Figuring out if someone in your circle has subscribed to Snapchat Plus can feel like decoding hidden signals. Snapchat’s premium tier unlocks features such as Snapchat Planets and other enhancements that go beyond the standard experience. Since the app does not openly label Plus users, many people are left wondering how to spot these exclusive perks in action.
In this post, we break down the clear signs and subtle indicators that can help you identify if someone is using Snapchat’s premium subscription.
1. A Star Badge Next to Their Name
When you subscribe to Snapchat Plus, Snapchat offers you the option to add a Star badge next to your name to make your profile stand out from the rest. So, if you ever spot the Star badge in your friend’s or chat header, they are subscribed to Snapchat Plus for sure.
Remember, the Star badge is optional, so not every subscriber shows it. The absence of a badge does not rule anything out.
2. Stories That Refuse to Expire
Standard Snapchat Stories disappear after 24 hours. Snapchat Plus lets users set a custom expiration window, ranging from 1, 6, 12, or 24 hours to 2 days, 3 days, or even a full week. If a Story remains visible long after the usual 24-hour mark, that extended lifespan strongly suggests access to Snapchat Plus features.
3. Unusual Bitmoji Profile Backgrounds
Snapchat Plus unlocks exclusive Bitmoji profile backgrounds, including AI-generated styles, beyond those available to free users. If your friend’s profile appears noticeably more customized or visually distinct than usual, it often indicates a Plus-only background.
4. Premium Chat Wallpapers
Like most messaging apps, Snapchat lets users personalize chats with custom wallpapers. However, many of these wallpapers are locked and marked with a Star badge, indicating they are reserved for Snapchat Plus subscribers. If you see someone using a premium chat wallpaper or a custom image from their camera roll as a chat background, it is a clear sign that they have Snapchat Plus.
5. More Than One Snap Replay
This is one of the few signs that offers near-certain confirmation. On a free Snapchat account, a Snap can be replayed only once, and the sender receives a notification when that happens. Snapchat Plus allows an extra replay. If you get alerts showing that the same Snap was replayed twice, it clearly indicates that your friend is a Snapchat Plus subscriber.
6. Extra Flair on the Snap Map
Free Snapchat accounts display only a basic Bitmoji on Snap Map. Snapchat Plus lets users add visual elements such as pets or vehicles alongside their Bitmoji. If a friend’s location shows a dog, cat, or car icon attached to their Bitmoji, that customization is exclusive to Snapchat Plus.
7. Instant Snap Streaks
On a regular account, Snap Streaks begin only after both users exchange Snaps for consecutive days. However, your Snap Streak with a Snapchat Plus user can start with the very first Snap exchange if the user has enabled Instant Streaks in the Snapchat Plus settings. If a streak appears faster than expected, it strongly suggests a Snapchat Plus subscription.
8. Rapid Snap Score Growth
While Snap Score for regular Snapchat users increases at a normal, activity-based pace, Snapchat Plus users can choose to grow their Snap Score at a 2x rate. Thus, if you see your friend’s score climbing up noticeably faster than expected, it can be another subtle clue, though this one is the least reliable on its own.
Related: How to Hide Your Snapscore on Snapchat
9. Peek-a-Peek Chat Previews
Snapchat lets you preview part of a received message by half-swiping on a chat without fully opening it. On a standard Snapchat account, this action remains private, and the sender has no way of knowing that you previewed the message.
With Snapchat Plus, this changes. If the sender is on the chat tab or inside the conversation at the same time, they can see an indicator showing that the message is being peeked at. If someone points out that they noticed you half-swiped their chat, it clearly suggests that they are using Snapchat Plus.
Putting the Signs Together…
Snapchat Plus is designed to be subtle. Most of its features focus on customization and control rather than obvious labels. A Star badge and extended Stories are the clearest signs, while cosmetic touches and behavior patterns provide supporting hints. If you notice several of these indicators on the same profile, chances are high that the person is a Snapchat Plus subscriber.
Did we miss a Snapchat Plus indicator you have seen? Drop it in the comments.
