San Francisco [USA]: Snapchat is revamping its Memories feature, ending the unlimited storage option that has been in place since 2016. Free storage will now be capped at 5GB, with additional space available through three new paid plans aimed at Snapchat Plus and Platinum users.

New storage tiers and transition period

According to Snapchat’s official blog, users exceeding the 5GB free storage limit will need to subscribe to one of the new Memories Storage Plans. The company emphasised that most users will not be affected, as the majority have less than 5GB of saved Snaps.

The three paid tiers include:

  • 100GB for Snapchat Plus subscribers

  • 250GB for Snapchat Plus subscribers

  • 5TB for Snapchat Platinum users

    • To ease the transition, Snapchat is offering 12 months of temporary storage for users who exceed 5GB. During this period, users can either upgrade to a paid plan or download their Snaps to their device before any content is removed.

    Memories: Snapchat’s digital scrapbook

    Launched in 2016, Memories allows users to save Snaps, Stories, and highlights to revisit later. Over the years, it has evolved into a digital scrapbook, enabling users to curate their personal content safely within Snapchat.

    With the new plans, Snapchat aims to continue this service while setting clear boundaries on free storage. Users can still enjoy the feature, but those with extensive archives will need to choose a paid tier to maintain unlimited access.

    Rationale behind the change

    Snapchat cited sustainability and reliability as key reasons for the shift. “The goal is to keep Memories reliable over the long term,” the company said. By introducing storage limits, Snapchat hopes to manage the increasing volume of data efficiently while maintaining the platform’s performance for all users.

    The company also noted that the new plans allow users to select storage that matches their individual needs, making it a more flexible approach to data management. While this may frustrate some long-time users accustomed to unlimited free storage, Snapchat sees it as a necessary step to ensure the durability and stability of Memories for the future.

    Conclusion

    Snapchat’s decision to cap free storage at 5GB and introduce paid plans marks a major shift in user experience. While casual users may not feel the impact, heavy users will need to consider their options carefully. By balancing accessibility with sustainability, Snapchat aims to preserve Memories as a dependable digital space for its millions of users worldwide.