Snapchat To Limit Free Memories Storage: Users Must Pay For More Space

Snapchat's Memories feature has been used as a personal archive since 2016, saving Snaps that would otherwise vanish after 24 hours. Now, however, Snapchat plans on placing a 5GB storage limit on free accounts; any users exceeding this cap must upgrade with premium plans in order to gain additional storage capacity. This update could impact millions of users.

The move marks one of Snapchat’s most significant shifts in user experience, as the platform encourages users to pay for archiving large collections of photos and videos.

Why Snapchat is Making the Change

Snap says more than 1 trillion Memories have been saved since the feature launched. The company explained that the new storage system will allow it to continue improving Memories for its global community.

Snap acknowledged the frustration users may feel about moving from a free service to a paid one. However, the company insists the subscription options will provide added value while helping sustain long-term investment in the feature.

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Snapchat Memories Storage Plans

Users will be able to choose from several storage tiers depending on their needs:

Snapchat will also grant a 12-month temporary storage window for users who exceed the 5GB limit. This gives people time to either subscribe to a paid plan or export their content.

How to Download and Export Snapchat Memories

For users who prefer not to pay, Snapchat provides the option to download Memories. Here’s how:

Export Individual Snaps

1. Open Snapchat and tap the photo icon to access Memories.

2. Press and hold the Snap(s) you want to save.

3. Select Export and choose where to download the file.

Download All Snapchat Data

1. Open Snapchat and go to Settings.

2. Scroll down and tap My Data.

3. Select the type of data and date range.

4. Tap Submit Request and confirm your email.

5. Once processed, Snapchat will send a link to download your Memories archive.

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What This Means for Snapchat Users

This update marks Snapchat's shift toward charging users for storage space, similar to how Google Photos and Apple iCloud manage user content. While some may find the 5GB cap restrictive, tiered options allow for flexible options depending on user usage of Memories.

Final Thoughts

Snapchat’s decision to cap free Memories storage at 5GB is a big change for its community. For casual users, the free tier may be enough, but heavy users with years of Snaps will need to consider upgrading or exporting content. With over a trillion Memories already saved, Snapchat is betting that its archive feature is valuable enough for people to pay for — ensuring the platform continues to evolve while offering more storage flexibility.