Learn How to Make a Public Profile on Snapchat

If you’ve been using Snapchat for a while, you’ve probably noticed some accounts have that little “Subscribe” button instead of “Add Friend.” Those are public profiles — and they’re not just for celebrities or influencers anymore. With a public profile, you can share your snaps, stories, and even showcase highlights to a much wider audience. It’s a great way to grow your reach, whether you’re looking to promote your brand, connect with more people, or simply show off your creative side.

The good news is that creating a public profile on Snapchat isn’t complicated. But there are a few requirements you’ll need to meet and some steps to follow to get it set up properly. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process, share tips to make your profile stand out, and answer some common questions.

What is a Public Profile on Snapchat?

A public profile is a special type of Snapchat account that’s designed for creators, influencers, and brands — but also available to everyday users who want to share their content more widely. Instead of being limited to your friends list, a public profile allows anyone on Snapchat to find and follow you. They can subscribe to see your stories and spotlight videos, even if you don’t follow them back.

With a public profile, you can:

• Add a bio and profile photo.
• Display your location (optional).
• Showcase your saved highlights.
• Share your Lenses if you create them.
• Get access to audience insights.

In short, it’s Snapchat’s way of giving you a creator-like space to build an audience.

Who Can Make a Public Profile?

Snapchat has made this feature more accessible in recent years, but there are still a couple of requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• Your account should be at least a few days old.
• You need to have at least one friend (someone who has accepted your friend request).

You also need to follow Snapchat’s community guidelines. If you’ve had repeated violations or your account has been flagged, you might not see the public profile option.

How to Create a Public Profile on Snapchat

Here’s a straightforward step-by-step process to get your public profile set up:

Step 1: Open Snapchat and Go to Your Profile

• Launch the Snapchat app on your phone.
• Tap your Bitmoji or profile icon in the top-left corner.

Step 2: Scroll to the “Public Profile” Section

• Scroll down until you see a section labeled Public Profile or Spotlight & Snap Map.
• You should see an option called Create Public Profile. If you don’t see it, check that you meet the requirements mentioned earlier.

Step 3: Start the Setup

• Tap Create Public Profile.
• Snapchat will give you a quick overview of what a public profile means and what changes when you switch.
• Tap Continue and then Get Started.

Step 4: Confirm Your Choice

• Snapchat might ask you to confirm your name and whether you want to display it publicly.
• Once you confirm, your public profile will be live.

Customizing Your Public Profile

Creating the profile is just the start. To attract subscribers, you need to make it appealing. Here’s how:

1. Add a Profile Photo and Bio

Choose a clear, engaging profile photo that represents you or your brand. Write a short but catchy bio that tells visitors who you are and what they can expect if they subscribe.

2. Showcase Highlights

You can save your favorite snaps and stories into highlights. These will appear on your public profile permanently, unlike regular stories that disappear after 24 hours.

3. Share Lenses (If You Create Them)

If you’ve made AR Lenses with Lens Studio, you can display them on your public profile for others to use.

4. Adjust Privacy Settings

You can choose whether or not to display your location, email, or other details. Think about your audience and safety before making these decisions.

Tips to Grow Your Public Profile Audience

Just making a public profile won’t guarantee subscribers — you’ll need to post regularly and interact with your audience. Here are some tips:

Post Consistently

Keep your profile active by posting stories, snaps, and spotlight videos regularly.

Be Authentic

Snapchat thrives on real, unfiltered content. Don’t overthink every post — keep it natural.

Use Spotlight

Spotlight is Snapchat’s version of TikTok’s “For You” feed. Posting there can bring in a lot of new viewers.

Promote Your Profile Elsewhere

Share your Snapchat username or Snapcode on your other social media accounts.

Engage with Viewers

Reply to messages, shout out your subscribers, and make them feel like part of your community.

Why Make a Public Profile?

There are plenty of reasons to switch to a public profile:

• Expand Your Reach – Your content isn’t limited to friends.
• Promote Your Brand – Showcase products, services, or your creative work.
• Get Insights – Learn about your audience with Snapchat’s analytics.
• Join the Creator Community – Access features designed for content creators.

For businesses, a public profile can be a free marketing tool. For individuals, it’s a way to share more and maybe even go viral.

Staying Safe with a Public Profile

Remember, once your profile is public, more people can see your content. Here are a few safety tips:

• Avoid sharing personal addresses or private information.
• Think before posting — public content can be saved by others.
• Use Snapchat’s tools to report and block inappropriate users.

Final Thoughts

Creating a public profile on Snapchat can open up a lot of opportunities, whether you’re a casual user, aspiring creator, or running a business. The process is quick and free, but the real work comes afterward — consistently posting quality content and engaging with your audience.

If you meet the basic requirements, it’s worth giving it a try. Start small, experiment with different content styles, and watch how people respond. You might be surprised at how quickly you can grow your reach.