Why Those Snap Memories are Going to Cost You
Snapchat has long been the place where moments disappear, but also where the most special ones live on in Snapchat Memories. For years, users could rely on the app to quietly back up their snaps for free. Now, that’s changing.
Snapchat recently confirmed it will start charging for storage, capping free memories at around 5 GB. Anyone who wants to keep more than that will need to pay for a Snapchat subscription that includes extra space.
This marks a big shift for one of the app’s core features, and it’s raised a lot of questions about fairness, pricing, and what users should do next. Let’s take a look at both sides of the story, explore Snapchat’s subscription price predictions, and cover how you can save your memories before the change takes effect.
Snap Users Aren’t Happy About Charges – Here’s Why:
1. It feels like a broken promise
Many people considered unlimited memories part of Snapchat’s identity; a place to save your best moments forever. Now, with Snapchat charging for something that used to be free, it feels like a bait-and-switch.
2. It hits younger users hardest
Snapchat’s main audience is still teenagers and young adults, many of whom don’t have disposable income for a subscription. Introducing a Snapchat subscription price just to preserve your memories could alienate some of its most loyal users.
3. Risk of data loss
If you don’t act before the storage cap kicks in, older memories could be deleted or inaccessible. That’s a major worry for anyone who’s used Snapchat as a personal photo journal for years.
Why Have They Introduced Snapchat Charges, and is it Really a Terrible Idea?
1. Storage isn’t free
Every snap, story, and video you save takes up space on servers, and that costs money to maintain. As the volume of user data grows, it’s not surprising that Snapchat charging for cloud storage has finally arrived. Other tech giants like Google and Apple already do the same.
2. It encourages better content curation
Unlimited storage often leads to users keeping everything; duplicates, blurry snaps, or things they’ll never look at again. By introducing limits, Snapchat might actually help users become more intentional about what they save.
3. It adds value to Snapchat+
Paid users already get exclusive icons, themes, and early access to features. Bundling larger Snapchat memories backup storage into those plans adds another reason to upgrade, and gives Snapchat a clearer path to long-term revenue growth.
What We Know About Snapchat’s Subscription Prices
Snapchat’s new storage model will include several tiers. While details might change depending on the region, early reports suggest:
- Free: 5 GB of Snapchat Memories
- Basic plan: 100 GB for around $1.99 per month
- Snapchat+ plan: 250 GB for around $3.99 per month
- Premium plan: Up to 5 TB for about $15.99 per month
Those tiers give users options, but they also blur the line between a fun social app and a full-on cloud service.
How to Back Up Your Snapchat Memories for Free
Before the new pricing model kicks in, it’s smart to save your Snapchat memories elsewhere. Here’s how you can create your own Snapchat memories backup in a few easy steps.
Option 1: Export memories manually
- Open Snapchat and go to the Memories section (the small photos icon beside the camera).
- Tap Select in the top right.
- Choose up to 100 snaps at a time.
- Tap Export → Download to save them directly to your phone’s camera roll.
- Repeat until you’ve downloaded everything you want to keep.
- This is the easiest option if you only have a few hundred memories.
Option 2: Download your entire archive
- Tap your Bitmoji icon, then open Settings.
- Scroll to My Data.
- Select Memories (and any other data you want).
- Choose a date range — or “All Time.”
- Submit your request, then wait for Snapchat to email you a link to download your full archive.
- Save that .zip file somewhere safe — ideally both on your computer and in a cloud service like Google Drive or iCloud.
- This method is best for users with years of snaps to preserve.
Pro tips for storage safety
- Back up your exported memories in at least two places (for example, your phone and a cloud account).
- Use descriptive folders or dates so you can find things easily later.
- Delete duplicates and low-value snaps to save space, especially if you plan to stay under the free 5 GB cap.
Parents: How to Talk to Your Kids About Snapchat’s New Subscription
As more apps and platforms move towards subscription models, those extra costs can add up fast. Here’s how to handle the conversation without stress at home:
1. Start the discussion early
Explain to your kids what’s changing and why. Help them understand that Snapchat charging for storage isn’t about punishing users, it’s about managing data costs, just like paying for iCloud or Google Photos. This helps kids see digital storage as a real-world cost.
2. Make a shared plan
Sit down together and review which accounts need to be backed up or kept active. If your child uses multiple profiles, consider combining the most-used memories into one main account. You could also decide as a family who will cover which Snapchat subscription or agree to stick to the free 5 GB tier and download the rest.
3. Teach digital organization
Use this moment to talk about responsible data habits. Show your child how to delete unwanted snaps, export backups, and manage files properly. It’s a simple way to build digital literacy, and a great opportunity to teach that not every online service is truly “free.”
4. Budget together
If your family does choose to pay for a Snapchat subscription price, include it in your regular budgeting conversations. It helps children understand value, priorities, and digital spending; especially as more apps move toward subscription models.
The Bottom Line
Snapchat’s move toward charging for storage feels like the end of an era, but it also makes sense in a world where every major platform monetizes data. Whether the Snapchat subscription price feels fair depends on how much you use the app. For some, $2 a month might be worth it; for others, it’s a deal-breaker.
As for the Snapchat price prediction, expect gradual increases, bundled deals, and maybe even loyalty discounts. The company will be testing how far users are willing to go to preserve their snaps.
For now, the best thing you can do is act early. Export your memories, organize your files, and decide whether you’ll stick with the free tier or move to a paid Snapchat subscription.
One thing’s for sure: your snaps are about to get a little more valuable, because from now on, they come with a price tag.
