4 Ways to Record on Snapchat Without Holding the Button

Snaps and Stories on Snapchat are a great way to share your thoughts or trivia about your day with your friends. But finger fatigue is a real thing, especially if you prefer recording video Stories on Snapchat. However, is there a way to record on Snapchat without holding the button? Let’s find out.

While Snapchat does not have a default hands-free mode, certain ways would allow you to record on Snapchat without holding the button. One of which involves using a rubber band and your device’s volume buttons. Intrigued? Keep reading to know more.

1. Using the Lock Icon When Recording

Even without a dedicated automatic mode, you can record videos hands-free using the lock feature. This way, once you’ve started the recording, you can lock the feature and let it record for up to 60 seconds on Snapchat even without holding the record button. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Snapchat.

Step 2: Now, long-press on the Camera button.

Step 3: Once the lock icon appears, slide your finger over to the lock icon.

You can now remove your finger and Snapchat will continue to record the video.

Step 4: If you’re done before the 60-second mark, tap on the Stop button.

Once the recording stops, use the available options to edit and post the video as you want.

Tip: If you’re facing issues using the Snapchat camera, check out our article on fixing the Snapchat camera not working.

2. Set a Timer to Record Hands-Free on Snapchat

Snapchat also allows you to set a timer. Once set, the timer will be triggered once you tap on the Camera button. However, the maximum duration for the timer is 10 seconds. Beyond this, you might have to start the recording again.

Here’s a step-by-step look at how to set up and use the timer on Snapchat.

Step 1: Open Snapchat and tap on the + icon.

Step 2: Scroll to Timer and tap on the + icon.

Step 3: Then, tap on the timer icon.

Step 4: Here, use the Video timer slider to set the duration of the timer.

Step 5: Once done, tap on Set Timer.

Step 6: Now, tap on the Camera button.

After the countdown, Snapchat will automatically start recording as per the duration of the timer.

Also Read: How to add multiple camera roll photos to Snapchat story

3. Using Gestures on iOS

The iOS devices come with a set of pre-fed gestures that allow you to perform basic tasks such as long-press or double-tap on something. And so, you can set a custom duration for the long-press gesture and use it to record hands-free on Snapchat. Follow the below steps to do it.

Part 1: Create New Gesture

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Accessibility.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap on Touch.

Step 3: Then, tap on AssistiveTouch.

Step 4: First, turn the AssistiveTouch toggle on.

Step 5: Then, under Custom Actions, tap on Long Press.

Step 6: Here, tap on ‘Long Press Duration’.

Step 7: Use the – and + buttons to increase or decrease the long press duration as per your preferences.

Once the gesture duration has been set, it is now time to use it with the Snapchat app. Here’s how.

Part 2: Use the Gesture

Step 1: Open Snapchat and tap on AssistiveTouch.

Step 2: Once the menu options appear, tap on Custom.

Step 3: Here, tap on Long Press.

Step 4: Now, hover the gesture over the Camera button.

This will let you record without holding the button on Snapchat.

4. Using the Volume Up Button on Android

While Android devices don’t have as much flexibility when using gestures, there are ways you can circumvent this. Since Snapchat allows you to record using either of the volume buttons, as long as you can get one of the buttons to continuously press, the recording will automatically start.

And this is where the rubber band comes in. Simply take a rubber band that is tight enough to stretch across your Android device. Then, slide it over the rubber band on either of the volume buttons to record without using your hands on Snapchat. Here’s how.

Step 1: On your Android device, take a rubber band and stretch it around the phone.

Step 2: Then, slide the rubber band over either the volume down or the volume up button.

Step 3: Once you’re ready, open the Snapchat app.

Step 4: After the app opens, the recording should immediately start.

This will easily allow you hands-free recording for more than 10 seconds on the Snapchat Android app.

FAQs for Using Snapchat on Android and iOS

Record Hands-Free on Snapchat

We hope this article helped you better understand all the ways you can use to record on Snapchat without holding the button. And if you and your group of friends love exchanging Snaps, consider creating a group chat on Snapchat and get all your friends in one place, virtually.