Snapchat to charge users storing more than 5GB in Memories feature

Snapchat is rolling out a global update charging $1.99 monthly for 100GB storage, with Snapchat+ subscribers paying $3.99 for 250GB; UK pricing is pending, and users exceeding 5GB get 12 months to subscribe or download content

Snapchat will begin charging users who store more than five gigabytes (GB) of content in its Memories feature, marking a shift away from free unlimited storage for heavy users. This change affects those who have accumulated large collections of photos and videos since Memories launched in 2016.

According to a company spokesperson, Snapchat is rolling out this update globally. The basic paid plan will cost $1.99 per month for 100GB of storage, while subscribers to Snapchat+ — a premium tier priced at $3.99 monthly — will receive 250GB. Pricing details for the UK market have yet to be announced. Users who exceed the 5GB free limit will have a grace period of 12 months to either subscribe or download their stored content before fees apply.

A trillion memories and growing

Since its debut, Snapchat reports that users have saved over one trillion Memories, a feature designed to preserve snaps that would otherwise vanish after 24 hours. Memories allow users to revisit and share old photos and videos as “throwbacks.” Snap says that charging for extended storage will help the company invest further in improving the feature.

“This move will allow us to continue enhancing Memories for our community,” the company said in a recent blog post, acknowledging that shifting from free to paid storage is a difficult step but one that will benefit heavy users in the long term.

Most users unaffected, but backlash emerges

Snapchat insists most users won’t be impacted, as the majority store less than 5GB of content. However, the announcement sparked criticism online, with some users expressing frustration at potentially incurring ongoing costs for years’ worth of saved photos and videos. Some accused the company of prioritizing profits over user loyalty.

The storage fees come as Snapchat expands its paid offerings, including the recently launched Lens+ subscription at $9 per month. Industry experts predict that charging for storage may become standard across social media platforms as user behavior shifts from posting frequently to saving content.

Snapchat reported over 900 million monthly active users in April, trailing behind rivals like Instagram and TikTok, which boast billions.