Snapchat streaks, or Snapstreaks are when you and another user exchange snaps for at least 3 days in a row. When that happens, their username will have a fire emoji next to it. To keep the Snapstreak going, you both have to send at least one snap every 24 hours. 

When the hourglass emoji shows up, that means one or both of you haven’t sent a snap in almost 24 hours. It will go away either when you’ve exchanged snaps, or when time’s up and the streak has ended. The hourglass functions as a Snapchat streak timer limit. 

How Long Does The Hourglass Last On Snapchat?

Snapchat is notorious for not explaining any meaning behind the emojis next to usernames. However, over time, users have determined some patterns about the hourglass. 

Varied Opinions Among Users About The Hourglass Duration

Unfortunately, a quick internet search about how long the hourglass lasts will result in different answers. Some users say it only shows up for a couple hours before disappearing.

Other sources say it shows up at the 20th hour, meaning it lasts for four hours. Other users have said their hourglass lasts for up to seven hours! So which is it? 

Factors Influencing The Duration Of The Hourglass

Snapstreaks seem to be calculated on a 24-hour rolling basis rather than always starting at a specific hour. This has some merit to it, considering it is entirely possible you have a snapstreak with someone who is in a different time zone. The only way around that would be to have everything set to GMT (UTC-0). 

Another thing to consider is that if you open the app and see the hourglass, you have no idea how long the hourglass has actually been sitting there. Do you have 20 minutes to send a snap? or 2 hours?

Different Timeframes For Month-Long Streaks And Shorter Streaks

According to extensive community research, Snapchat users have determined that when Snapstreaks are fresh, the hourglass will show up towards the end of the 24-hour period, giving you only 2-3 hours to exchange snaps and continue the streak.

On the flip side, users who have had streaks going on for a while may get closer to 7-8 hours of a reminder to get their snaps in. 

Tips To Maintain Snap Streaks And Avoid The Hourglass

Here are some ways you can keep your Snapstreak going and avoid the hourglass ever showing up at all. 

Sending Regular Snaps To Snap Streak Friends

Get in the habit of sending snaps to your friends. Remember, snaps only count for pictures taken within the app, not uploaded into the chat. Streaks are also not affected by any messages sent. 

Establishing A Routine For Snap Exchanges

Try to send snaps at the same time every day and throughout the day. Encourage your Snapstreak friends to do similarly! If they know you’re serious, they might be more willing to play along. 

Ensuring Both Users Are Committed To Maintaining Streaks

The longest-running Snapstreaks only got that way because both people were committed to sending snaps and keeping the streak going. If you’re the only person sending snaps regularly, you won’t be able to keep a streak going. Snapstreaks require that snaps are exchanged between the both of you. 

Using Snaps Instead Of Text Messages To Prevent The Hourglass

Again, messages don’t count toward the streak counter. But if you haven’t sent a snap yet, but also want to ask your friend a question, pair the question with a snap in a fun way like writing the question on a piece of paper and snapping that. Or just putting it in the text. 

Sending A Good Morning Snap To Maintain Streaks

Somewhat like creating a routine, you can always just send a snap right after you wake up in the morning. These good morning snaps are a great way to keep the streak going. 

Creating A Snap Streak Friends Shortcut For Easy Snaps

Consider adding an icon shortcut to your phone’s home screen to remind you to send snaps to your Snapstreak friends. 

Activities That Do Not Add To Snap Streaks

Here’s a quick reminder of what will not count towards a Snapstreak: 

• Regular messaging
• Snapchat stories
• Group chats
• Memories
• Spectacles

What to Do If the Hourglass Appears

If you get the Snapchat hourglass glitch, meaning the hourglass shows up after you’ve maintained a streak, here are your options: 

Contacting Snapchat Support and Reporting the Issue

Your first order of business should be to open up support in your app or on the browser. Snapstreaks is one of the top options under Popular Topics. There’s a link to Let Snapchat Know about issues with Snapstreaks.

The specific issue mentioned in the article is if the Snapstreak has been lost even if snaps have been exchanged. Treat this issue as a lost streak. 

Filling out the Required Information in the Support Form

Fill out all the required information so Snapchat can do their required research. You will also need to put if you saw the hourglass before the streak disappeared. Be as descriptive as possible. Also be polite. Then, once you’re done filling everything out, hit Submit and wait for Snapchat to get back to you. 

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Snapstreaks

Many myths surround Snapstreaks. Clarifying these can help users maintain their streaks more effectively.

Myth 1: All Snaps Count Toward Streaks

Only photo or video snaps count toward streaks. Text messages, group snaps, and stories do not contribute to maintaining streaks.

Myth 2: Snaps Sent via Memories Count

Snaps sent via Memories or from your camera roll do not count. To maintain a streak, take and send snaps in real-time using the Snapchat camera.

