Snapchat, the popular multimedia messaging app, has introduced a new paid storage feature for Memories, allowing users to purchase extra space to store their saved snaps and videos. However, users who don’t wish to pay can still download and back up their Memories for free using simple steps.
The move comes as Snapchat expands its premium offerings through Snapchat+, its subscription-based model. Here’s a detailed look at the new feature, how it works, and how you can safeguard your content without spending a penny.
Snapchat’s Memories feature allows users to save Snaps and Stories so they can revisit their favorite moments anytime. Until now, these were stored in the cloud for free, synced automatically with a user’s account. However, Snapchat is now offering a tiered storage system where users can pay for additional space beyond the free limit.
This means that if your Memories storage exceeds Snapchat’s free allowance, you’ll need to either subscribe to a paid plan or download and manage your data manually. The company stated that this change aims to help it maintain server quality while giving users more control over their digital memories.
The introduction of paid storage aligns with Snapchat’s broader strategy to monetize its services through Snapchat+, which already offers features like custom app icons, Story rewatch counts, and exclusive filters.
By expanding into cloud storage, Snapchat is following a path similar to Google Photos and Apple iCloud, both of which provide limited free storage and charge users for additional space.
This shift also reflects the increasing volume of media files users create daily, which has significantly raised the demand for data storage and management.
For casual users, the change may not have a significant impact if their saved Snaps are within the free storage limit. However, frequent users who save every Story, Snap, and video may find their storage quota filling up quickly.
If you rely heavily on Snapchat Memories, you’ll need to make a choice — either upgrade to Snapchat+ paid storage or manage your data externally by downloading it.
If you don’t want to pay for additional space, Snapchat still lets you download all your Memories to your device or computer for free. Here’s how:
Open Snapchat and go to your profile.
Tap on Settings (⚙️ icon).
Scroll to Memories.
Tap on Import Snaps from Camera Roll or Export My Data.
Choose “Download” to save them directly to your device’s gallery.
Visit https://accounts.snapchat.com and sign in.
Go to “My Data” section.
Request a data download — Snapchat will email you a link to download all your Snaps, Stories, and Memories in a .zip file format.
Once downloaded, you can upload your Snapchat Memories to Google Photos or iCloud for safe and permanent backup — all for free (within their free storage limits).
While Snapchat hasn’t officially disclosed the pricing tiers for paid Memories storage, the feature is expected to be integrated into Snapchat+, its premium plan currently priced at around $3.99 per month.
Subscribers may get exclusive data management tools, more flexible storage limits, and early access to experimental features. The move could encourage more users to upgrade to Snapchat+ for convenience and enhanced features.
The response to Snapchat’s paid storage announcement has been mixed. Some users appreciate the option for expanded storage, while others criticize the move as an unnecessary monetization step. Many are opting to download and store their Memories locally to avoid additional costs.
Snapchat’s new paid storage option for Memories marks a shift toward a more subscription-driven model, aligning it with other tech giants in the digital storage space. However, the good news is that users can still download and preserve their Memories for free, ensuring their cherished snaps and stories remain accessible without paying extra.
If you’re a long-time Snapchat user, it’s wise to regularly back up your Memories to avoid losing them — and to keep your free storage under control.