Snapchat Introduces Paid Storage for Power Users
In a major policy shift, Snapchat announced it will begin charging its most active users for cloud storage beyond a new 5GB free limit. The move, set to take effect in October 2026, targets the top tier of users who have accumulated massive libraries of saved Snaps—known as “Memories”—since the feature launched in 2016.
Why Is Snapchat Charging Now?
With over one trillion Memories saved globally and 900 million monthly active users, Snapchat’s infrastructure costs have soared. The company says the new tiered storage plans will ensure the feature remains sustainable while keeping it free for the vast majority of users.
Who’s Affected?
- Only users with more than 5GB of saved Memories
- Approximately thousands of Snaps (photos + videos)
- Changes take effect October 2026 — one year from announcement
Snapchat Storage Plans at a Glance
| Plan | Storage | Monthly Cost (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | 5 GB | $0 |
| Basic Storage | 100 GB | $1.99 |
| Snapchat+ (existing) | 250 GB | $3.99 |
| Snapchat Platinum | 5,000 GB (5 TB) | $15.99 |
What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
If you exceed 5GB and don’t subscribe to a paid plan by October 2026, Snapchat will automatically retain your oldest Memories and delete the newest ones that push you over the limit. However, users can always download their content directly to their devices at any time.
How This Compares to Other Platforms
Snapchat joins tech giants like Apple, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Dropbox in monetizing cloud storage beyond free thresholds—a growing trend as digital content consumption explodes.
[INTERNAL_LINK:social-media-storage-policies] | [INTERNAL_LINK:snapchat-memories-guide]
