what does time sensitive mean on snapchat?

TLDR: "Time Sensitive" notifications on Snapchat are alerts that bypass "Do Not Disturb" settings to ensure users receive urgent messages promptly. Introduced in May 2023, this feature enhances communication by prioritizing important messages, such as time-sensitive offers or breaking news.

Snapchat's "Time Sensitive" notifications are designed to ensure that users do not miss crucial messages, even when their devices are set to minimize interruptions. These notifications can override settings like "Do Not Disturb," allowing important messages to appear on the lock screen for at least one hour. This feature, which was inspired by similar functionalities in Apple's iOS 15, tags certain snaps, stories, or chat messages as high-priority based on factors like the sender's relationship with the recipient and the message's urgency.

The benefits of "Time Sensitive" notifications include increased engagement with content, improved communication by ensuring urgent messages are seen, and promoting authenticity by encouraging users to share genuine, time-limited content. While some users appreciate the feature for its ability to keep them informed, others find it intrusive. However, Snapchat allows users to disable these notifications if they prefer to stick to their device's focus settings, providing flexibility in managing their notification preferences.