Snapchat Limits Free Memories Storage to 5GB, Introduces Paid Plans for Extra Space

October 5, 2025: Popular social media app Snapchat has rolled out a major change to its Memories feature, which until now offered users unlimited free storage for saving photos and videos. With the new update, Snapchat will only provide 5GB of free storage, after which users will need to subscribe to paid storage plans to continue saving more content.

This move brings Snapchat’s storage policy closer to services like Google Drive and iCloud, which also limit free usage and require payment for additional space.

What Has Changed in Snapchat Memories?

Previously, users could store years’ worth of snaps, photos, and videos in the Memories tab without worrying about limits. However, Snapchat has now confirmed that the free storage cap will be 5GB per account.

Those who already have Memories exceeding this limit will need to opt for a paid plan to keep their content safe. Otherwise, their data will only be stored temporarily, and older files may eventually be deleted if they fail to subscribe.

New Snapchat Storage Plans

In its official blog post, Snapchat announced three new subscription plans for users requiring additional space:

• Basic Plan: 100GB of storage at $1.99 per month (approx. ₹165)

• Mid Plan: 256GB of storage at ₹330 per month (estimated)

• High Plan: 5TB of storage (pricing yet to be disclosed)

This means users who have relied on Snapchat Memories as a personal archive of their life moments will now need to carefully choose whether to pay for extended storage or back up their files elsewhere.

Temporary Storage and Risk of Data Loss

Snapchat clarified that users whose Memories exceed 5GB will receive 12 months of temporary storage to allow them time to purchase a plan. However, if they fail to upgrade within this grace period, the company warns that their older content may be permanently deleted.

To avoid losing precious memories, Snapchat advises users to either subscribe to one of the new plans or download their existing photos and videos to their phone or transfer them to another cloud storage service.

Why Is Snapchat Making This Change?

In its statement, Snapchat admitted that transitioning from a free-to-paid model “is not an easy change,” but emphasized that the shift is necessary to ensure better long-term storage quality, enhanced security, and sustainable infrastructure for the future.

By monetizing its storage, the company aims to invest further in cloud technology and offer improved data protection to its users.

User Backlash and Reactions

Unsurprisingly, the announcement has sparked frustration among Snapchat’s global user base. Many people expressed disappointment, saying they trusted the platform to safeguard their memories for years—only to now be told that access will come at a price.

Some users also pointed out that downloading years of stored snaps could be time-consuming and technically challenging, especially for those with large Memories libraries. The change has prompted debates on social media, with some arguing that Snapchat is following the industry trend set by Google and Apple, while others feel it betrays the app’s original promise of being a free space for memories.

What Users Should Do Now

If you’re a Snapchat user with a large collection of saved photos and videos, here’s what you can do to protect your content:

• Check your current Memories size under Snapchat settings.

• Download old content to your device or move it to Google Drive, iCloud, or another backup service.

• Consider subscribing to one of Snapchat’s paid plans if you want to keep everything stored within the app.

Bottom Line

Snapchat’s decision to introduce a storage limit marks the end of an era for users who enjoyed unlimited free space for their memories. With only 5GB free and paid options for more, users will now have to choose between managing their storage independently or paying for the convenience of keeping all their snaps in one place.

While the company insists this change will improve the service in the long run, the move has left many loyal users disappointed and reconsidering how they store their digital memories.