Snapchat announces a new step for users who want to preserve their digital memories. The social media platform is introducing paid storage plans for Memories, after users have saved more than 1 trillion photos and videos since 2016.
New pricing structure for additional storage
The company offers three different storage options for users who need more than the free 5GB limit. The new plans range from an entry-level option of 100GB for $1.99 per month to an extensive 5TB solution within the Snapchat Platinum subscription at $15.99 monthly.
Users can choose from a storage-only plan of 100GB, the regular Snapchat+ subscription that includes 250GB for $3.99 per month, or the premium Platinum package with 5TB of storage space. This tiered approach allows Snapchat to cater to various user groups, from occasional to intensive content creators.
Consequences for companies and marketers
For companies using Snapchat as a marketing channel, this development presents new opportunities for content management and archiving. Organizations conducting long-term campaigns or wishing to preserve historical content now have access to professional storage options. This can be particularly relevant for brands that utilize user-generated content or influencer partnerships, where materials need to remain accessible for an extended period.
The change also underscores Snapchat's shift towards a more sustainable business model through the diversification of revenue sources. For marketing departments, this may mean that budgets need to be adjusted if they are heavily utilizing the platform for content creation and management.
Practical considerations for users
Snapchat offers a 12-month grace period for temporary storage of content that exceeds the 5GB limit. This gives users time to decide on an upgrade without immediately losing content. Those who do not upgrade will see older content automatically deleted when new photos and videos are added.
Most users are expected to stay within the free limit, but heavy users now have to choose between maintaining their digital history or accepting the loss of older content. This decision can have a significant impact on users who use Snapchat as their primary platform for personal documentation.