Snapchat has taken sexting to a whole new level. Where once people were afraid to send naughty pics for fear of exposure (although that didn’t stop many of them), now they’re free to send as many naughty pics as they want because all images sent through Snapchat will automatically delete after a specified amount of time. Teenagers worldwide rejoiced at the new found technology and embraced it wholeheartedly, while parents found another thing to worry about.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, Snapchat wasn’t created with sexters in mind. Instead, Snapchat developers Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy wanted to create an app where you could send silly photos which will then delete itself so it doesn’t end up in social media sites. Little did they know how it would change the sexting game forever.

However in this world of timed-self-deletion, some rules still apply. It’s only polite to be… erm, polite. We’ve put together a guide to Snapchat Etiquette, so you can chat better! Enjoy:

10 seconds is an eternity
Ten second might seem like nothing to you but in the world of snapchatting only freaky creeps send 10 second snaps. The general rule is to send something for three to four seconds – especially if it’s a naughty picture.

Look good, unless it’s a good friend
Since photos last for less than 10 seconds, you might be tempted to snap without worrying about looking good. Wrong! If it’s your BFF then sure have fun and play around. But if it’s a girl you’re trying to impress, then make sure you look decent. Remember that’s still 3 – 10 seconds where you’re looking like a creep!

Be safe
Just cuz it’s supposed to delete doesn’t mean people can’t be dicks. If sending naughty pictures make sure you don’t include your face. Which brings me to my next point…

Never take a screenshot
Don’t be that dick that takes a screenshot. First of all if you do, snapchat sends a message to your sender informing them that you did. Secondly you’re a dick. This isn’t how it works and you’ll very quickly lose friends.

There is a right way to take a sexy pic
Never use a flash, never include your face, never do a close up of any body part and try not to get completely nekkid unless you happen to be a pro at taking glamour shots. Always best to leave something to the imagination.

Stop sending mass chats
Everyone knows you’re sending a mass chat!! They’re so impersonal and make the receiver feel cheap. Don’t do it unless you’re sending to a group of close friends telling them about something stupid another friend did .

Don’t be boring!
At the end of the day, chill out, have fun and don’t be boring. Snapchat is a cheeky app and should be used that way too.

Enjoy!