Myth 3: Hourglass Appears Exactly After 24 Hours

The hourglass appears when a streak is about to expire, but its timing can vary. Community reports suggest it can appear between 20 to 24 hours after the last snap.

Myth 4: Streaks Are Lost Immediately After 24 Hours

There is often a grace period. While it is best to send snaps within 24 hours, the hourglass can last several hours, giving extra time to save the streak.

Debunking Misconceptions

Understanding the truth behind these myths can help users avoid unnecessary stress. For example, knowing that only real-time snaps count can save users from futile efforts.

Advanced Tips for Long-Term Snapstreak Management

Maintaining a Snapstreak over months or years requires dedication. Here are advanced tips to help:

1. Create a Routine

Establish a daily routine for sending snaps. Consistency is the key to long-term streaks. Consider integrating snap time into your morning or evening routine.

2. Use Creative Snaps

Keep the interaction engaging. Use filters, lenses, and creative captions. This not only maintains the streak but also keeps it fun for both parties.

3. Encourage Reciprocity

Ensure both parties are equally invested. If one person stops sending snaps, the streak will end. Encourage your friend to be as committed as you are.

4. Utilize Streak Shortcuts

Create a shortcut for your streak friends. This makes it easier to send snaps quickly, especially when time is short.

5. Monitor the Streak

Keep an eye on the streak number. High streak numbers are motivating and can encourage both parties to keep the streak going.

6. Plan Ahead

If you anticipate being busy or without internet access, plan ahead. Inform your friend and send snaps in advance when possible.

How to Recover Lost Snapstreaks

Losing a Snapstreak can be frustrating. However, recovery is possible through these steps:

Step 1: Identify the Issue

First, determine why the streak was lost. Common reasons include missed snaps, app glitches, or misunderstandings about what counts toward a streak.

Step 2: Contact Snapchat Support

Visit the Snapchat support page. Navigate to the Snapstreak section. Select the option to report a lost streak. Fill out the form with necessary details, including username, friend’s username, and whether the hourglass appeared.

Step 3: Provide Details

Be thorough in your description. Mention when the streak was lost and any relevant information about snap exchanges. The more detailed your report, the better the chances of recovery.

Step 4: Be Patient

Wait for a response from Snapchat. This process may take a few days. In the meantime, continue sending snaps to maintain other streaks.

Step 5: Learn from Mistakes

Identify what caused the streak loss. Implement measures to prevent it from happening again. This could include setting reminders or improving communication with your snap partner.

Answers to Some Common Questions

How long does the hourglass last on Snapchat?

The hourglass emoji on Snapchat generally appears at the 20th hour, giving you approximately 4 hours to send a snap and maintain the streak. However, some users report it can last between 2 to 7 hours depending on the streak’s length.

What is a Snapstreak on Snapchat?

A Snapstreak occurs when you and a friend exchange snaps (not chat messages) for at least 3 consecutive days. A fire emoji appears next to the friend’s name to indicate an ongoing streak.

How can you maintain a Snapstreak?

To maintain a Snapstreak, both users must send at least one snap to each other within a 24-hour period. Regular and routine snap exchanges help prevent the hourglass emoji from appearing.

What does the hourglass emoji mean?

The hourglass emoji indicates that your Snapstreak with a friend is about to end because neither of you has sent a snap within the last 24 hours. It serves as a warning to quickly exchange snaps to keep the streak alive.

Do messages count towards Snapstreaks?

No, text messages, regular messaging, group chats, and stories do not count towards maintaining a Snapstreak. Only photo or video snaps exchanged directly between users contribute to the streak.

Can you recover a lost Snapstreak?

Yes, you can attempt to recover a lost Snapstreak by contacting Snapchat Support and providing details about the streak and the issue encountered. Be thorough and polite in your description for the best chance of recovery.

What should you do if the hourglass emoji appears?

If the hourglass emoji appears, immediately send a snap to your friend to maintain the streak. Encourage your friend to do the same to ensure the streak continues.

How are Snapstreaks calculated?

Snapstreaks are calculated on a 24-hour rolling basis rather than starting at a specific hour. This approach accommodates different time zones and ensures fairness in maintaining streaks.

What are some tips to avoid the hourglass emoji?

To avoid the hourglass emoji, establish a routine for sending snaps at the same time every day. Use creative snaps and ensure both you and your friend are committed to maintaining the streak.

What activities do not count towards Snapstreaks?

Activities that do not count towards Snapstreaks include regular messaging, Snapchat stories, group chats, memories, and spectacles. Only real-time photo or video snaps sent through the Snapchat camera contribute to the streak.

Final Words

Now you have more information about how Snapstreaks work and what the hourglass means. Have fun maintaining those Snapstreaks with your friends!