Snap Inc. has announced that it will begin charging users for storing content in its Memories feature if they exceed 5 GB of data, marking a pivotal shift from the free model users have known. The company is offering new paid tiered plans while giving users a 12-month grace period to export or reorganize their saved content. The policy change has already triggered vocal backlash on Reddit and across social media.
What Snapchat Is Changing & When
In a Sept. 2025 post, Snapchat introduced Memories Storage Plans, which cap free storage at 5 GB and require payments for users whose content exceeds that limit. For users under 5 GB, “nothing will change,” according to Snapchat. But for heavier archive users, new plans will range from 100 GB at $1.99/month to 5 TB under Snapchat Platinum at $15.99/month.
Snap says it will provide 12 months of temporary storage for content beyond the free limit, giving users a window to decide whether to subscribe or download their content. The company hasn’t pinned down an exact enforcement date, but rollout is expected soon.
Should a user fail to subscribe or free up space after the grace period, newer Snaps may be deleted to keep storage within limits.
Storage Limits, Pricing & How Much You Can Keep
The new Snapchat Memories Charging policy introduces a clear breakpoint: 5 GB of free storage. The limits and tiers are:
- Free: Up to 5 GB
- Paid Tier — 100 GB: $1.99/month
- Snapchat+ Tier — 250 GB: $3.99/month (bundled with Snapchat+)
- Platinum Tier — 5 TB: $15.99/month
Snapchat’s announcement notes that more than one trillion Memories have been saved since 2016, making the shift a reaction to rapidly growing archive sizes.
Importantly, the company emphasizes that many users will not be affected because their saved content falls under 5 GB.
Reddit Outcry & Community Reactions
As news of Snapchat Memories Charging broke, Redditors responded swiftly. On r/DataHoarder, one post warned: “Snapchat are now charging for storage and will be removing content that exceeds the 5GB limit.” The thread drew comments from users confused, outraged, or scrambling to find backup solutions.
Other subreddits — including r/SnapchatHelp — saw users asking, “Is Snapchat really going to start charging us to keep our memories?” Some users claimed they received notifications that their Memories usage had jumped from seemingly modest to hundreds of gigabytes overnight, intensifying distrust.
Beyond Reddit, commentary on platforms like Twitter/X and blog posts have described the shift as subscription creep — the gradual monetization of features once free. Fast Company reflects this sentiment, noting the move could backfire if heavy users balk at paying for what was once a core feature.
What Users Can Do (Before Paying)
If you’re concerned about paying to maintain your Snapchat archive, Snapchat still allows you to download your Memories. Options include:
- Export in-app: In the Memories section, tap “Select” and export up to 100 Snaps at a time to your device.
- Download full data: Via Settings → My Data, you may request a ZIP file containing your Memories and other Snapchat data.
- Trim or delete: Remove older or less meaningful Snaps to stay under the 5 GB threshold.
These steps may require patience for users with large collections, but provide a path to retain content outside Snapchat’s paid system.
What This Means for Snapchat & Its Users
The shift signals Snapchat’s attempt to monetize a previously free feature as storage costs rise. But it also tests user loyalty: heavy archivers may resist paying, leading to possible platform churn.
For casual users under 5 GB, the change may feel minimal. But for long-time users with years of Memories, the decision becomes starker: pay to preserve, or migrate off-platform.
The company’s grace period of 12 months provides buffer time, but the lack of a firm start date leaves users in uncertainty. Reddit and tech communities may continue pressuring Snapchat for clarity and flexibility.
Ultimately, Snapchat Memories Charging marks a new chapter for the platform — one that balances added revenue with the risk of alienating power users who helped build the Memories archive in the first place.
FAQs
A: Snapchat hasn’t confirmed a precise launch date yet, but the rollout is expected soon after the 12-month grace period begins.
A: Free storage will be capped at 5 GB. Users exceeding that must upgrade or risk content deletion.
A: Not unless your saved content exceeds 5 GB — most users under that threshold will not be charged.
