Staying ahead in the world of Snapchat means knowing about the latest features—and sometimes, figuring out who has access to them. Snapchat Plus, the app’s premium subscription, unlocks a host of exclusive perks and customizations. But how can you tell if someone is a Snapchat Plus subscriber? In this up-to-date guide, you’ll discover the most reliable signs, how to spot them, and what to keep in mind when you’re sleuthing for premium users.
TL;DR: Quick Signs Someone Has Snapchat Plus
- Snapchat+ badge (star icon) next to their name
- Stories visible for more than 24 hours
- Unique Bitmoji or AI-generated profile backgrounds
- Premium chat wallpapers
- Extra Snap replays (Snap replayed twice)
- Friend Solar System icons (planets)
- Custom Post View Emojis
- Unique Snap Map icons (pets, cars, etc.)
- Instant Snap Streaks
What is Snapchat Plus?
Snapchat Plus is a paid subscription service that gives users access to advanced features, customizations, and early access to experimental tools. Think of it as Snapchat’s VIP club, offering perks that regular users can’t access. Some key benefits include:
- Optional Snapchat+ badge to show off premium status
- Custom app icons
- Extended Story expiration (up to one week)
- Extra Snap replays
- Exclusive chat wallpapers and Bitmoji backgrounds
- AI-powered profile and chat features
- Special Snap Map icons
- Advanced Story view analytics
- Ability to start Snap Streaks instantly
Subscribers often get early access to new features before they’re rolled out to everyone.
Why Would You Want to Know if Someone Has Snapchat Plus?
Whether you’re just curious, want to see what features your friends are using, or you’re considering subscribing yourself, knowing who has Snapchat Plus can help you understand how these premium features work in the real world. It’s also handy if you want to spot exclusive content or customizations that aren’t available to everyone.
How to Tell if Someone Has Snapchat Plus: 9 Signs to Spot a Subscriber
Here are the most reliable clues to look for if you suspect someone is a Snapchat Plus subscriber:
1. Snapchat+ Badge
What is it?
A small star-shaped icon (white star in a black circle) that appears next to a user’s display name.
How to spot it:
- Open Snapchat and go to the Friends tab.
- Tap on your friend’s Bitmoji or profile picture to view their profile.
- Look for a star icon next to their display name.
Caveats: Not everyone wants to advertise their premium status, so this badge is optional. If you don’t see it, they could still be a Plus user.
Example: You click on a friend’s profile and spot a bold little star beside their name. That’s the Snapchat+ badge in action!
2. Stories That Last Longer Than 24 Hours
What is it?
Normally, Snapchat Stories disappear after 24 hours. Snapchat Plus users can keep their Stories up for as long as a week.
How to spot it:
- Check your friend’s Story.
- If the same Story is still visible after a full day, it’s a strong sign they’re using Snapchat Plus.
Caveats: Some people might repost their Story to keep it up longer, so double-check that it’s the same content and not a fresh post.
Example: You see your friend’s vacation Story up for three days straight—yep, that’s a Plus perk!
3. Exclusive Bitmoji or AI-Generated Profile Backgrounds
What is it?
Snapchat Plus unlocks creative Bitmoji backgrounds and lets users create AI-generated profile wallpapers. These can be galaxies, neon themes, or even custom AI art.
How to spot it:
- Visit your friend’s profile.
- Look for unique, premium backgrounds—especially ones with a golden “AI” badge.
Caveats: Some backgrounds are subtle, so keep an eye out for anything that looks extra creative or has that AI label.
Example: You spot a Bitmoji floating in space or surrounded by neon lights with a fancy AI tag. That’s definitely Snapchat Plus territory.
4. Premium Chat Wallpapers
What is it?
Plus subscribers can set premium chat wallpapers, including custom images from their camera roll.
How to spot it:
- Open a chat with your friend.
- Notice if the wallpaper is unique, super fancy, or has a star/lock icon on it.
Caveats: Not all premium wallpapers are obvious, but if you see a custom photo or an elaborate design you can’t access, that’s a giveaway.
Example: Your chat background suddenly features your friend’s pet llama or a cool design you’ve never seen—hello, Snapchat Plus!
5. Extra Snap Replays
What is it?
Snapchat Plus users can replay Snaps more than once. For regular users, it’s one-and-done, but Plus subscribers get a bonus replay.
