Have you heard of Frozen Snapping?

No it’s not what you do when you take out some sausages from the freezer and need to bang them on the kitchen counter to separate them or find the nearest tongs to snap them apart. (Or am I the only one who does that?!)

It’s a new craze on Snapchat inspired by Writer, Director, Creator of Playshorts and Vampire Mob, Joe Wilson (@JoeWilson).

Frozen snapping is a 10-second snap that you take frozen in front of the camera while there’s some form of movement behind you.

On Snapchat, it’s become a bit of a craze on Fridays where it’s #FrozenSnapFriday

Who would have thought that this simple idea has inspired the global Snapchat community to get involved?

When Joe shared his frozen snaps, I hollered with laughter.  Why?  When you’re watching various snaps and hearing the stories of people sharing what they’re doing, the frozen snap stood out.  In itself, in the one snap, it told a story.

I wanted to incorporate some frozen snaps too because not only did I find them amusing but they were exactly in line with my left field, weird and quirky humour.  The appealed to my style of humour.  When you’re snapping about serious, educational content, you need to break it up with something and this was perfect for me.  It was unique, it was different and most of all, it was fun.   I sought his permission to do some myself.

After all, I’m not a stand up comedian, I’m not an extrovert, nor do I feel comfortable in front of the camera – the frozen snap is the perfect solution – and a perfect icebreaker at conferences if you want to meet key note presenters in person….

Big thank you to @iSocialFanz for being a great sport with #FrozenSnapFriday pic.twitter.com/iDSnzRchV2

— Helen Blunden (@ActivateLearn) September 9, 2016

Where did Joe’s idea come from?  Remember Police Squad? Here’s an example… Snapchat just happens to be the modern version of it.

So over time, more and more people started frozen snapping so now it’s become a ‘thing’ and one that I look forward to every week.  Joe has done the additional step where he captures the videos and creates a Friday Mashup as well as SHARE the snap codes of people who participate.  As you know, finding people on Snapchat to follow is difficult so this mash-up and promotion of the snap codes is another fun way to find new connections.

Here’s the example of this week’s mash up…

So you may ask – what’s this to do with learning and development?

Really, it’s not about learning.  It’s about engagement.  It’s about community.  It’s about sharing in something that’s fun – and it’s something that everyone regardless of age, background, race or culture can participate.  You can involve family, friends, pets, anything (as long as you’re not stupid about it such as getting into dangerous situations).

To me it shows that ideas to build community need not be difficult or complex.  Sometimes it’s the smallest or simplest ideas that are quick and fun to do as well as all-inclusive that bring a smile to people’s faces or joy in your work.

Laughter bonds us together.  Why not have more of it?

If you’re on Snapchat, give Frozen Snap a go! (for the fun of it – you earned it. We can’t be serious all the time!)