Is it possible to download a popular app (snapchat) without using the play store? I tried using an apk from a website but it still registered as downloaded on Google play.
All the sites that allow you to download apk's directly do it from the play store. Such sites only allow you to skip region restrictions of the play store but the app will always be registered as download from Google Play. So unless you have direct contacts with the developer, I don't think it is possible to achieve what you are trying to