Snapchat Introduced Solar System-Themed Feature in 2022, Ranking Friends as Planets Based on Interaction Frequency

Snapchat introduced a solar system-themed feature in 2022, allowing users to rank friends as planets based on interaction frequency, according to Snapchat’s official blog. The feature, available exclusively to Snapchat+ subscribers, mirrors the order of the eight planets in the solar system, with the user’s profile represented as the Sun.

What Is the Snapchat Planet Order?

The Snapchat Planet Order follows the sequence of the solar system: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Each planet corresponds to a user’s level of interaction with their friends, as reported by The Verge. For example, Mercury represents the friend with whom a user interacts most frequently, while Neptune denotes the least connected friend.

Users must subscribe to Snapchat+ to access the feature, which requires a monthly or annual fee. According to Snapchat’s pricing page, the subscription includes additional benefits such as custom app icons and enhanced story features.

How Does the Snapchat Solar System Work?

The algorithm ranks friends based on metrics like snap exchanges, chat frequency, story views, and streaks. Higher engagement increases the likelihood of appearing in a friend’s “solar system,” according to TechCrunch. The Sun always represents the user, while friends’ avatars appear as planets in their respective solar systems.

For instance, Mercury is associated with five red hearts and two stars, symbolizing the closest connection. Neptune, the farthest planet, features only blue stars and dots, indicating less frequent interaction, as described in user reports on Reddit.

What Is the Difference Between the Best Friend Badge and the Friend Badge?

The Best Friend Badge appears when interactions are mutual, with both users’ avatars appearing as planets in each other’s solar systems. The Friend Badge, however, is one-sided, reflecting a user’s presence in another’s list without reciprocal recognition, according to a comparison table on Snapchat’s support page.

How Do I See My Snapchat Planets?

To view the feature, users must open their profile, navigate to the Snapchat+ tab, and enable the “Solar System” option. Once activated, friends’ profiles display their respective planets, with the user’s avatar as the Sun, as outlined in Snapchat’s official guide.

What Are the Subscription Plans for Snapchat+?

Snapchat+ offers a monthly plan with a one-week free trial and an annual plan, according to the company’s pricing page. Subscribers gain access to features like custom notification sounds, early story access, and a #1 Best Friend badge.

Why Does Snapchat Use a Solar System Theme?

The feature aims to add a playful element to social interactions, encouraging users to engage more frequently. However, experts caution that it may lead to over-attachment to digital validation, as noted in a 2023 analysis by The Guardian. “It’s a clever way to gamify friendships, but users should prioritize real-world connections,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a digital behavior researcher at Stanford University.

What Are the Key Takeaways?

• The Snapchat Planet Order mirrors the solar system, with Mercury as the closest friend and Neptune as the farthest.
• The feature is available only to Snapchat+ subscribers.
• Rankings are determined by snap exchanges, chat frequency, and streaks.
• The Best Friend Badge indicates mutual interaction, while the Friend Badge is one-sided.

How Can I Subscribe to Snapchat+?

To subscribe, open the Snapchat app, tap the profile icon, select “Snapchat+,” choose a plan, and complete the payment process. The subscription grants access to the solar system feature and other premium tools, as detailed on Snapchat’s official website.