Unlocking Snapchat+: A Deep Dive into Premium Features and How to Use Them

Snapchat, the ephemeral messaging app that popularized disappearing photos and videos, has long been a staple for younger generations. However, in a bid to offer more to its dedicated user base and diversify revenue streams, Snapchat introduced Snapchat+, a subscription service that unlocks a host of exclusive features. If you’re curious about what Snapchat+ offers and how to make the most of it, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about Snapchat+, from its core features to step-by-step instructions on how to use them.

What Exactly is Snapchat+?

Snapchat+ is a premium, paid subscription service designed to enhance the Snapchat experience for its most enthusiastic users. It’s not about changing the core functionality of Snapchat, like sending Snaps and chatting, but rather about adding layers of customization, personalization, and exclusive features that are not available to regular users. Think of it as a way to get more out of your Snapchat experience and support the platform directly.

Key Features of Snapchat+

The specific features of Snapchat+ have evolved since its launch, but here’s a rundown of the most prominent and impactful benefits you can expect:

• Exclusive Snapchat Badges:

  These badges are a status symbol, allowing you to show off your Snapchat+ status to friends. They appear next to your name and in various sections of the app, indicating that you are a premium subscriber. This is a simple but noticeable way to distinguish yourself.

• Custom App Icons:

  Say goodbye to the standard yellow ghost! Snapchat+ allows you to choose from a variety of custom app icons, giving your phone’s home screen a personalized touch. This feature is purely cosmetic but allows for greater individuality.

• Friendship Solar Systems:

  This feature provides a unique visual representation of your friendship with others on Snapchat. It displays your relative position to your best friends, represented as planets orbiting a sun (which is you!). The closer the planets are to the sun, the closer you are as friends.

• Ghost Trails:

  This intriguing feature lets you see the general direction your friends have recently moved on the Snap Map, if they’ve opted in to share their location. It’s not a precise location, but rather a ‘ghostly’ trail of their movements over the last 24 hours. This can be useful to get a sense of if someone’s on their way or just roaming around. Bear in mind this is based on opt-in only and respects privacy.

• Story Rewatch Indicator:

  One of the most sought-after features of Snapchat+ allows you to see how many times someone has rewatched your Stories. This provides a clearer idea of which of your Stories your friends find most engaging.

• Custom Notification Sounds:

  Personalize your Snapchat experience further with custom notification sounds. Stand out from the crowd and know instantly when you receive a notification from Snapchat without even looking at your phone.

• Best Friends Forever (BFF) Pin:

  Pin your best friends to the top of the chat tab, so they’re always easily accessible. This helps you keep your closest connections front and center and ensures you never miss a message from them.

• Snapchat for Web Customization:

  Enjoy all your Snapchat+ benefits even on your computer. With access to customization options, you can maintain your unique experience across different devices.

• Priority Story Replies:

  Your replies to stories posted by celebrities and creators will be prioritized, increasing the likelihood of them being seen. This is a boon for those trying to engage more directly with public figures.

• Chat Themes:

  Spice up your conversations by applying unique themes to your chats. Select from a range of options to set the mood and make every chat visually unique.

• Custom Story Expiration:

  You can set custom expirations for your stories (from 1 hour to 1 week). This provides more control over the lifespan of your shared content.

• AI-Powered Features and Experimental Features:

  Snapchat+ often includes access to new, AI-powered features and other experimental functionalities before they roll out to the wider user base. This provides a glimpse into the future of Snapchat and lets you test new tools early on.

How to Subscribe to Snapchat+

Subscribing to Snapchat+ is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Open the Snapchat App:

   Launch the Snapchat app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you are logged into your account.

2. Access Your Profile:

   Tap on your Bitmoji or profile icon in the top-left corner of the screen. This will take you to your profile page.

3. Locate the Snapchat+ Option:

   On your profile screen, look for the Snapchat+ banner or button. It’s usually displayed prominently. Alternatively, you may see a “Snapchat+” option within your profile settings.

4. Review the Subscription Details:

   Clicking on the Snapchat+ option will present you with a breakdown of the current features available and the pricing. Make sure you carefully review these details to confirm your interest.

5. Choose Your Subscription Plan:

   Snapchat+ offers different subscription plans (usually monthly or annual). Select the option that best suits your needs. Keep in mind that longer subscriptions tend to offer a better value.

6. Complete the Payment Process:

   You’ll be directed to the payment process, which is handled through your device’s app store (Google Play or App Store). Follow the on-screen prompts to enter your payment information and confirm your subscription.

7. Confirmation:

   Once the payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation message that you are now a Snapchat+ subscriber. You should now see the Snapchat+ badge next to your name.

How to Use Specific Snapchat+ Features: A Detailed Walkthrough

Now that you’re a Snapchat+ subscriber, let’s explore how to use some of the key features:

1. Custom App Icons:

1. Navigate to Settings:

   Go to your profile by tapping your Bitmoji icon, then tap the settings cog icon in the top-right corner.

2. Find Snapchat+ Settings:

   Scroll down until you find the “Snapchat+” section within settings.

3. Select “App Icon”:

   Tap on the “App Icon” option within the Snapchat+ settings.

