Snapchat is always adding fun things to the app. Some updates are small. Others are big. Lately, one small update has caused a lot of talk. It’s called the Friend Solar System. You may have seen planets like Mercury or Saturn next to your friends’ names.
If you’re confused, don’t worry. You’re not the only one. This guide will explain what the Snapchat planets mean, how to use them, and why everyone’s talking about it. Ready? Let’s go!
What Are the Planets on Snapchat?
The planets on Snapchat are part of a feature called the Friend Solar System. It shows how close you are to a friend on Snapchat.
But this isn’t about real space. It’s just a fun way to rank friendships. You see planets like Mercury, Earth, or Neptune to show your spot in a friend’s list.
If your friend is the sun, you are one of the planets moving around them. The closer your planet is to the sun, the closer your friendship is.
How Does the Friend Solar System Work?
This feature is only for people who pay for Snapchat+. If you have Snapchat+, you’ll see a small golden Best Friends badge on your friend’s profile. Tap on it, and you’ll see the solar system.
Here’s how it works:
- Your friend is the sun
- You are a planet
- The planet you get depends on how often you talk or send snaps to each other
The closer your planet is to the sun, the closer you are as friends.
Snapchat Planet Meanings: What Each One Tells You
Snapchat uses 8 planets to show where you stand with your friend. Let’s break them down in a simple way:
Mercury – Best of the Best
- Rank: #1 Best Friend
- Look: Red with hearts and sparkles
- Meaning: You talk all the time. You send the most snaps to each other. You’re super close.
Venus – Almost #1
- Rank: #2
- Look: Pink with glitter and smiles
- Meaning: You are really close but not the top friend. Still a strong bond.
Earth – Balanced and Kind
- Rank: #3
- Look: Blue and green, with clouds and moons
- Meaning: You talk often. The friendship feels steady and natural.
Mars – Full of Energy
- Rank: #4
- Look: Red with fire or light
- Meaning: Your friendship is fun and full of life. You may not talk daily, but when you do, it’s exciting.
Jupiter – Big and Bold
- Rank: #5
- Look: Swirls or storm shapes
- Meaning: This friendship might go way back. You still talk, but not all the time.
Saturn – Strong but Quiet
- Rank: #6
- Look: Classic ring shape, soft colors
- Meaning: You used to talk more. You still have a connection, but not as strong as before.
Uranus – Funny and Random
- Rank: #7
- Look: Bright, bold, or rainbow colors
- Meaning: You don’t talk much, but when you do, it’s fun. Maybe full of jokes or old memories.
Neptune – Distant Friend
- Rank: #8
- Look: Calm blue, waves
- Meaning: You may have just started talking again. Or maybe you haven’t talked in a while. There’s still a small spark.
Why Are Snapchat Planets So Popular?
People love seeing where they stand in someone’s life—even online. That’s why Snapchat’s planet system is such a hit. It gives a visual way to show your friend rank.
It Feels Like a Game
Snapchat made friendship feel like a game. You want to be Mercury, not Neptune! People start snapping more just to move up.
It’s Pretty and Fun
The planets are colorful and cool. They make the app more interesting. And many users already like space stuff, like stars and moons.
It Feels Personal
Knowing you are someone’s top friend makes you feel good. Seeing a planet can mean a lot—even if it’s just a simple emoji.
Do You Need Snapchat+ to See the Planets?
Yes, you do. The planets only show up if you have Snapchat+. This is a paid version of the app. As of 2025, it costs around $3.99 per month.
Snapchat+ gives you other things too, like:
- New icons
- Seeing ghost trails
- Story boosts
But the Friend Solar System is one of the most talked-about features.
Can You Change Your Planet?
Not directly. Your planet is based on how much you interact with a friend. If you want to be closer, just send more snaps and chats. It updates over time.
But remember: this is just a fun tool. It doesn’t show the full story of a friendship.
Is the System Always Right?
Most of the time, yes. But sometimes the system may seem off. It might be a delay in the app. Or maybe the other person talks more with someone else lately.
So don’t stress. Planets can change.
Pros and Cons of Snapchat Planets
Good Things
- Makes Snapchat more fun
- Shows how close you are with friends
- Easy to understand
- Looks nice on the screen
Not-So-Great Things
- Can make people feel left out
- Only for paid users
- Not always 100% right
- May cause drama for some
Why Do People Care So Much?
It’s simple. People want to feel important. Whether it’s in real life or online, we like to know who we matter to.
The planets give us a visual way to measure closeness. Even if it’s just on an app, it feels real.
And honestly—it’s fun to check. Who doesn’t want to be Mercury in someone’s world?
Final Thoughts
Snapchat’s planet system is fun, light, and just a little addictive. It helps show your friendship status in a cool way.
Whether you’re a Mercury or a Neptune, the planet next to your name gives a small peek into your relationship. But don’t forget—what really matters is how you feel when you talk to someone, not just the emoji that shows up.