Snapchat to Introduce Paid Storage for Memories Feature Beyond 5GB Limit

Snapchat is preparing a major shift that could change how millions of users store their photos and videos on the platform. The company has announced that its popular Memories feature will no longer remain entirely free. Users who cross the 5GB storage limit will now have to pay to continue saving content, a move that has already sparked criticism and disappointment across social media.

Memories Feature: From Free to Paid

Since its launch in 2016, Snapchat’s Memories has been one of the most loved features of the app. It allows users to save photos and videos that would normally disappear after 24 hours, creating a private, cloud-based gallery accessible anytime.

Until now, Memories storage was completely free for all users, regardless of how much space they consumed. However, under the new policy, once a user’s data exceeds 5GB, they will have to switch to a paid subscription plan to continue using the service.

This effectively turns Snapchat Memories into a freemium model, where the basic offering remains free but extended storage becomes a paid option.

Subscription Plans Announced

While Snapchat has not revealed region-specific pricing for all countries yet, details provided to TechCrunch confirm the following paid tiers:

• 100GB storage plan – $1.99 per month

• 250GB storage plan – $3.99 per month

For existing users who already have more than 5GB saved, Snapchat will offer temporary 12-month storage along with the option to download their data before committing to a paid plan.

User Reactions and Backlash

The announcement has triggered a wave of frustration online. Many users see the move as an example of platforms becoming increasingly commercial and pushing essential features behind a paywall. Social media discussions reflect strong opposition, with some calling it “greedy” and “unfair” since Memories was always advertised as a free feature.

In response, a Snapchat spokesperson acknowledged the backlash, stating:

“Switching from a free service to a paid model is never easy. But this change allows us to continue investing in the future of Memories and improving the experience for our community.”

Why Snapchat is Making the Change

Industry experts suggest that Snapchat’s decision may not be an isolated move. With billions of photos and videos uploaded daily, storage costs for platforms are rising rapidly. Charging for extended cloud storage could soon become standard across social media apps.

Reports reveal that users have already saved over one trillion Memories globally, putting immense pressure on Snapchat’s servers and infrastructure. By introducing paid storage tiers, the company is looking to balance costs while offering scalable solutions for users who want to preserve large archives.

What This Means for Users

For the average Snapchat user, 5GB of free storage may be sufficient for casual use. However, creators, influencers, and long-time users who rely heavily on Memories to store years of photos and videos may find themselves forced into a paid subscription.

Those unwilling to pay will need to either:

• Regularly download and back up their Memories to external storage, or

• Limit the amount of content they save in-app.

This shift could also drive some users to explore third-party backup solutions or even switch platforms if they find Snapchat’s storage plans restrictive.

The Bigger Picture

Experts believe Snapchat’s decision could set a precedent for other social platforms. Just as users now expect to pay for premium subscriptions on YouTube, Spotify, or Instagram’s ad-free features, paying for cloud storage in social media apps may soon become the norm.

The key question remains: will users accept the change and pay up, or will they push back by reducing their reliance on Memories altogether?

As this rollout begins worldwide, all eyes will be on how the Snapchat community reacts. The outcome could shape not only Snapchat’s future but also the direction other apps take regarding storage policies.

Conclusion

Snapchat’s shift from free to paid Memories storage marks a turning point for the app and its users. With the 5GB free limit now in place and paid plans starting at just under $2 per month, the company is testing whether its user base values convenience enough to pay for it.

While the move has already faced heavy criticism, industry insiders warn that such policies might soon be unavoidable across digital platforms. For now, users have 12 months of grace if they exceed the free storage limit — but the clock is ticking.