4. Choose a Custom Icon:

   You’ll be presented with a selection of available icons. Select your desired icon and it will be instantly applied to your app icon.

2. Friendship Solar Systems:

1. Go to a Friend’s Profile:

   Open a chat with a friend and tap on their Bitmoji or name at the top to open their profile.

2. View the Solar System:

   If the feature is enabled, you’ll see a solar system icon below their name. Tap on it to view your friendship’s solar system, where you and that friend appear as orbiting planets.

3. Understanding the System:

   The closer a planet is to the sun (which represents you), the stronger the bond of friendship is interpreted by the feature.

3. Ghost Trails:

1. Open Snap Map:

   Navigate to the Snap Map by tapping on the location icon at the bottom left of the camera screen.

2. Locate Friends:

   View the Snap Map to find your friends who have shared their location on the map.

3. View Ghost Trails:

   If a friend has shared location data and has recently moved, you’ll see a translucent “trail” behind their Bitmoji, indicating their general movement. You’ll see this if the user has location sharing on and has recently moved around.

4. Consider Privacy:

   Remember that the trails are not precise and are only available if the user has opted in to share their location. This is important to respect the privacy of your friends.

4. Story Rewatch Indicator:

1. Create a Story:

   Upload a Snap to your story as you normally would.

2. View Story Stats:

   After posting a story, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to view the stats of your story. You should see a number alongside an eye icon to see how many people viewed it and now a rewind icon to see how many rewatched.

3. Review Rewatches:

   The Rewatch indicator shows you exactly how many times a viewer has watched your story again. This is specific to the Snapchat+ subscriber.

5. Custom Notification Sounds:

1. Access Snapchat Settings:

   Go to your profile and tap the settings icon.

2. Find Notifications:

   Tap on “Notifications” within the settings menu.

3. Select Custom Sounds:

   Look for the “Custom Sound” option (only available to Snapchat+ subscribers) and select it. You can now browse and choose which custom sound you’d like for Snapchat.

6. Best Friends Forever Pin:

1. Go to Chat Screen:

   Open your Snapchat chat screen.

2. Long Press a Friend:

   Long press on a friend’s name on the Chat screen.

3. Select Pin:

   A menu will appear; select “Pin [friend’s name]”. This will then be added to your pinned friends.

7. Custom Story Expiration:

1. Create Your Story:

   Prepare your story as you normally would.

2. Access the Time Setting:

   Before posting, tap the time icon in the lower-left corner. This is where you usually adjust the Story length.

3. Customize the Expiration:

   As a Snapchat+ subscriber, you’ll be able to customize the expiration to any duration between 1 hour and 1 week, offering greater control over the lifespan of your content.

Is Snapchat+ Worth It?

The value of Snapchat+ largely depends on how heavily you use the app and how important the exclusive features are to you. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

• You Might Find It Worthwhile If:
  • You are a very active Snapchat user and engage with the app multiple times daily.
  • You appreciate cosmetic personalization like custom app icons.
  • You find value in features like Friendship Solar Systems, Ghost Trails, and Story Rewatch Indicators.
  • You enjoy getting early access to experimental features.
  • You’re eager to engage with public figures using the Priority Story Replies.
• It Might Not Be for You If:
  • You use Snapchat only occasionally.
  • You’re content with the standard Snapchat experience.
  • You do not care about the customization or exclusive data offered by Snapchat+ features.
  • You are concerned about additional subscription costs.

Snapchat+ vs. Regular Snapchat

It’s important to remember that Snapchat+ doesn’t replace the standard Snapchat experience; instead, it layers exclusive features on top of it. Regular Snapchat users will continue to have access to all the core functionalities of the app, like sending Snaps and messages, and using filters and lenses. Snapchat+ simply expands and enriches the user experience for those who are willing to pay for it.

Tips for Maximizing Your Snapchat+ Experience

• Experiment with Features:

  Take the time to explore all of the available Snapchat+ features. You might discover some that you find surprisingly useful or entertaining.

• Stay Updated:

  Snapchat+ features are periodically updated or added, so make sure to check the Snapchat+ settings page occasionally to stay up-to-date on all the new options.

• Adjust Privacy Settings:

  Be mindful of how your data is being used, particularly with features like Ghost Trails, and adjust your privacy settings accordingly. Decide if you’re comfortable sharing your location with friends, and always prioritize your personal safety and privacy.

• Leverage the Customization:

  Have fun using the personalization features, like the custom icons and chat themes. These subtle changes can significantly improve the user experience and make the app feel more unique and personalized.

• Engage with New Features:

  Be an early adopter and test out the experimental features that come with Snapchat+. Your feedback helps shape the future of the platform.

Conclusion

Snapchat+ offers a compelling set of features that cater to dedicated users who want to enhance their Snapchat experience. From the custom app icons to the Friendship Solar Systems, there are plenty of additions that make the subscription worthwhile for some. Whether or not you subscribe to Snapchat+ ultimately depends on your preferences and how deeply you use the app. Now that you’ve explored a detailed guide on what Snapchat+ offers and how to use its different features, you can make an informed decision. Be sure to check for new feature updates from time to time, as the service continues to evolve and enhance the user experience. Happy Snapping!