Snapchat’s decision to begin charging users who exceed a 5 GB threshold for storing “Memories”, the app’s archive of photos and videos, has triggered widespread anger among long-time users who believed that saving their past content was part of the platform’s value proposition.
Since Snapchat launched Memories in 2016, users have been able to save snaps indefinitely without a storage cost. But in a recent announcement, Snap, Snapchat’s parent company, said that users whose Memories exceed 5 GB will need to pay for additional storage plans.
Snapchat says that users will receive 12 months of temporary storage for content above 5 GB, giving them time to either download their archives or decide on a paid plan. The new storage tiers under consideration reportedly include plans for 100 GB, 250 GB (tied to Snapchat+), and even 5 TB under a possible premium “Snapchat Platinum” tier. In the U.S., some of these plans could reach as much as $15.99 per month for the highest tier.
Though Snapchat maintains that “the vast majority” of users (those under 5 GB of stored content) won’t be affected, many people who rely on Memories as a personal archive feel betrayed.
Social media backlash
Across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Reddit, and other platforms, users have vented their frustration. Some of the recurring complaints include:
- “Charging me for my own memories” — Many argue that the shift feels exploitative, particularly for longtime users.
- Lack of warning or transparency — Users say they were surprised by the changes, with some claiming their stored-size metrics shifted suddenly.
- Threats to quit — A number of users have said they will delete the app rather than pay, or move their content off Snapchat entirely.
Tech commentators observe that moving toward paid models is a familiar path for social platforms needing new revenue streams. But critics argue that switching from free to paid for long-used features must be handled carefully to avoid alienating users.