Nairobi, Kenya – October 2, 2025 – Snapchat has announced a major policy change that will require users to pay for extra storage space in its Memories feature, sparking widespread backlash globally.

Since its launch in 2016, Snapchat’s Memories has allowed users to archive snaps for free. Under the new policy, however, anyone with more than 5GB of stored content will now be required to upgrade to a paid plan.

Snap says the update will roll out gradually worldwide. Users who exceed the 5GB limit will be nudged to upgrade to a 100GB storage plan.

Snap insists the change is necessary to sustain and improve Memories, noting that over one trillion snaps have been saved since the feature was introduced.

Many Snapchat users view the update as a cash grab. Some have expressed frustration that they now face hefty monthly bills for archives built over nearly a decade.

Social media consultant Drew Benvie, CEO of Battenhall, said the move reflects a wider shift in the industry:

“The road to paying for storage on social media is inevitable.”

Despite the backlash, Snapchat remains one of the most popular apps globally, boasting over 900 million monthly active users. Analysts say the subscription push is part of Snap’s long-term plan to diversify revenue streams beyond advertising.

For comparison, similar moves have already been seen in cloud storage services like Google Drive and Apple iCloud.