What Does the Green Dot Next to Someone's Name on Snapchat Mean?
On Snapchat, the green dot next to a person's name signifies that they have recently been active in the app. This indicator shows up on their profile or Bitmoji in your chat list and disappears when they've been inactive for some time, up to 24 hours.
What the Green Dot Means
Recent Activity
The primary meaning of the green dot next to someone's name is that the person has recently used the Snapchat app. This indicator appears on their profile or Bitmoji in your chat list, helping you understand their recent activity status.
Not Necessarily Online Now
While it indicates recent activity, it doesn't always mean they are online at this very moment like some other apps, though you can often see "Now" or a time stamp (e.g., "5m ago") next to it on Snap Map.
Can Be Hidden
Users can disable this feature in their settings, so its absence doesn't necessarily mean the person has left the app entirely, just that they've turned off their activity indicator. You can toggle your own activity indicator off in your Snapchat settings under "Privacy Controls" if you don't want others to see when you're active. The green dot next to someone's name can be completely hidden through these privacy settings.
Why It's Useful
Initiating Conversations
The green dot next to someone's name can help you decide if someone is available for a quick conversation, as they are more likely to see and respond to your message right away.
Understanding Availability
It provides a signal of whether a friend is in a "connected" state within the app, even if not directly messaging you.
Other Indicators of Activity
If the green dot next to someone's name isn't visible, you can still tell if someone has been active by:
- Checking their Snap Score: Look for any increases in their score
- Watching for new Story uploads: See if they've posted new content
- Using Snap Map: Check if their Bitmoji is moving or updating location
Privacy Controls
Users have full control over their activity indicator visibility. You can disable this feature in your Snapchat settings under "Privacy Controls" if you prefer to keep your activity status private.
How to Use This Information
When you see a green dot next to a friend's name, it's a good time to:
- Send them a snap or message
- Start a conversation
- Share content you know they'll see quickly