Snap Inc., the parent company behind Snapchat, has announced critical changes to its Memories feature, ending the unlimited storage option that has existed since the tool’s launch in 2016. The update is getting significant online hate for putting a paywall on a feature that has been free for 9 years.
Storage Limit for Free Users
Under the new policy, Snapchat users will be limited to 5GB of free Memories storage. Snap explained that the “vast majority” of users save far less than this, suggesting that only a small group of heavy users will need to adjust. However, critics argue that the move sets a precedent of restricting access to personal digital archives, which might normalize other companies to follow suit.
Paid Plans for Storage
To continue storing beyond 5GB, Snapchat is introducing subscription tiers. A basic Memories Storage Plan costs $1.99 per month for 100GB, while Snapchat+ subscribers, paying $3.99 per month, receive 250GB of storage. The Platinum tier, priced at $15.99 monthly, offers 5TB of storage.
While Snap presents these plans as affordable solutions, many users see them as a monetization strategy that undermines trust. Some argue that memories, photos, videos, and experiences often tied to personal milestones should not be placed behind a paywall. The change risks alienating younger users, who make up a significant portion of Snapchat’s audience but may not be able to justify the extra expense.
To ease the transition, Snap will grant anyone who has already exceeded 5GB one year of temporary storage. Yet this solution has also faced backlash, as users worry they may be pressured into subscriptions after the grace period ends.
The update follows a broader push by Snap to expand paid services. Earlier this year, the company introduced Lens+, a $9 monthly subscription that offers advanced AR features.