Snapchat for iPhone adding universal search bar to speed up interactions

Image and video sharing app Snapchat is making itself easier and quicker to navigate by username, via a soon-to-arrive update for iOS introducing a universal search bar that gives access to core functions.

The new search bar sits at the top of the currently uncluttered swipe-based interface, Snapchat revealed to TechCrunch, with a tap of the bar bringing up a number of shortcuts to connect with other people across the entire screen. Displayed connections start with frequently accessed contacts in a Quick Chat row, with conversations in groups shown below.

Below the two rows are three columns, covering users who have sent invitation requests, mutual friends with existing contacts, and other potential contacts. Tapping any of the cards on this screen will start a conversation with that user, while tapping and holding a card brings up a mini profile.

For the search function itself, users are now able to find users by name and username, existing conversations between groups, and with Discover channels from Snapchat partners.

Search also works with Our Story, a feature that curates content based on events and holidays. As part of the same update, Snapchat is removing a restriction that limited what could be submitted, allowing for more minor events to be covered in the future by user submissions.

So far, Snapchat has rolled out the new search to a small number of Android users, but intends bringing it to all iOS and Android users in the near future.