First launched in 2014, “Our Story” is a feature that allows users to contribute snaps to a publicly visible collection centered around a particular event or location, such as a music festival or major city. These snaps can include photos and videos taken by users on their personal devices, as well as content created specifically for “Our Story” by Snapchat’s team of professional curators.

When a user contributes a snap to an “Our Story,” it becomes visible to anyone who is located within the designated area or attending the event, and is also included in a larger, publicly accessible stream that can be viewed by anyone on Snapchat. This stream can be accessed by swiping right from the main Snapchat camera screen and selecting “Discover.”

Not only does “Our Story” give Snapchat users a way to share their experiences with others, it also provides a unique, immersive way to experience events that they might not be able to attend in person, such as major music festivals or cultural celebrations from around the world.

In addition to its entertainment value, “Our Story” has also been used to help raise awareness for social causes and natural disasters. After the 2015 Paris attacks, for example, Snapchat created an “Our Story” around the hashtag #PrayForParis, allowing users around the world to show their support and solidarity with France.

While “Our Story” has faced criticism for its potential invasion of privacy, particularly when users have inadvertently posted sensitive or embarrassing content to the publicly accessible stream, Snapchat has taken steps to address these concerns. In 2016, the company introduced a feature that allows users to submit “Our Story” snaps anonymously, further protecting their privacy.

Overall, “Our Story” has become an integral part of the Snapchat experience, giving users a new way to connect with others and experience the world around them through the lens of their smartphones. Whether you’re contributing to an “Our Story,” or simply enjoying the content created by others, it’s clear that this feature has helped to redefine how we think about social media and the power of shared experiences.