Snapchat Sparks Backlash from Users Over New Updates Charging for Memories. By: Katie Ho

Snapchat, once known for its unlimited storage, popular stories, and iconic streaks, recently released a controversial update, which led to backlash from users globally. As of October first, 2025, the app that once held unlimited storage came out with an update that will require users to pay a fee to extend their storage above 5GB, charging users for their memories. While the update is still new and adjusting to the app, many users are angered by the recent change.

Users—especially those who had the app downloaded for many years before the update—are not exactly thrilled about the change. In fact, many veteran-users are outraged by the fees implied on their memories. Lily Osborne, a student at Hillgrove High School, stated, “I feel furious about it, because Snapchat is an app where you get to like, basically, like a second photos app, and a lot of people have important memories on there, because a bunch of people have been using it for like, years and years. Like, it is bad.” Kamya Cruz, another student at Hillgrove High School, added, “I think it's actually really annoying, because, yes, I understand that they need to get money or whatever, but those are also valuable pictures, valuable memories, and I don't feel people should have to pay for those.” Both students expressed their thoughts on the update, suggesting the update is unnecessary and creating a barrier between users and their valuable memories. 

Not only are users upset with the recent update, but they are also speculating the app will eventually lose its current user-base as the update is enforced. Adrian Garcia, a Roswell High School Alumni, expressed, “The app is already slowly dying already; nobody really uses Snapchat anymore.” In addition with that claim, he added, “So, with this move, I feel like less people are going to start using it, like, altogether, we're gonna have some few people maybe, like, use it or just have it on their phones, but these rates are going to go down quickly.” This suggests that Snapchat will eventually lose its active user base over time, followed by a decrease in rates.

Snapchat's recent update introducing a 5GB storage limit and charging users for additional space has sparked widespread frustration, particularly among long-time users who have poured their memories and moments into the app for many years. Though the update is still recent, many users are debating whether the fees are worth the charge or not. As the backlash and criticism increases surrounding Snapchat’s new enforced fee, speculations question whether users will continue to use Snapchat or eventually switch to other platforms.