Snapchat has always been known for its fun filters, disappearing messages, and playful spirit. It has also built a reputation for keeping users on their toes with frequent updates and new features. But in 2022, Snapchat introduced something different: a paid subscription service called Snapchat Plus (sometimes styled Snapchat+). This new option adds extra perks that regular users do not get. If you have ever suspected that one of your friends might be using these added features, you might wonder how to tell if someone has Snapchat Plus.
Below, we will explore what Snapchat Plus is, why people use it, and what unique benefits come with it. We will also go through some indirect signs that might give away a Snapchat Plus subscriber. Keep in mind that Snapchat does not display an obvious “Snapchat Plus” badge for everyone to see. Much of it comes down to small features and personal settings. However, by learning more about how Snapchat Plus works, you can look for certain clues and figure out if someone in your friend list is making use of this premium service.
Understanding Snapchat Plus
Snapchat Plus is a subscription service designed to give devoted Snapchat users a more personalized experience. For a small monthly fee, you can unlock special features that are not available in the free version of Snapchat. These benefits might include priority story replies, exclusive icons, or advanced insights into how people interact with your stories. Some features are purely cosmetic, while others offer extra information or customization options.
This service was introduced to give Snapchat’s most engaged users an opportunity to stand out. One way to think of it is like a VIP pass: You pay a subscription fee, and in return, you get access to small yet interesting tweaks that can elevate your overall Snapchat experience. Because it is an optional subscription, not everyone on Snapchat uses it. Instead, it is something people opt into if they want the extra perks.
Why People Choose Snapchat Plus
People subscribe to Snapchat Plus for several reasons. One common motivation is the desire for personalization. By opting into the service, users can customize how their Snapchat app looks. This includes special icons, themes, or other ways to make their profile stand out from the crowd.
Another reason is the potential for deeper insights. Snapchat Plus can show subscribers more data about who is viewing their content and how often. Some users also enjoy the feeling of exclusivity that comes with being part of a premium service. In a competitive social media landscape, small perks such as unique profile badges or special icons can make a profile feel more special.
Lastly, some people might just be big fans of Snapchat and want to support the platform. Similar to how users of other apps pay for “Pro” or “Premium” versions to remove ads or unlock bonus features, dedicated Snapchat lovers might see the subscription as a way to enhance their favorite social network.
Is There an Official Indicator?
One of the first questions many users ask is, “Does Snapchat mark a user as a Plus subscriber?” The short answer is: Not really. Snapchat’s approach is more subtle. There is no loud banner or explicit label on someone’s profile that says, “I am using Snapchat Plus.” Instead, Snapchat has introduced smaller, more discreet indicators that can be spotted if you know what to look for.
For instance, when Snapchat Plus first launched, there was a special badge that subscribers could optionally enable on their profiles (a star icon next to their display name). However, this is not automatically shown, and users can turn it off if they value privacy. So, if you see someone with a small star badge or any official mention of a “Snapchat+” star on their profile, that is a strong sign they have a subscription. But not everyone uses that badge, so it is far from a guarantee.
Looking for Premium Feat
If you are curious whether someone has Snapchat Plus, consider the extra features that come with the subscription. Some of these perks are more visible to others, while some are entirely private. Here are a few that might offer small hints:
- Exclusive Snap Icons: Snapchat Plus subscribers can change the look of their app icon. If your friend shows you their phone and their Snapchat icon looks different (for example, a vintage ghost icon or a unique color variation), that is a big sign they are using Snapchat Plus.
- Friends Solar System: One of the subscription’s more playful features revolves around “friend rankings” displayed as planet-themed badges. These only appear to the two friends involved, so you probably will not see it directly on someone else’s profile. However, if your friend brags about how you are part of their “Solar System” ranking, it might mean they are using Snapchat Plus to track this special status.
- Ghost Trails: Subscribers can access Ghost Trails on Snap Map, which allows them to see a friend’s location history for the past 24 hours (provided that the friend shares their location). If someone talks about being able to see your location timeline, that is a clue they have Snapchat Plus.
- Priority Replies: Snapchat claims that Snapchat Plus users get priority when replying to stories of popular creators. If your friend always talks about having their replies “seen first” or standing out in certain celebrity stories, they might be using this perk.
- Custom Story Timer: In some places, subscribers can set a specific timer for how long their stories remain visible. If you notice your friend’s stories have unusual expiration times (for example, just an hour instead of the usual 24 hours), that could be a giveaway.
None of these features is a foolproof way to confirm a subscription on its own, as the user might not show them publicly. But if you notice multiple signs, it raises the chance that the person has Snapchat Plus.
Changes in Their Snapchat Behavior
Sometimes, the clearest sign that someone has Snapchat Plus is a simple change in their behavior. For example, if you are used to them responding in certain ways or posting stories that last the full 24 hours, but they suddenly shorten them with a custom timer, that shift might signal a subscription.
Likewise, if they start sharing new icons for Snapchat in group chats or mention having access to extra data about story viewers, that could be a clue. People often get excited about new features and talk about them with friends. If your friend starts mentioning perks you do not see in your own app, they might be subscribed.
