Snapchat is full of cool features that make chatting and sharing fun. One of these is the “by mention” tag. If you’ve ever opened a story and seen this term, you might have wondered, “What does this even mean?” Don’t worry—you’re not the only one.
In this article, we’ll break down what “by mention” means, where you’ll see it, and how it works. We’ll also talk about common problems, how to control it, and smart ways to use it.
Understanding the Basics of Mentions on Snapchat
What Does “By Mention” Mean on Snapchat?
When you see “by mention” under a Snapchat story or chat, it means someone tagged you. You weren’t the one who posted the content, but your Snapchat username was included in it. So the story shows up in your feed with a label saying “by mention.”
Why This Confuses New Users
If you’re new to Snapchat, this might feel confusing. It can look like you posted the story—even though you didn’t. But the truth is, your friend or someone else mentioned you in their post, and that’s why you’re seeing it.
How the “By Mention” Feature Works
Where Do Mentions Show Up?
Mentions can show up in Snapchat Stories, group chats, or public Snaps. If someone adds your username using @YourName, it tags you. When that Snap goes live, your name becomes clickable—and the story gets linked to your account under “by mention.”
What Happens When You’re Mentioned?
When someone mentions you:
- You get a notification from Snapchat.
- The post appears in your stories section with the tag “by mention”.
- Viewers can tap your name to visit your profile.
This feature helps others find and follow you, especially if the story is shared widely.
Why Snapchat Introduced Mentions
Making Social Connections Easier
Mentions help people stay connected. Let’s say you and your friend went to a concert. They post a story and mention you. Now, their followers can also find you, follow you, or see your Snaps—if you allow it.
Helping Creators and Influencers Grow
For influencers and content creators, the “by mention” tag is a game changer. It makes it easier to collaborate and get discovered. If someone mentions a popular creator in their Snap, that person could get hundreds of new views or follows.
Common Problems with Snapchat Mentions
Getting Tagged Without Consent
Sometimes people mention you without asking. It might feel annoying—or even a little invasive—if it’s someone you don’t know well. If this happens often, it can mess up your notifications and make your Snapchat feed feel cluttered.
Being Linked to Inappropriate or Spam Content
A big problem is when strangers mention you in spam stories or questionable content. These kinds of mentions can hurt your reputation or just be flat-out embarrassing.
How to Handle “By Mention” Notifications
How to Know Who Mentioned You
If you tap on the “by mention” story, you’ll see who posted it. You’ll also get a pop-up notification when it happens. It’s easy to spot, so you’ll know when and why you were tagged.
Can You Turn Off Mentions?
Right now, Snapchat doesn’t let you fully turn off mentions. But you can do a few things:
- Block or unfriend the person.
- Change your privacy settings so only friends can view or interact with you.
- Report the Snap or user if it’s abusive or spammy.
Snapchat is working to give users more control, so expect changes in future updates.
Smart and Fun Ways to Use Mentions
Tagging Friends for Fun
Use mentions to:
- Tag friends at events
- Share inside jokes
- Post birthday shout-outs
Adding a tag makes it easy for others to know who’s in the Snap.
Boosting Posts with Brand Mentions
Many users mention brands, celebrities, or locations. This can increase post views, help you get reshared, or even get noticed by a bigger account. Just make sure you’re doing it in a genuine way—not spammy or random.
Safety Tips When Using Mentions
Keep It Friendly and Respectful
Only mention people you know—and always with their permission. If you’re in a group story, double-check usernames to avoid mistakes. Being respectful makes social media more fun for everyone.
Don’t Use Mentions for Clout-Hunting
Avoid tagging famous accounts or brands just to chase likes or attention. If it doesn’t relate to your Snap, it could come off as spam. Snapchat’s algorithms may even hide or flag your post.
Conclusion: Use “By Mention” Wisely
The “by mention” feature on Snapchat is a smart way to stay connected and get noticed. Whether you’re tagging friends, sharing an event, or boosting your story’s reach, it can be really useful.
But like any tool, it’s important to use it the right way. Be respectful, avoid spam, and keep your settings in check. That way, you can enjoy all the fun parts of Snapchat—without the headaches.