Snapchat users are facing a significant change: the platform is now charging fees for storing “Memories,” a feature previously offered entirely for free. This decision has sparked considerable discussion and frustration among its user base. Last week, Snapchat announced it would limit free storage to just 5GB. Beyond that, users will need to either pay a monthly subscription to continue storing their memories or manually export them to keep them outside the app.
According to reports, the new storage plans start at $1.99 per month for 100GB of storage. Subscribers to Snapchat Plus, who already pay $3.99 monthly, will receive 250GB of storage. For power users, Snapchat Platinum offers a massive 5TB of storage for $15.99 per month.
Snapchat clarified that users exceeding the free storage limit without upgrading will face automatic deletion of their newest memories, while older snaps will be retained for a grace period. The company is providing a 12-month grace period before any actual deletion occurs, giving users time to decide on their storage plan or export their data.
Fortunately, users have the option to export their Memories for free. There are two primary methods:
1. **Exporting to Camera Roll:** Open Snapchat, tap the “Memories” icon next to the camera button, select the photos or videos you wish to export (up to 100 at a time), tap “Export,” and then “Download” to save them to your device’s camera roll. This process can be repeated as needed, although it can be time-consuming if you have thousands of files.
2. **Downloading Your Snapchat Data Archive:** Access Snapchat’s settings, select “My Data,” choose “Memories” and HTML/JSON files, tap “Next,” select “All Time,” confirm your email, and tap “Submit.” You will receive a compressed file containing all your data via email. The delivery time depends on the size of your content.
Snapchat justifies this move as necessary to maintain service quality and ensure sustainable storage capacity. However, many users have expressed their dissatisfaction with charging for a feature that has been free for years, viewing it as the company exploiting their attachment to their memories. The change has led many to seek alternative photo and video storage solutions, highlighting the importance of data ownership and affordable cloud storage options. This decision could impact user engagement and potentially drive some users to competitor platforms offering more generous free storage tiers. Snapchat’s gamble could either bolster revenue or alienate a significant portion of its user base. Only time will tell how users will adapt to this new financial barrier to preserving their Snapchat memories.
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