San Francisco: Snapchat is introducing paid storage options for its Memories feature, the popular archive where users preserve their favourite Snaps. Since launching Memories in 2016, Snapchatters have saved over one trillion Snaps, turning the feature into a digital time capsule for personal moments.

From free 5GB to new subscription tiers

Until now, all users could store up to 5GB of Memories free of charge. That baseline will continue unchanged for the majority of users, as most never hit the cap. However, for those who have already saved thousands of Snaps and exceeded the free limit, the company has rolled out new paid storage options.

The new Memories Storage Plans include:

  • 100GB plan (introductory tier)

  • 250GB plan bundled with Snapchat+

  • 5TB plan available under the Snapchat Platinum offering

    • In addition, Snapchat is providing 12 months of temporary storage for users who go beyond the 5GB free allocation, giving them time to either clean up or upgrade their storage plan. Importantly, all Memories can be downloaded to personal devices at any time, ensuring users retain control of their content.

    Balancing free and paid services

    Acknowledging the shift from free-only to a hybrid model, the company said the goal was to add long-term sustainability to Memories while still offering value. Snapchat has emphasised that the free 5GB will remain sufficient for most users, while heavy savers can choose to pay for the extra space.

    The move mirrors strategies by other tech platforms, such as Apple’s iCloud, Google Photos, and Dropbox, where free tiers are capped and power users opt for higher storage subscriptions.

    Rising user base and platform expansion

    The announcement comes against the backdrop of Snapchat’s rapid growth. In April 2025, the company reported surpassing 900 million monthly active users worldwide, underscoring its position as a leading social platform.

    At the same time, engagement with Spotlight, its TikTok-style short video feature, has surged. Posts by Snap Stars grew 125% year-on-year in Q1, showcasing how content creators are leveraging the platform’s reach.

    Beyond storage, Snapchat has been steadily expanding its ecosystem with innovative features such as AI-powered Lenses, Bitmoji fashion customisation, and personalised Stickers. These updates aim to keep users engaged, creative, and connected.

    Conclusion

    With the rollout of paid Memories storage, Snapchat joins the growing list of tech companies monetising cloud storage. While most users will remain unaffected under the free 5GB cap, those with vast archives now have flexible upgrade paths. As Snapchat continues to scale globally and experiment with premium offerings, this move could become a key revenue stream while safeguarding its much-loved Memories feature for the future.