Snapchat Charges for Memories
Snapchat is set to start charging users for storing their old photos and videos on the platform.
Since its launch in 2016, the popular messaging app has allowed users to save and keep their previously shared content in the Memories feature.
However, the company has announced that anyone with more than five gigabytes (GB) of Memories will now need to pay to keep their content accessible.
The parent company of the app, Snap, has chosen not to disclose the costs of the new storage plans for UK users to BBC News, only mentioning that the change will be part of a “gradual global rollout.”
Social media users have expressed their disappointment over this announcement.
Snap has admitted that transitioning from a free service to a paid one is “never easy,” but they believe it will ultimately be “worth the cost” for users.
In a blog post about the changes, Snap stated, “These updates will enable us to keep investing in improving Memories for our entire community.”
Since its launch nearly ten years ago, users have saved over one trillion Memories.
This feature allows users to save photos and videos that were originally shared for just 24 hours or less, giving them the option to re-post them later as a memory or “throwback.”
Under the new changes, users with more than 5GB of saved Memories will be prompted to upgrade to a 100GB storage plan.
Snapchat is rolling out increased storage options for users who opt for the pricier Snapchat+ and Snapchat Premium subscriptions.
According to the company, those who exceed their storage limit will get 12 months of temporary storage, and they can easily download their saved content to their devices.
A spokesperson for the company mentioned that the initial 100GB storage plan will cost $1.99 (£1.48) per month, while the $3.99 (£2.96) Snapchat+ subscription will include 250GB of storage.
In a blog post, Snap reassured users that this new storage plan rollout wouldn’t impact “the vast majority of Snapchatters,” as most have less than 5GB of Memories saved.
However, the decision has sparked criticism on social media, with users on X sharing messages from the platform indicating they need to pay for storage to keep their photos and videos.
Some users, who have relied on Snap’s previously free storage for years, now find themselves with more than 5GB of data stored and are facing hefty bills.
Others feel that being forced to choose between paying for a subscription or losing their cherished Memories is “unfair” and “greedy” on Snap’s part.
Someone pointed out that the free storage was the “only reason” they stuck with an app that doesn’t quite measure up to its more popular competitors.
Drew Benvie, the Founder and CEO of social media consultancy Battenhall, thinks that it’s only a matter of time before all social media platforms start charging for storage.
“The shift to paying for storage on social media is unavoidable,” he shared with BBC News.
“In a time when we post less but save more, this marks a natural progression for messaging and social media platforms.”
The company mentioned in April that Snapchat had crossed the milestone of 900 million monthly active users, while its competitors like Instagram and TikTok are raking in billions.
Snapchat Charges for Memories
