Snapchat has quickly risen to become the favorite social media platform for people over the age of 12. Let's be honest; when the platform first launched in 2012, teenyboppers flooded the app, and we grown folks rolled our eyes at the fleeting social engagement.
But something happened last year. Snapchat became popular with millennials, older folks (not your grandma) and celebrities. The social media app morphed into a slice-of-life platform where many people shared intimate details of their lives.
Snapchat is now boasting over 10 billion video views a day and counting. This social storm is a trend worth latching on to, but who should you follow? There are a few black superstars (some celebrity and some regular folks) on the app whose stories you should be tuning in to. Check out our favorite black Snapchatters!
Kevin Hart (lilswag79)
Yes, the $87 million (and counting) man is on Snapchat. Hart's presence on Snapchat is everything you'd imagine it to be. He hilariously uses the Snapchat face filters on his friends, gets dragged to luau-themed dinners with his wife, shows us the behind-the-scenes of his latest movie, and takes us along on each and every one of his (daily) intense workouts.
Leslie Jones (lesdogggg)
Another hilarious comedian to follow on Snapchat is Saturday Night Live’s own Leslie Jones. At this point, you missed her epic Road to Rio—yes, Jones was invited to be an Olympics commentator after the powers that be saw her commentary on Twitter. She shared every Brazilian moment with her Snap family. Follow her for all the hilarity you'll need.
Brandy (thenextbrandy)
Who knew Brandy had such a big funny bone?! The singer-actress is completely unhinged on Snapchat. From impromptu singing sessions with Jenifer Lewis to playing literally all day with the Snapchat face filters to depleting herself in workouts or rehearsal, there's something so real and raw about Brandy. There's also always a fair amount of shade, and it's glorious.
Danielle Young (rhapsodani)
Honorable mention (read: shameless plug): Danielle Young (rhapsodani) deserves a follow, too. OK, so that's me. But honestly, I am your favorite Snapchatter's favorite Snapchatter. You'll see me struggle to get up in the morning to either make it to a workout or to work. You'll see my healthy and not-so-healthy meal choices and meal prep, and there's a lot of celebrity cameos because I work here at The Root, and I get to interview celebrities. It's a good time, so come through and Snap with me—oh, and with these awesome people in the list above. Happy Snappin’!
Chrissy Teigen (chrissyteigen)
She’s more than a pretty face, John Legend’s wife and the mother of hi,s child. All the celebrities on Snapchat have a unique emoji next to their names and Teigen’s is a pizza. What’s more relatable and spot-on than a slice of piping-hot, cheesy goodness? On Teigen’s Snapchat, not only do you get to see her beautiful face, but you'll also see her and Legend's chubby baby, Luna, a shirtless Legend and all the glorious food that the Legend family eats.
Franchesca Ramsey (chescaleigh)
While Fran—or, as the Internet knows her, Chescaleigh—may not be the household (read: celebrity) name that many folks recognize upon first glance, she's definitely someone we should celebrate. Ramsey reached viral status after her YouTube video, "[S—t] White Girls Say to Black Girls." She's a comedian, writer, social-justice advocate and internet sensation. She's also filled with substance, which is why you should follow her. When she's not taking days off from the gym, she's taking us with her to voiceover jobs, showing us the behind-the-scenes of her MTV web series, Decoded, and sharing a few priceless gems about succeeding in life (when her eyebrows are off—you gotta watch!).
Trey Songz (treysongz)
Sure, Trey's an R&B crooner, but he's also a social media savant. He takes full advantage of the Snapchat face filters by creating characters around them, like Tyrone (for whom he uses the sad face). You'll see random snippets from Trey's life with his family, a few celeb cameos (like Kevin Hart) and that infectious smile of his … constantly.
Serena Williams (serenaundefeated)
She's already one of the best (if not the best) athletes of all time, but now she's got one of the best Snapchats, too. It's all because Serena Williams' personality is lit. From at-home karaoke to Taco Tuesdays, even when it's not Tuesday, watching Williams on Snapchat is like watching your favorite cousin who is constantly winning.
Kela Walker (kelawalker)
Walker is another noncelebrity, but honestly, she should be a celebrity. Walker is a fashion blogger and TV host who loves Snapchat more than any other social media platform, and it shows. Walker turned her Snapchat into a reality show and doesn't skimp on sharing. From lying in bed with her hair tied up to spending time on sweaty workouts to hanging out with friends (namely her unofficial sidekick, Sass), Walker motivates, makes you giggle and keeps you dizzy with her aggressive travel schedule. Here's one thing you'll hear often: It's the Kela Walker show, not the Walker Kela show!
Rihanna (rihanna)
It's Rihanna, so, duh! But here's the thing: Rihanna doesn't really love Snapchat. We know she loves social media because she fought for her right to stay (read: be naked) on Instagram and constantly claps back on Twitter when someone comes for her. Rihanna allows one of her besties (Leandra) to run her Snapchat account, and while Lele isn't the most consistent, it's nice to get a candid glimpse of Rihanna's life. Most recently, the bad gal took us back home to Barbados for her cousin's baby christening. You should watch before it's gone!
LaToya Forever (latoyaslife)
YouTuber LaToya Forever has shared her life in her vlogs every single week over the last three years. And now she Snapchats her life, too. This is an extension of her hilarious vlogs, so you get to see her entire Trinidadian family, the behind-the-scenes of her filming, mall runs with her babies and besties, and all the craziness of being a mother of two toddlers. It's not perfect, but it's so much fun to watch!
Liris Crosse (lirisc)
She's been called the Plus Size Naomi Campbell, and from the looks of her flawless face and sickening body, you can tell why! Crosse not only shares her modeling trials and triumphs on Snapchat but also offers advice, shares how she self-cares, and brings us along to a party or three. She's multifaceted, ridiculously gorgeous and wonderfully humble. It's like watching a unicorn up close.