How to spot it:
- Send a Snap to your friend.
- If you get two notifications that your Snap was replayed, they’re using Snapchat Plus.
Caveats: Only the sender can see replay notifications, so you’ll need to be the one sending Snaps to notice this.
Example: You send a silly Snap and get two “Your Snap was replayed” notifications from the same friend. That’s a solid Plus clue!
6. Friend Solar System Icons
What is it?
Ever seen planets like Mercury or Mars next to a friend’s Bitmoji? That’s the Friend Solar System—a Snapchat Plus exclusive feature. Each planet symbolizes your friendship level.
How to spot it:
- Open a chat with a friend or check your Best Friends list.
- Look for tiny planet icons next to their Bitmoji or display name.
Caveats: These icons are only visible if you or your friend are Snapchat Plus subscribers.
Example: You notice a Mercury icon next to your best friend—congrats, you’re their closest pal!
7. Post View Emojis
What is it?
Plus users can set a custom emoji to appear after someone views their Snap, adding a little extra flair to your chats.
How to spot it:
- After you view a friend’s Snap, look for a fun emoji next to their name in the chat thread.
Caveats: Not all subscribers use this feature, and sometimes emojis are easy to miss.
Example: You open a Snap and spot a cupcake emoji by your friend’s name—yep, that’s their personal Post View Emoji.
8. Unique Snap Map Icons (Pets, Cars, etc.)
What is it?
Snapchat Plus lets users personalize their Bitmoji on the Snap Map with pets, cars, and other quirky icons.
How to spot it:
- Open the Snap Map.
- Look for Bitmojis with special accessories, like a puppy, a cat, or a cool ride.
Caveats: Some icons might appear during special events, but if a friend always has a pet or car by their side, it’s likely a Plus feature.
Example: Your friend’s Bitmoji is chilling with a cartoon dog or cruising in a sports car on the map—classic Plus move!
9. Instant Snap Streaks
What is it?
Normally, you need to Snap back and forth for three days to start a Streak. Snapchat Plus lets you skip the wait and start a Snap Streak immediately.
How to spot it:
- Start chatting with a new friend.
- If you see the fire emoji (Streak) appear right away, they’re likely a Plus subscriber.
Caveats: This is a subtle sign and may not always be obvious unless you’re paying close attention to new Streaks.
Example: You send your first Snap to someone and instantly see a fire emoji pop up—Snapchat Plus magic!
(Bonus) Advanced Clues: Half-Swipes and More
- Half-Swipe/“Peak a Peek” notifications: If a friend seems to know you’ve half-opened a message, they might have this advanced Plus feature.
- Advanced Story analytics: Only visible to the subscriber, but if someone mentions how many times you rewatched their Story, they’re likely using Plus.
Limitations and Things to Keep in Mind
- Not all features are visible to others: Some perks, like advanced analytics or app icon changes, are private.
- Many indicators are optional: Subscribers can hide their badge or avoid using exclusive features.
- Some clues can be misleading: Extended Stories might be reposted, and unique icons could appear during special events.
- Privacy considerations: Respect your friends’ privacy, and don’t assume intent based on these signs alone.
How to Hide Your Snapchat Plus Status
If you’re a Snapchat Plus subscriber and want to keep your status private:
- Open Snapchat and go to your profile.
- Tap on the Snapchat+ menu.
- Toggle off the Snapchat+ Badge option.
You can also avoid using exclusive backgrounds, wallpapers, or other visible features to keep your subscription discreet.
Signing off…
Spotting a Snapchat Plus user isn’t always straightforward, but by looking for these nine signs—and keeping the limitations in mind—you can make a well-educated guess. Whether you’re curious about premium features or thinking about subscribing yourself, knowing what to look for helps you stay informed and in the loop.
FAQs
Look for signs like the Snapchat+ badge, Stories lasting more than 24 hours, unique Bitmoji backgrounds, premium chat wallpapers, extra Snap replays, and other exclusive features listed above.
No. Many features are optional or private, so there’s no guaranteed way to identify every subscriber.
Yes. Some perks, like custom app icons and analytics, are only visible to the account holder.
It’s possible to hide the badge and avoid using visible features, but some clues (like Snap replays) may still give it away.
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