Snapchat Introduces Charges for Memories Exceeding 5GB: Key Info for Indian Users

Snapchat’s popular Memories feature, which allows users to save photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours, is moving from free to paid storage. Users who exceed the 5GB free limit will now have to subscribe to storage plans or risk losing older content. This marks a major shift in how Snapchat manages user data and monetizes its platform.

Snapchat Memories: A Decade of Saving Moments

Since its launch in 2016, Snapchat Memories has become a core feature, allowing users to store personal photos and videos safely. Over the years, more than one trillion Memories have been saved by users worldwide. The feature has enabled Snapchatters to preserve fleeting moments that would otherwise vanish after 24 hours.

New Storage Limit and Subscription Plans

Snap has confirmed that users exceeding the 5GB free storage limit will be prompted to upgrade to paid storage. While India-specific pricing hasn’t been disclosed, global rates indicate the following options:

• 100GB storage plan: USD 1.99/month (approx. Rs 165)

• Snapchat+ subscription with 250GB storage: USD 3.99/month (approx. Rs 330)

Snapchat has assured users that those who exceed the free limit will receive 12 months of temporary storage. During this period, they can either download their Memories or subscribe to a paid plan to retain them.

User Backlash and Social Media Response

The decision has sparked frustration among long-time Snapchat users. Many users expressed concerns about paying for content they have stored for years. Some called the move “unfair” and “greedy,” noting that Memories were previously free for nearly a decade.

Social media reactions highlight that users with large archives could face significant monthly charges. Many feel forced into paying for a feature that has been a free cornerstone of the Snapchat experience since 2016.

Reasons Behind Snap’s Paid Storage Decision

In an official blog post, Snap acknowledged that transitioning from free to paid services is challenging for users. The company explained that revenue from storage subscriptions will allow it to enhance the Memories feature and invest in improving user experience.

Industry experts note that this move aligns with a broader trend of social media platforms monetizing storage. With users saving more content than they actively share, platforms like Snapchat are seeking new revenue streams similar to tech giants that charge for cloud storage services.

Global Context: Monetising Cloud Storage

Snapchat has over 900 million monthly active users worldwide, making it one of the largest social media platforms. By introducing paid storage, the company is following in the footsteps of platforms such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft, which charge for additional cloud space.

The shift also reflects changing user behavior, where digital storage has become a premium service due to increasing amounts of photos, videos, and media content saved online.

What Indian Users Should Know

Indian Snapchat users should note that while exact pricing is not yet confirmed, the global pricing structure serves as a reference. Users exceeding 5GB of Memories will need to either upgrade to Snapchat+ or a storage plan or risk losing older content after 12 months.

For users with large archives, it is advisable to download important Memories before they are deleted, ensuring that precious moments are not lost. The move emphasizes the growing trend of paid digital storage across social media platforms globally.

Conclusion

Snapchat’s decision to charge for Memories beyond 5GB represents a major shift in its business model. While it may cause short-term frustration among long-time users, the platform aims to improve and expand its Memories feature through monetization. Indian users are encouraged to monitor their storage usage and consider subscription plans if they wish to retain all saved content.