Snapchat’s Memories feature has long served as a personal, curated archive for its users, offering a space to save significant moments distinct from a device’s standard camera roll. For nearly a decade, this digital scrapbook service was provided without charge. However, the company has now introduced a new model that includes paid options for users who require extensive storage.
A New Limit on Complimentary Storage
Snapchat has established a new policy, implementing a 5GB limit on its complimentary storage for the Memories feature. The company notes that this capacity is sufficient for the needs of most of its user base. This change comes after the platform has seen more than one trillion Snaps saved since Memories was launched in 2016, a volume that reportedly surpassed initial projections. To manage this scale and ensure the feature’s long-term viability, Snapchat is now offering structured storage plans for individuals with larger storage needs.
Paid Subscription Tiers for Heavy Users
For users who have accumulated a significant volume of saved Snaps and exceed the 5GB free allowance, continuing to save content will require a subscription. The company has introduced several paid tiers to accommodate different levels of use. These plans begin at 100GB of storage, with a 250GB option available for Snapchat+ subscribers. The highest tier, offered through Snapchat Platinum, provides a substantial 5TB of cloud storage, an amount comparable to external hard drives used by creative professionals.
Facilitating the Transition for Existing Users
To facilitate this change, Snapchat is providing a one-year grace period. Users who currently have more than 5GB of saved Memories will have their excess data placed in temporary storage for 12 months. During this time, they can decide whether to upgrade to a paid plan or download their files directly to a personal device. This approach ensures that no user data will be lost immediately as the new policy takes effect.
Company Justification and Impact on Users
Snapchat has acknowledged the challenge of shifting a previously free service to a paid model. The company positions this change as a necessary step to maintain the quality and reliability of the Memories feature. The revenue generated from the new storage plans is intended to support future improvements and ensure the platform can handle continued growth in user uploads. While this policy update will have a minimal effect on casual users, for those who have used the platform as a primary digital diary for many years, it represents the addition of a new subscription cost to retain full use of the feature.
