What Does the Purple Circle Mean on Snapchat in 2025

James Wilson

Snapchat is known for its unique interface, featuring a variety of icons, colors, and symbols that indicate different actions and statuses. One of the most common questions users have is: What does the purple circle mean on Snapchat?

If you’ve ever noticed a purple ring around a friend’s profile or story, you might be wondering what it signifies and how it differs from other colors like blue, red, or gray. In this article, we’ll break down the meaning of the purple circle, how it works, and other important Snapchat symbols to help you navigate the app more effectively.


Understanding the Purple Circle on Snapchat

The purple circle on Snapchat is a story indicator. When you see a friend’s Bitmoji or profile picture with a purple ring around it, it means they have recently posted a new story that includes video content.

Snapchat stories allow users to share pictures or videos that disappear after 24 hours. The purple color specifically denotes video-based stories, while a blue circle is used for image-based stories.

Why Does Snapchat Use a Purple Circle?

Snapchat differentiates content types using different colors. Here’s a quick breakdown of why the purple circle is used:

  • Purple = Video Content 🎥
    • If a friend uploads a video to their story, it will appear with a purple ring around their Bitmoji or profile picture.
  • Blue = Photo Content 📸
    • A blue ring indicates that the story contains only pictures rather than videos.

By using different colors, Snapchat makes it easier for users to distinguish between different types of content at a glance.


How to View a Purple Circle Story on Snapchat

If you see a purple circle around someone’s profile, you can view their story in just a few steps:

  • Open Snapchat and go to the home screen.
  • Look for the purple circle around your friend’s profile icon in the Stories section.
  • Tap on the profile to watch their story.
  • Once viewed, the purple circle will disappear, indicating that you have already watched that story.

If you revisit the Stories page after watching, the profile icon will no longer have the purple circle since you’ve already seen it.


Other Snapchat Circle Colors and Their Meanings

Snapchat uses multiple colors to indicate different types of messages and interactions. Here’s a quick guide to what each circle color means:

1. Purple Circle – Video Story 🎥

  • Indicates a new video story posted by a friend.
  • Disappears after you watch the story.

2. Blue Circle – Photo Story 📸

  • Signifies a new story with photos only.
  • Works similarly to the purple circle but for static images.

3. Red Circle – Private Story 🔴

  • A red circle means a friend has posted a private story that only a selected audience can view.
  • If you are included in their private story, you’ll see this circle around their profile.

4. Gray Circle – Expired or Unavailable Story ⚪

  • A gray circle means the story is no longer available.
  • This usually happens if the story has expired (after 24 hours) or was deleted by the user.

These color-coded indicators help users quickly identify different types of stories and messages, improving the app’s overall usability.


Frequently Asked Questions About the Purple Circle on Snapchat

1. Can I remove the purple circle without watching the story?

No, the purple circle disappears automatically only after you view the story. If you don’t want to watch the story but want the circle to go away, you’ll have to wait until the story expires in 24 hours.

2. Why is the purple circle not disappearing after I watch a story?

If the purple circle remains even after you’ve watched the story:

  • Try refreshing Snapchat by closing and reopening the app.
  • Check if new videos were added to the story after you watched the first part.

3. Does the purple circle mean someone is active on Snapchat?

No, the purple circle only indicates a new story. It does not mean the person is currently active or online.

4. Can I change the Snapchat circle colors?

No, Snapchat automatically assigns colors based on the content type. Users cannot customize these colors.

5. Does the purple circle appear on all Snapchat versions?

Yes, but the design may slightly vary depending on updates and device type (iOS or Android).


Texting Examples Using the Purple Circle on Snapchat

If you want to text a friend about their Snapchat story, here are 10 friendly and engaging ways to do so:

  • “Hey! I saw the purple circle on your profile—what’s your story about? 👀”
  • “Your new video story looks awesome! 🎥🔥”
  • “I just checked out your snap story—where was that? Looks fun! 😍”
  • “Your latest Snapchat video is hilarious! 😂”
  • “I noticed you posted a new story—should I be excited? 👀🎬”
  • “Wow, that video you shared on Snapchat was so cool! How did you film it? 🎥”
  • “I just saw your purple-ringed story—amazing shots! 📸”
  • “That Snapchat video you posted is giving me serious FOMO! 😂”
  • “The purple circle caught my eye, and I had to check out your story! Love it! 💜”
  • “Your Snapchat story made my day! Keep posting more! 💜🔥”

Using these texting examples makes interactions more fun and keeps Snapchat conversations engaging.


Conclusion:

The purple circle on Snapchat is simply an indicator that a friend has posted a new video story. It helps users distinguish between different types of content—video (purple) and photo (blue)—for a better browsing experience.

By understanding the meaning of these circles, you can navigate Snapchat more effectively, engage with friends’ content, and even start fun conversations based on their latest stories.

Next time you see a purple ring, don’t hesitate to tap and see what exciting new video your friend has shared! 🚀🎥

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