Archive — US — techcrunch
Snapchat is going to charge for storage — here’s how to save your Memories forfree
Snapchat announced that it will limit free Memories storage to 5GB, requiring users to pay for additional storage plans or export their Memories. Plans range from $1.99 for 100GB to $15.99 for 5TB. Users can export their Memories to their camera rolls or download their data as a zip file. Without payment or action, older Memories will be kept while newer ones may be deleted.
Key points
- Snapchat will cap free Memories storage at 5GB, introduced because of increased storage demand.
- Users exceeding the 5GB limit must either export their Memories or sign up for new storage plans ($1.99 for 100GB, $3.99 for 250GB, $15.99 for 5TB).
- Oldest Snaps will be retained, while newer increments will be deleted if no action is taken.
- Snapchat provides a 12-month grace period for users to manage their Memories.
- Users can export Memories in batches of 100 to their device’s camera roll or download an entire archive through the 'Download My Data' tool.
Why it matters
- The decision to monetize Memories aligns with broader trends in digital platforms adjusting services to both monetize users and manage data storage.
- As cloud storage and subscription models become increasingly common, Snapchat’s move reflects similar actions taken by tech companies.
- The growth of subscription services in the tech industry emphasizes the importance of data management and user engagement.
Snapchat's move to limit free Memories storage is a significant shift that encourages users to engage financially with the platform, mirroring trends in the tech industry related to data monetization and cloud services.