Snapchat keeps adding fun stuff to its app, but one new feature has everyone talking: Snapchat Planets. If you’ve seen planets showing up next to your friends or wondered what they mean, you’re not alone. Many people are confused at first.
But don’t worry—we’ll break it down in a way that’s easy to understand. In this guide, you’ll learn what Snapchat Planets are, what each one means, how they work, and why people care so much about them. Let’s jump in!
What Are Snapchat Planets?
Snapchat Planets are part of something called the Best Friends Solar System, which is only available if you have Snapchat+. Think of it like this: in your Snapchat world, you are the Sun, and your top eight friends are the planets orbiting around you.
The closer the planet is to you, the more you talk to that friend. It’s a fun way to show who you snap the most!
How Do Snapchat Planets Work?
Snapchat looks at how much you chat, snap, and interact with your friends. It then ranks your top eight best friends based on that activity.
The system uses your recent actions, such as:
- How many snaps you send and receive
- How often you talk in chat
- If you reply to each other’s stories
- If you have an ongoing streak
Snapchat does all the math and gives you a visual—your own little solar system. It’s like a friendship scoreboard, but in space!
What Each Snapchat Planet Means
Each planet stands for a different best friend in your top 8 list. The closest friend is first, and the farthest is eighth.
Here’s what each planet represents:
Mercury – Best Friend #1
Small, red, with hearts. This is the person you snap with the most. They’re your top friend.
Venus – Best Friend #2
Orange with sparkles. You snap and chat a lot, just not as much as your #1.
Earth – Best Friend #3
Green and blue, sometimes with a moon. A strong friendship. You talk often.
Mars – Best Friend #4
Red with small stars. Still a good friend, but maybe a little less active than the top three.
Jupiter – Best Friend #5
Big with moons. This friend is part of your circle, but you don’t talk every day.
Saturn – Best Friend #6
It has rings. You send some snaps or messages, but not a lot.
Uranus – Best Friend #7
Light blue. There’s not much chatting, but they still make the list.
Neptune – Best Friend #8
Dark blue or purple. You talk a little, but not very often.
These planets help you keep track of who you interact with the most. It’s all based on your own activity, not your friends’.
Why Do People Care About Snapchat Planets?
People love Snapchat Planets because they’re fun, colorful, and show who’s really close to them. But there’s more to it than just looks.
Here’s why it’s such a big deal:
You Can See Who You’re Closest To
Snapchat Planets let you see, at a glance, who matters most to you on the app. It feels personal, almost like a social report card.
They Change Based on Your Activity
Planets move! If you stop chatting with someone, they might move farther away or even disappear. If you start talking to someone more, they might move up in your system.
Some People Get Competitive
Let’s be honest—some users check their planets often. If a best friend drops from Mercury to Earth, people notice. It can cause jealousy or drama, especially in close friend groups or couples.
But remember: this feature is just for fun. Don’t stress if someone moves to Saturn. Snap them a cute selfie and keep it light.
Is the Snapchat Planets Feature Private?
Yes! Only you can see your Best Friends Solar System. No one else can see your planets, not even the friends in your top 8.
You won’t show up in someone else’s solar system unless they have Snapchat+ and you’re one of their top friends.
This keeps things simple—and helps avoid awkward convos like: “Why am I not your Mercury?”
What Is Snapchat+ and How Do You Get Planets?
Snapchat+ is a paid subscription that gives you extra tools and fun features. One of those is the Snapchat Planets system.
Other Snapchat+ perks include:
- Custom app icons
- Ghost Trails (see where your friends last were)
- Pinning your #1 BFF
- Rewatch count on stories
- And more
To get Snapchat+, just go to your profile, tap the Snapchat+ banner, and subscribe. It usually costs around $3.99/month, but prices may vary depending on where you live.
How to Change Your Planet Rank (and Keep Friends Close)
Want someone to move up in your planets? Here’s how to make that happen:
Talk More
Send snaps, reply to chats, and react to their stories.
Keep Streaks Alive
Daily snaps count a lot. Keep the flame going!
Show You Care
Don’t just send blank photos—send a quick note, emoji, or meme. It makes chats more fun and personal.
Be Consistent
Snapchat looks at how active you’ve been recently, not over months. So you need to stay in touch regularly if you want someone to stay close.
Do Planets Ever Disappear?
Yes, they can. If you stop talking to someone a lot, they might drop out of your top 8—and their planet disappears. If you become closer with someone new, they might take that spot.
Snapchat keeps this system moving, which means your solar system will often change.
This is normal! Friendships change, and that’s okay.
Why People Love the Planet Feature
Snapchat Planets aren’t just about ranking friends. They make Snapchat feel more personal and fun.
Here’s why people enjoy them so much:
- They look cool—colorful, animated, and space-themed
- They help you keep track of who you talk to most
- They give you a goal—maybe you want to move someone up to Mercury
- They feel like a secret code just for you
In a world full of social media noise, Snapchat Planets are a small but powerful way to make things feel a little more real.
Simple Thoughts to Remember
- Snapchat Planets are part of Snapchat+
- You are the Sun, your top 8 friends are the planets
- Closer planets = more interaction
- Only you can see your solar system
- It’s based on how you use Snapchat—not how your friends do
- Planets change as your activity changes
It’s not just about who you talk to, but how often. If you want someone to move up, show them more attention through snaps, chats, and fun messages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Final Thoughts
Snapchat Planets are a cool, creative way to show who you’re closest to on the app. They’re colorful, easy to understand, and they add a fun twist to everyday snapping.
Just remember, they’re meant to be fun—not something to stress over. Friendships go up and down, and that’s okay. Use Snapchat Planets to enjoy your connections, not compare them.