Snapchat has recently announced a subscription model for users wanting to retain their memories on the platform, with charges reaching up to $15.99 per month. Previously, users could save their images free of charge since 2016, but due to the increased demand for storage—over 1 trillion photos globally—Snapchat has introduced paid plans to accommodate those exceeding 5GB of memory storage.
The new pricing tiers allow users to upgrade to 100GB for $2.99 a month, 250GB for $5.99, and 5TB for $15.99. This amounts to a potential yearly expenditure of $191.88 for the highest tier. However, Snapchat reassured users that those with under 5GB of memories will not be affected by this change.
For those exceeding the memory limit, Snapchat is providing a 12-month grace period during which users can either choose to upgrade their storage or download and delete their memories from the app.
Snapchat acknowledged the discomfort in shifting from a free service to a paid model, but they express hope that the value provided through their Memories feature justifies the new costs. They emphasised that these changes are vital for ongoing investment in enhancing Memories for the user community.
As subscription prices for digital services become increasingly common, with platforms like Apple TV+, Spotify, and Netflix also raising their fees, Snapchat’s move reflects a broader trend in the industry.