Snapchat has announced that it will begin charging users who save more than 5GB of content on its “Memories” feature, ending the free unlimited storage it has offered since 2016.
The company revealed the change in a statement on Friday, explaining that users have saved over 1 trillion Memories, far more than it originally expected.
“For the vast majority of Snapchatters, who have less than 5GB of Memories, nothing will change. For Snapchatters with more than 5GB of Memories, meaning thousands of Snaps, we are rolling out new options to upgrade and increase storage,” Snapchat said.
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The new Memories Storage Plans will include 100GB, 250GB with Snapchat+, and 5TB with Snapchat Platinum. Snapchat did not say how much these plans will cost.
Users who already exceed the free limit will be given 12 months of temporary storage to upgrade, download, or delete their content.
“It’s never easy to transition from receiving a service for free to paying for it, but we hope the value we provide with Memories is worth the cost,” the company said.
The announcement sparked strong reactions online, with many Snapchatters criticising the move.
One user, cas.vawdrey, wrote: “Don’t make us pay for Snapchat Memories storage. I have dead friends who took their own lives and only have photos of them in my Snapchat Memories.”
Another, lucy.dibblee, said: “DO NOT CHARGE US. Sincerely, a broke student who can barely afford food. I can’t do this.”
Snapchat first launched Memories in 2016, giving users the ability to save Snaps within the app instead of on their devices. The company said the new paid model will help it invest in the long-term future of the feature.