Snapchat to Introduce Charges for Storing Older Photos and Videos

Snapchat has announced it will begin charging users for storing older photos and videos, sparking criticism from users with extensive archives saved in the app’s Memories feature.

Since its launch in 2016, the Memories function has allowed users to save snaps that would otherwise disappear after 24 hours. But under new changes, users who exceed 5GB of stored content will now be required to pay for additional storage.

Snap, the app’s parent company, did not disclose pricing details for UK users but said the policy would roll out gradually across global markets.

A spokesperson told tech outlet TechCrunch that the initial paid plan will offer 100GB of storage for $1.99 (£1.48) per month. Users subscribed to Snapchat+ will get 250GB as part of their $3.99 (£2.96) plan. Those with more than 5GB of stored content will be prompted to upgrade.

The company says it will provide a 12-month grace period for users over the limit to either download their data or move to a paid plan.

“These changes will allow us to continue investing in making Memories better for our entire community,” Snap said in a blog post.
“We understand it’s never easy to go from receiving a service for free to paying for it, but we believe the value will be worth the cost.”

More than one trillion Memories have been saved globally since the feature launched.

However, the update has triggered a backlash on social media, with users accusing the company of being “greedy” and “unfair.” Many longtime users claim they have accumulated well over 5GB of data over the years and now feel forced into paying to keep their digital memories.

Screenshots of in-app messages warning users to pay or risk losing their saved content have gone viral, intensifying frustration.

Snap insists the change won’t affect most users, noting that the majority store less than 5GB of Memories. Still, the move marks a significant shift in how the app handles data storage and a sign of broader changes across the tech landscape.

Drew Benvie, CEO of social media consultancy Battenhall, called the shift “inevitable.”

“The road to paying for storage on social media is inevitable,” he told the BBC.
“In an era where we post less, but save more, this is the natural evolution for messaging and social platforms.”

Snapchat, which now has over 900 million monthly active users, joins a growing list of tech companies looking to monetize features once offered for free especially as competition with platforms like Instagram and TikTok intensifies.