Snapchat, one of the most innovative social media platforms, is owned by its visionary founders who continue to shape the app’s evolution. Understanding who owns Snapchat helps explain why the platform remains unique in design, privacy features, and user engagement across generations.
Origin and Founders of Snapchat
Snapchat was developed in 2011 by three Stanford University students Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown. Their idea was simple yet revolutionary: create an app that lets users send disappearing photos and videos.
Founders Overview
| Founder | Role | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Evan Spiegel | Co-Founder & CEO | Leads creative vision and business strategy |
| Bobby Murphy | Co-Founder & CTO | Develops technical structure and product features |
| Reggie Brown | Co-Founder (Early Contributor) | Introduced concept of disappearing messages |
Key Points:
- Snapchat was originally called Picaboo before rebranding in 2011.
- Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy retained ownership after early disputes.
- Their leadership transformed Snapchat into a global multimedia platform.
Current Ownership of Snapchat
Snapchat is owned by Snap Inc., the parent company established in 2016. Despite being publicly traded, Snap Inc. remains under the firm control of its two main founders.
Ownership Breakdown
| Owner/Entity | Ownership Type | Control Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Spiegel | Co-Founder, CEO | High (Major Voting Power) | Maintains creative and executive control |
| Bobby Murphy | Co-Founder, CTO | High (Major Voting Power) | Oversees technical decisions |
| Public Shareholders | Investors | Low (Limited Votes) | Own shares on the stock market |
| Institutional Investors | Investment Firms | Moderate | Hold shares through portfolios like Vanguard and BlackRock |
Highlights:
- Snapchat trades on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol SNAP.
- Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy jointly control over 99% of voting power, even with public investors.
- Their Class C shares allow them to retain long-term decision-making authority.
Snap Inc. – The Parent Company
In 2016, Snapchat’s corporate name changed from Snapchat Inc. to Snap Inc. to reflect its expansion into other technologies such as Bitmoji and Spectacles.
Information About Snap Inc.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Established | 2016 |
| Headquarters | Santa Monica, California, USA |
| Founders | Evan Spiegel & Bobby Murphy |
| Stock Symbol | SNAP |
| Core Products | Snapchat, Bitmoji, Spectacles |
| Business Model | Advertising and augmented reality |
Facts:
- Snap Inc. became a public company in March 2017.
- Despite going public, voting control stayed with the founders.
- This structure ensures consistency in creative direction.
Evan Spiegel’s Ownership
Evan Spiegel is the CEO and primary public face of Snapchat. His leadership combines creativity, innovation, and business insight.
Spiegel’s Ownership Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Chief Executive Officer |
| Approx. Stake | 13–14% |
| Voting Power | Shared majority with Murphy |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | Over $2 billion |
| Key Role | Product vision and brand growth |
Additional Points:
- Spiegel directs company culture and future development.
- He became one of the youngest billionaires after Snapchat’s IPO.
- Continues to lead all major strategic decisions.
Bobby Murphy’s Ownership
Bobby Murphy, the Chief Technology Officer, manages Snapchat’s technical operations. His contributions ensure the platform remains fast, stable, and user-friendly.
Murphy’s Ownership Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Chief Technology Officer |
| Approx. Stake | 13–14% |
| Voting Power | Equal to Spiegel |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | Over $2 billion |
| Key Role | Infrastructure, coding, and innovation |
Additional Points:
- Murphy focuses on long-term technological improvements.
- Plays a crucial role in app updates and AR (Augmented Reality) tools.
- Maintains close collaboration with Spiegel for company decisions.
Who Controls Snapchat in 2025
As of 2025, Snapchat remains primarily controlled by its two co-founders, Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy. Though Snap Inc. is a public company, these founders retain decision-making authority through special shares that give them full voting control.
Ownership Summary
| Category | Holder | Control Type |
|---|---|---|
| Founders | Evan Spiegel & Bobby Murphy | Full voting control |
| Corporate Parent | Snap Inc. | Legal owner of Snapchat |
| Public Investors | Minor shareholders | Financial stake only |
| Year of Creation | 2011 | Founded at Stanford University |
Facts:
- Founders control company direction and product design.
- Investors own stock but lack management influence.
- The founders’ dual control ensures brand consistency and privacy values.
who owns Snapchat?
The answer is clear Snapchat is owned and controlled by Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy, the visionary founders behind its success. Through Snap Inc., they continue to lead the company’s creative and technological growth. Their leadership ensures Snapchat remains innovative, privacy-focused, and influential in social media’s ever-evolving landscape.