LOS ANGELES:
Snap Inc., the company behind the Snapchat platform, has announced a significant policy shift regarding its popular Memories feature, eliminating the unlimited free storage option that has been available to users since 2016.
Under the new terms, users will now be restricted to a maximum of 5GB of free storage for their saved photos and videos. While Snap asserts that the vast majority of its user base consumes significantly less than this amount, the decision has been met with considerable backlash, as it places a paywall on highly personal digital archives that were previously free. Critics also fear the move could establish a precedent for other major tech firms seeking to limit access to digital heritage.
To secure additional space, Snapchat is introducing a tiered system of paid plans. The basic Memories Storage Plan will cost $1.99 per month for 100GB of storage. Meanwhile, existing Snapchat+ subscribers, who already pay $3.99 monthly, will receive an expanded 250GB capacity. The top-tier Platinum plan, priced at $15.99 monthly, offers up to 5TB of storage. While Snap characterizes these options as affordable, many users view the change as an aggressive monetization strategy, arguing it is unethical to charge for memories that carry substantial emotional value.
To ease the transition, Snap has offered a one-year grace period for current users who already exceed the 5GB limit, allowing them to keep their existing storage until the new restrictions fully apply. Despite this concession, the move has generated user anxiety over being potentially forced onto paid plans once the grace period expires. This decision aligns with Snap’s larger strategic push toward paid services, following the launch of Lens+ earlier this year, which charges $9 per month for advanced Augmented Reality features.
