Snapchat Ends Decade of Free Memories, Sparks user Backlash
Snapchat is ending its long-standing promise of unlimited storage for user “Memories,” introducing storage caps and paid subscription plans. The move,announced this week,is forcing the platform’s 800 million users to confront a new reality: their digital lives on Snapchat are no longer free.
Snapchat has quietly rolled out a 5GB storage limit for Memories, the feature launched in 2016 that allows users to save photos and videos. Users exceeding this limit will be compelled to either purchase additional storage, painstakingly export their content, or risk losing access to their oldest posts. This marks the first time Snapchat has directly monetized Memories, a feature that evolved from a simple save function into a comprehensive digital diary for many.
The company is offering three tiers of paid storage.An introductory plan provides 100GB for $1.99 per month, while existing Snapchat+ subscribers receive 250GB as part of their $3.99 monthly subscription. The most expensive option, Snapchat Platinum, offers a considerable 5TB for $15.99 per month.
While 5GB may seem adequate at first glance, the reality is far more restrictive. According to the company, high-quality photos typically range from 3-5MB, while videos can easily consume 50-100MB of storage.This means that even moderate users could exhaust their free allowance with just a few hundred items. Perhaps most frustratingly, Snapchat will delete older content when the limit is reached, rather than recent saves – a decision that runs counter to most users’ expectations.
The declaration has already triggered a surge in Snap Inc’s stock price, jumping 3% in after-hours trading. Investors view the change as a crucial step toward diversifying revenue streams, as advertising currently accounts for approximately 99% of the company’s income, according to recent SEC filings.
However, the financial upside is being met with meaningful user resistance. Reports on social media indicate a scramble to export Memories before a 12-month grace period expires. The export process itself has drawn criticism for being deliberately challenging. Users are limited to downloading only 100 Memories at a time through the app, making bulk exports a time-consuming ordeal for those with extensive archives.
The alternative, utilizing Snapchat’s “Download My Data” tool, delivers content in a compressed file format that is less intuitive than the original Memories interface. “It’s functional but feels designed to encourage users toward paid plans rather than genuine data portability,” one analyst noted.
the shift in policy underscores a broader trend within the tech industry, as platforms increasingly seek to monetize features once offered for free. Whether Snapchat can successfully navigate this transition without alienating its massive user base remains to be seen.
Why did this happen? Snapchat implemented these changes to diversify its revenue streams, as advertising accounts for nearly all of its income. The company aims to reduce its reliance on ad revenue and create a more sustainable business model.
Who is affected? All 800 million Snapchat users are affected by the new storage limits. Those with extensive Memories collections are most impacted, facing the choice of paying for storage, exporting content, or losing access to older posts.
What changed? Snapchat ended its policy of unlimited Memories storage, introducing a 5GB cap. Users exceeding this limit must purchase additional storage or export their content.
How did it end? As of now, the policy remains in effect. User backlash has been significant, but Snap Inc.has not indicated any plans to
