Snapchat is moving to monetize long-term storage of user memories. On Sept. 26, the company announced it will begin charging Snapchatters who have more than 5GB of Memories stored in the app. Memories lets users save photos and videos separate from the phone’s camera roll, a feature that has grown far beyond its early expectations.
Team Snapchat notes that Memories has become a global archive, with more than 1 trillion Snaps saved since the feature launched in 2016. The company emphasizes that Memories is a curated collection, not a generic camera roll, and that the new storage options are intended to ensure long-term accessibility for those who accumulate large libraries of memories.
What Snapchat announced
In the update, Snapchat outlined new storage plans designed for users who accumulate sizable Memories libraries. The options include 100GB and 250GB storage for Snapchat+ subscribers, and a much larger 5TB tier available through the Snapchat Platinum subscription. For the vast majority of Snapchatters who have under 5GB of Memories, nothing will change.
For users who exceed the 5GB threshold, Snapchat is rolling out 12 months of temporary storage while individuals decide on a plan or prepare to export their data. Storage can be upgraded at any time as needed.
Plans and limits
Details about pricing and the exact start date for billing have not been disclosed. As of Oct. 2, USA TODAY said it had reached out to Snapchat for comment but had not received a response, and Snapchat had not provided pricing information. The company has framed the change as a way to manage long-term storage while keeping Memories available to the community on a sustainable basis.
What it means for users
The move primarily affects a minority of users who have amassed very large libraries of Memories. For most, the 5GB threshold will remain invisible, and existing features will continue without disruption. The new storage plans offer a spectrum of options, but until pricing is announced, users may delay decisions while weighing whether to upgrade or export their data.
How to download your Memories
If you’d rather not pay for an upgrade, you can back up Memories directly to your device or computer. Here’s how:
- Open Snapchat and go to Memories.
- Tap and hold the Snap(s) you want to export, then select Export.
- Choose where to save the Snap on your device; you can export multiple Snaps at once.
You can also download a broader copy of your data from Snapchat, which includes Memories:
- Open Snapchat (or sign in at accounts.snapchat.com).
- Go to Settings and select My Data.
- Choose the data range, confirm your email address, and submit.
- Snapchat will email a download link; your data arrives as a zip file.
Tips for managing Memories
Memories is an inherently curated collection for many users, not a stand-in for a phone’s full photo library. If you’re trying to manage storage costs or simplify backups, consider periodically exporting and archiving duplicates, screenshots, and lower-value clips. Regularly review saved Snaps, delete clutter, and keep a local backup on a computer or external drive as an additional safeguard.
Bottom line
Snapchat’s introduction of Memories Storage Plans signals a shift in how the platform handles long-term data. While pricing and rollout timelines remain unclear, users should prepare by reviewing their Memories, exploring data export options, and deciding whether to upgrade to a plan or maintain local backups. This approach mirrors a broader industry trend toward monetizing cloud-like features on social apps, underscoring the importance of personal data management.
