If you have a Snapchat account, you are probably aware of the mysterious, white Snapchat ghosts. These ghosts, variations of Snapchat's mascot Ghostface Chillah, appear in the Added Me section of the mobile app, next to the list of names in a user's friends list.
Only Snapchat users who have not uploaded a custom selfie to their Snapcode will have white ghosts displayed next to their usernames. Frequently popular topics of discussion, the puzzling ghosts are automatically generated, appear to be random, and change often. Some users even have several different ghosts next to their username.
The Many Faces of Snapchat
As of October 2016, a total of 21 different Snapchat ghost faces have been identified. The meaning of each ghost is open to interpretation, but likely aligns with other emoji and emoticons.
Ghost with Heart Eyes: An expression of love
Peace Sign Ghost: An expression of optimism
Ghost with Blue Bubble: This ghost appears to be napping or suffering from boredom
Content Ghost: Satisfied and comfortable, neutral
Confused Ghost: Indicating a puzzled or perplexed state of mind
Joyful Ghost: An expression of blissful delight
Scheming Ghost: This ghost is up to something
IDK Ghost: "I don't know," clueless or dizzy
LOL Ghost: "Laughing out loud," laughing hysterically with tears of joy
Angry Ghost: An expression of rage, grumpiness or annoyance
Shocked Ghost: This ghost is surprised
Happy Ghost: An expression of happiness and pleasure
Nervous Ghost: Depicting anxiety or worry, shaking
Sarcastic Ghost: An expression of sarcasm
Giggling Ghost: Mild laughter
Scared Ghost: A frightened ghost
Playful Ghost: A lighthearted expression of mischief
Impatient Ghost: This ghost is irritated and/or in a hurry
Cool Ghost: A laid back and chilled out ghost
No Way Ghost: An expression of disbelief
Black Ghost:Possibly indicates a Selfie Ghost, that the user covered the camera, or that the user is no longer using Snapchat
The Question Remains
It is important to note that these descriptions of the ghosts are purely speculative, they are not definitive, as the ghosts have not been officially defined by Snapchat. New features and icons are being added to Snapchat all the time. Perhaps in the next update, Snapchat will explain more about the elusive ghosts and their meanings.