Snapchat May Soon Charge for Memories Storage
▼ Summary
– Snapchat will begin charging users who have stored more than 5GB of photos and videos in its Memories feature, which has been available since 2016.
– The change has sparked backlash from users on social media, with some accusing the company of greed over the new paid storage requirement.
– Snap acknowledged the difficulty of transitioning from a free to a paid service but stated the cost is necessary to invest in improving Memories for all users.
– Users exceeding the 5GB limit will be prompted to upgrade to a 100GB storage plan, with higher storage tiers available through Snapchat+ and Snapchat Premium subscriptions.
– The company will offer 12 months of temporary storage for those over the limit and allow users to download their saved content to their devices.
Snapchat has announced a significant shift in its policy, revealing plans to introduce fees for users who store large volumes of photos and videos within its Memories feature. This decision has sparked immediate criticism from a user base accustomed to free archival storage for nearly a decade. The popular social media platform will now require individuals whose saved Memories exceed five gigabytes to subscribe to a paid storage plan to maintain access to their content.
The company behind the app, Snap, has confirmed a gradual worldwide implementation of this new policy but has not yet disclosed specific pricing details for all regions. The announcement has generated a wave of negative feedback online, with many people expressing frustration and accusing the firm of prioritizing profits over user experience.
In a public statement addressing the change, Snap recognized that moving from a complimentary service to a paid model is often challenging for consumers. However, the company defended the decision by stating the fee would be “worth the cost” and is necessary to fund ongoing improvements to the Memories feature for its entire community. Since its launch in 2016, users have saved an astonishing one trillion individual Memories.
The Memories function allows people to preserve photos and videos that were originally shared as temporary, 24-hour posts. The system often encourages users to re-share this archived content later as nostalgic “throwbacks.” Under the new structure, anyone with a collection larger than 5GB will be directed to upgrade to a 100GB storage plan. Higher storage capacities will be bundled with the more expensive Snapchat+ and Snapchat Premium subscription tiers.
For those who exceed the free storage limit, Snap will provide a 12-month grace period where content remains accessible, allowing time for users to either subscribe or download their Memories to a personal device. According to reports from TechCrunch, the introductory 100GB plan is expected to cost $1.99 per month, while a 250GB allotment will be included with a Snapchat+ subscription priced at $3.99 monthly. Many industry observers see this move as an inevitable evolution for platforms seeking new revenue streams.
(Source: BBC)
