlights those who share a common Best Friend with you, providing crucial insight into the nature of your connections within the app.

How to Locate the Hourglass Emoji

Spotting the hourglass emoji on Snapchat is a simple task, achieved through these quick steps:

Open the Snapchat application on your preferred device.
Navigate to your "Friends" tab or section.
Look for the hourglass emoji next to a user's name within your friend list.

Remember, the hourglass emoji will only appear if you and the user in question share a common best friend, serving as a definitive indicator of this specific relational dynamic.

Why Does the Hourglass Appear?

The appearance of the hourglass emoji hinges on the presence of a mutual best friend between two Snapchat users. Snapchats algorithm determines this based on a variety of interaction metrics, including the frequency with which snaps are exchanged, chats are initiated, and snap streaks are sustained.

Factors Contributing to the Hourglass

Several core factors play into the algorithm that triggers the hourglass emoji:

The frequency of snaps that are sent and received between individuals who also share a mutual friend.
The volume and consistency of chat interactions between these same users.
The length and consistency of snap streaks maintained with the user who is also connected to your best friend.

Managing Privacy Settings

If you choose to limit the display of the hourglass emoji, Snapchat offers the option to fine-tune your privacy settings. This empowers you to control who has access to your Best Friends list and the related information it presents.

Steps to Adjust Privacy Settings

Launch the Snapchat application and access your profile page.
Tap the gear icon to access the settings menu.
Navigate to the "Who Can..." section and customize privacy options relevant to your Best Friends list.

Tips for Managing the Hourglass

To help you harness the full potential of the hourglass emoji, here are some practical guidelines:

Regularly review your Best Friends list to ensure that it reflects your current relationships.
Actively engage with mutual friends to maintain strong and fulfilling relationships.
Utilize your privacy settings to control the visibility of your Best Friends list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many users seek clarification about the hourglass emoji. Here are some frequently asked questions:

Does the Hourglass Indicate Someone is Stalking Me?

No, the hourglass emoji does not imply that someone is stalking you. It simply highlights mutual best friends within your network, a reflection of shared connections, not a cause for concern.

Can I Remove the Hourglass Emoji?

While you cannot directly remove the hourglass emoji, you have the option to manage its visibility by adjusting your privacy settings.

Impact on Snapchat Users

The hourglass emoji significantly influences user behavior and the way people interact on Snapchat. It fosters a sense of community and encourages more meaningful interactions by highlighting shared connections.

Strengthening Relationships

The hourglass emoji serves as a constant reminder of these shared connections, encouraging users to invest in their relationships. It naturally motivates users to engage more actively with mutual friends, enhancing their overall experience within the Snapchat community.

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