How Snapchat Stories Advance with a Tap

This patent describes how an electronic device can quickly show a series of short-lived messages, deleting the current one and showing the next in response to a simple screen tap.

What it covers

This patent covers a system where an electronic device displays a series of 'ephemeral messages' (messages that disappear). Each message appears for a specific, short 'transitory period of time' set by a timer. If a user makes a 'haptic contact' (touches the screen) during this period, the system immediately deletes the current message and automatically displays the next message in the series, starting its own timer (Claim 1). For example, when viewing a friend's Snapchat Story, tapping the screen quickly moves you to the next photo or video in their story.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover messages that remain visible indefinitely unless manually dismissed, as all messages are deleted when their 'transitory period of time' expires (Claim 1).
• —Does not cover systems where a user gesture only dismisses a message without automatically presenting the next one in a set (Claim 1 requires 'deletes... and proceeds to present... a second ephemeral message').
• —Does not cover messages that are deleted solely by a timer, without any user interaction accelerating their deletion or advancing to the next message (Claim 1 specifies deletion 'in response to the haptic contact signal').
• —Does not cover systems where the display of the next message requires a separate, explicit action beyond the gesture that deleted the previous message (Claim 1 links deletion and progression directly).
• —Does not cover messages that are not part of a 'set of ephemeral messages available for viewing' (Claim 1).

The clever bit

The novelty lies in linking a simple user gesture, such as a tap, directly to the immediate deletion of the current temporary message and the automatic display of the next one. This allows for seamless, accelerated viewing of a sequence of short-lived content.

Why it matters

This patent describes the core interaction model for consuming 'Stories' content, a format popularized by Snapchat. This method of rapid, sequential content consumption became a defining feature for the platform, influencing how users interact with short-form media. It enabled a new, fast-paced way for users to share and view daily updates from friends.

Real-world examples

• 1.Snapchat Stories
• 2.Instagram Stories
• 3.Facebook Stories
• 4.WhatsApp Status