Asking Directly
While this might sound obvious, another way to find out if someone has Snapchat Plus is to simply ask them. There is nothing in the Snapchat Terms of Service that says a user must keep their subscription status a secret. Many who pay for Snapchat Plus are open about it and might even like showing off its features.
A casual approach might be best. The next time you notice they are using something you do not have, you can just say, “Hey, how did you do that? I don’t see that option in my app.” They might tell you they are subscribed to Snapchat Plus. If they hesitate or give vague answers, they might prefer to keep it private—but at least you tried.
Why It Can Be Tricky to Confirm
It is important to remember that certain features in Snapchat can be toggled on or off. Even if your friend has Snapchat Plus, they might have turned off the special badge in their profile settings. AlsoSnapchat Plus features are aimed at visibility. Some, like advanced analytics, are purely for the subscriber’s own use. That means you might not see anything at all, even if they are actively using Snapchat Plus.
In addition, Snapchat occasionally tests or releases new features that end up in the main app later. Just because you see someone testing out something unusual does not automatically mean it is tied to a subscription. Snapchat is known for rolling out experimental tools to select users in certain regions before everyone else gets them.
Common Misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that all Snapchat Plus users have a gold star or something similar next to their username. Actually, when Snapchat Plus launched, it introduced a few potential badges, but users can disable them if they want. Another misconception is that Plus subscribers can spy on anyone’s location or messages. While there is a “Ghost Trails” feature, it only works with friends who have location sharing enabled. It is not a magical tool for unlimited surveillance.
It is also worth noting that subscribing to Snapchat Plus does not remove ads from the platform. Some people assume that paying means an ad-free experience, but that has not been the case so far. Instead, the subscription mainly focuses on cosmetic changes, advanced analytics, and special perks like custom icons or priority replies.
Respecting Privacy
Curiosity is normal, but remember that people may choose not to disclose which services they pay for. If you notice that someone is avoiding talking about their Snapchat usage, you might want to respect that boundary. Not everyone wants to announce they are paying for a premium service—some worry it could seem frivolous, while others simply prefer to keep their social media settings private.
If you are just trying to satisfy your curiosity, it might be enough to keep an eye out for the features we have discussed. If you cannot find any conclusive evidence, that might be the end of the story. Ultimately, how someone uses Snapchat is their personal choice, and it may not affect you in any direct way.
Potential Benefits of Having Snapchat Plus Yourself
If you are thinking of subscribing to Snapchat Plus, you might notice how these features could make your own Snapchat routine more interesting. From changing your app icon to pinning friends in a “BFF” category, the perks might give you a new appreciation for the platform. Being able to stand out with a special badge (if you choose) or glean extra insight into who re-watches your stories can also be appealing.
By trying Snapchat Plus yourself, you will know exactly what features are available. Then, when you see those features being used by someone else, you will recognize them right away. This firsthand experience can be the easiest way to spot a Snapchat Plus user: you will be aware of the small details in how the premium service changes the interface or overall user experience.
How to Subscribe or Unsubscribe
If you or a friend is curious, subscribing is fairly simple. Just open Snapchat, tap your Bitmoji or profile icon, and look for the Snapchat Plus banner. From there, you can see the subscription price, often offered on a monthly or yearly basis. Once you subscribe, you can immediately start customizing your experience.
Unsubscribing is just as easy. You can go into your subscription settings (either in the Snapchat app or through your phone’s app store, depending on your device) and turn off auto-renewal. This means you can try Snapchat Plus for a short period, see if you enjoy it, and then decide whether to keep it.
Final Thoughts
In the end, telling if someone has Snapchat Plus is less about looking for a giant sign and more about noticing smaller, personalized features. There is no guaranteed way to see a big “Plus” label on someone’s profile unless they choose to display the star badge. Even then, some users leave that badge off. The best clues come from the add-ons only available to paying subscribers: exclusive icons, special story options, or advanced location tools like Ghost Trails.
Yet even these features can be private or subtle. The friend might not choose to flaunt their new subscription, and Snapchat itself does not force them to make it known. If you are really curious, you can always ask directly—but respect their preference if they do not want to discuss it. After all, Snapchat is about quick, casual messaging and having fun. Whether or not someone pays for added features is a personal choice.
By learning about what Snapchat Plus offers—such as custom icons, unique profile badges, Ghost Trails, advanced story settings, and a BFF ranking system—you can better identify a subscriber. But remember that no single element is definitive unless you see the official badge or the user confirms it. Some subscribers prefer to stay under the radar, while others proudly show off every new perk. Either way, understanding these clues can help you make an educated guess.
Ultimately, the difference between a regular Snapchat user and a Snapchat Plus subscriber may not affect your day-to-day interactions with them. You can still send snaps, watch their stories, and keep streaks going like normal. The service mostly adds personalization and small bonuses for people who love staying on top of every new trend Snapchat has to offer. If you realize your friend is a subscriber, consider it a fun curiosity and keep snapping as usual. The beauty of Snapchat is that every conversation is fleeting, which means it always keeps you looking forward to the next creative snap—whether you are a Plus subscriber or not.
