Snapchat will start charging users to store older photos and videos, prompting backlash from those with large archives of past posts.

Since the introduction of its Memories feature in 2016, the app has allowed users to save content previously shared for 24 hours or less. Under the new rules, users with more than 5GB of saved Memories will need to pay to retain them.

Snap, the parent company, has not disclosed UK pricing but said the change will be implemented as part of a “gradual global rollout.” The company said the move will help it continue investing in the Memories feature, which has seen users save over one trillion items to date.

Users exceeding the limit will be offered a 100GB storage plan, with higher tiers available through Snapchat+ or Snapchat Premium subscriptions. Existing content can be downloaded, and Snap will provide 12 months of temporary storage for those affected. In the US, the 100GB plan is priced at $1.99 per month, with 250GB included in the $3.99 Snapchat+ subscription.

Most users, who have less than 5GB of Memories, will not be affected. However, some longtime users expressed frustration on social media, calling the move “unfair” and “greedy,” as they now face additional costs to preserve years of saved content.

Snapchat has over 900 million monthly active users, while competitors such as Instagram and TikTok have billions. Drew Benvie, CEO of social media consultancy Battenhall, said charging for storage is an “inevitable” evolution as platforms adapt to changing user behavior, where people save more content for longer periods.

Source: BBC