Hello all.
I've been playing with Snapchat for iOS since May 2013 and contacted the developers several times to make their app more user friendly and accessible with VoiceOver but I'm still having problems using the app. I'm able to view snaps, stories, read and send private messages, but I'm not able to record and post snaps. Also, VoiceOver does not read all page elements and buttons. I think it is the right time to ask developers to make their apps more accessible to VO users.
I highly appreciate the help of the community and anyone interested on helping us make this app accessible.
By Khalfan Bin Dhaher, 28 June, 2015
Forum
iOS and iPadOS
Comments
I completely agree
Hi,
I downloaded Snapchat about 2 years ago and noticed that I couldn't easily figure out how to navigate it. After that, I've kept it on my phone, but haven't really looked at it, because of it's vast inaccessibility. I just pulled it up again as I was writing this, and realized nothing has really changed. I figured out that I could get to different areas of the app by swiping with 3 fingers across the screen, but after I swiped to the right, and tried to go back, I was unable to move anywhere. I myself would like to be able to fully be able to use this app, and would be willing to help make it accessible in any way I can.
agreed
I also agree. I've heard of this app, but have never used it as it didn't sound like it would be accesible. based on what I'm reading here, it's not. and I don't use apps that aren't at least somewhat accessible. If we can get this app to be useable with VO, I might start using it.
I totally agree
I totally agree. Accessibility is a must.
The more developers hear from people, the more they care. I think the app is somewhat accessible, but very hard to navigate and use. Also all buttons should be clearly labeled. How can we proceed to the next step?
There is a WWDC video this
There is a WWDC video this year posted on twitter. I'll have to find the link but if you contact the developers and show them the video and explain to them why and what accessibility is it might help. Now, some devs don't really care, and that's fine. If they do not then we'll know soon enough.
Snapchat version 9.12.1.0
This update of Snapchat came out last week with few improvements, new story screen and other features. Unfortunately, there are no accessibility improvements and full VoiceOver support. VO users have to disable VO on the start screen to scroll through the list of snaps and other screens. If possible please help us contact the developers of this app to make it fully accessible with VO. This shouldn't take time if developers care on making their apps accessible. Therefor, I highly appreciate the community support for this.
I'll try my best, please feel free to write your thoughts and ideas here.
It seems to me that...
It would seem to me that the devs of this app either don't know about accessibility, or they just don't care. I haven't tried to contact them since i don't use the app, but considering how long this app has been out...yeah.
I've Tried Contacting Them
I just tried contacting them this morning following an experience where I was able to move around the app freely for about five minutes until the app crashed and I had to restart. at that point, I ran into the same situation you were all talking about. I was unable to submit a feature request to the Support of the Snapchat site because it has one of those prove-you-are-human things, so I tweeted both @snapchat and @snapchatsupport. I've gotten several retweets, but no response. If you feel so inclined, you could follow me, @yourchangeling, and retweet both tweets. Maybe we'll get someone's attention. I also plan to find their Facebook page later and post a similar request on it, which might gain the attention of some Facebook users. That's really all I have.
I've heard from some sighted
I've heard from some sighted friends that snap chat even they don't like it as it is nothing but pictures, and they don't want to bother with it anymore.
That may Be...
That may be, but I would personally like the right to choose whether or not I want to be bothered with something, rather than have the choice made for me because I can't access that thing.
Personally because snapchat
Personally because snapchat according to some of my sighted peeps is pictures that self destroy, I don't know if there is a way to make it accessible. Plus if the developers are not listening at all, maybe it's not a battle worth fighting. I've known developers just to ignore that user feedback and do what ever they want. If this is the case I guess we'll know soon enough.
I think it would be great if
I think it would be great if this app were to become accessible. Even though I can't see the pictures, it would be nice to be able to send pictures and use it as my friends do. Obviously nothing is going to make the pictures themselves accessible, but it would be nice to be able to use the interface itself. This app is definitely a trend for high school and college students for sure, and it would be great to have the opportunity to participate.
I contacted the Developers Yesterday
I managed to work around the prove-you're-human thing yesterday, so I was able to contact the developers directly. I explained the accessibility situation as it currently was for Snapchat, and asked if they would consider making it accessible. I also pointed out that there were many blind Instagram users, dispensing with the argument that blind people wouldn't want to use Snapchat because it is mostly visual media. What I got was a form e-mail assuring me that my feedback has been received and that while I may not get a direct response, they are taking my feedback into account. Having said that, I think the best way to tackle this project is for them to receive multiple requests on multiple social platforms.
Making Snapchat Accessible!!
I tweeted SnapChat and SnapChatSupport but got no response. Though Snapchat updates all the time, I have had it since August and no voiceover or accessibility improvements.
Is there anything else I can do?
Should I tweet them every time an update is released with no improvement to accessibility or voiceover?
Snapchat is becoming increasingly popular and it makes me angry and upset they are just ignoring us. I understand Snapchat is visual, but I can actually take a perfect selfie and I feel we as blind people should have the right to use an app, not be completely shut out because the developer chooses to make it inaccessible. Thanks!!
I did as well
Snapchat is on my phone since May 2013 and I'm trying to reach the app developers to make this app more accessible. I think we should try our best to make this app accessible with VoiceOver.
If possible, try tweeting to the support team from time to time and they might respond, I can't guarantee though. The AppleVis team can help us with this as well.
Making Snapchat Accessible!
I went to snapchat.com and noticed there was a page where you could submit feedback. I just don't know what to say, or what link/links to put in the message to guide them to the appropriate place where developers can learn about and test their app with voiceover.
Does anyone have a sample letter or something to send to developers or something?
Then we can try contacting them through their feedback section on their website instead of just tweeting.
I'll keep tweeting them.
If anyone wants to check it out the website is www.snapchat.com. If you want to tweet them the handles are at snapchat and at snapchatsupport.
I guess I am just particularly concerned because I am on apps such as Periscope and now Blab a lot and I hear sighted people talking constantly about how they now just send a snap to their friends rather than even texting them so this app is becoming essential for communication. That is why I think it's essential we get Snapchat accessible. It's not just some little app anymore!
Thanks!!