Snapchat Ends Free Storage for Memories, Launches Paid Tiers

Snapchat is ending its policy of free, unlimited storage for user Memories. The company confirmed a new 5 GB storage limit for all free accounts. This change was announced this week and is rolling out globally.

Memories that exceed this new cap will be at risk of deletion. This marks a significant shift for the platform, which has offered unlimited storage since the feature’s launch.

New Paid Tiers Offer Expanded Storage Options

To retain Memories beyond the free limit, users must now subscribe. A new 100 GB storage plan is available for $1.99 per month. Snapchat Plus subscribers will receive 250 GB of storage with their existing membership.

A new, top-tier Snapchat Platinum subscription offers 5 TB of space. According to Reuters, this move is part of a broader effort to diversify revenue. The company aims to monetize features beyond its core advertising business.

User Impact and Transition Period Explained

The change will most affect long-term, heavy users of the Memories feature. Snapchat reports users have saved over one trillion Memories since 2016. Many long photo and video histories will now exceed the 5 GB threshold.

To ease the transition, the app is providing a 12-month grace period. Users over the limit have one year to decide on a plan or back up their data. After this period, the most recent Memories will be deleted first to make space for new ones.

This new Snapchat storage policy fundamentally alters how users preserve their digital moments. The era of free, unlimited archiving on the platform is officially over.

Thought you’d like to know

What happens if I exceed the 5 GB Snapchat storage limit?

Your newest Memories will begin to be automatically deleted. This happens after a 12-month grace period if you do not free up space or subscribe to a paid plan.

How much does extra Snapchat storage cost?

A standalone 100 GB plan costs $1.99 per month. Snapchat Plus members get 250 GB, while a new Platinum tier offers 5 TB of storage for a higher fee.

Why is Snapchat making this change now?

The company cites the immense cost of storing over one trillion user Memories. This move helps manage infrastructure expenses and creates a new revenue stream.

Can I download my Snapchat Memories to save them?

Yes, you can export your data and download your Memories. This allows you to back them up to your personal device or cloud service, avoiding the new fees.

Do Snapchat Stories count toward the storage limit?

Yes, all saved content in your Memories, including Stories, Snaps, and camera roll uploads, counts against your 5 GB free storage cap.