Key Takeaways: How to Tell if Someone Has Snapchat Plus
The most direct way to identify a Snapchat Plus user is by looking for the exclusive black star icon (✪) next to their display name on their profile. However, since subscribers can hide this badge, you should also look for “ghost” signs like Stories lasting longer than 24 hours, custom chat wallpapers, or receiving a notification that your Snap was replayed twice.
If you’ve been spending any time on Snap lately, you might have noticed some of your friends sporting a mysterious little star icon or posting Stories that seem to defy the laws of time. It’s no secret that the app’s premium subscription has taken off, but the social etiquette around it is a bit like a digital masquerade ball. Some people love to flaunt their status, while others prefer to keep their “power user” tools under wraps.
If you are trying to figure out how to tell if someone has snapchat plus, you are essentially looking for a mix of obvious badges and subtle behavioral clues. Whether you’re curious if a friend can see how many times you’ve rewatched their Story or you just want to know how they got that cool AI background, here is the breakdown of every “tell” in the book.
The Most Obvious Sign: The Snapchat+ Badge
The gold standard—or should we say the black-and-white standard—is the badge itself. When someone signs up for the service, they get the option to display a small, white star inside a black circle next to their name.
- Open the Snapchat app and head to your Friends list.
- Tap on a friend’s Bitmoji to open their profile.
- Look closely at their display name. If there is a black star icon there, they are a confirmed subscriber.
Keep in mind that according to Snapchat’s official support page, this badge is actually turned off by default. Many users never bother to turn it on, or they intentionally hide it to keep their profile looking “clean.” If the star isn’t there, the investigation has only just begun.
Look for the “Eternal” Story
We all know the classic rule of Snap: your Story disappears after 24 hours. It’s the ephemeral nature that made the app famous. However, one of the biggest perks for premium members is the My Story Timer.
If you notice a friend’s Story is still sitting at the top of your feed and the timestamp says “27h ago” or “2 days ago,” they definitely have the subscription. Subscribers can set their Stories to last anywhere from one hour to a full week. If you see a Story lingering past the one-day mark, that is a 100% guarantee they are using the Plus features.
The “Replayed Twice” Alert
In the standard version of the app, you get one replay per Snap. If you send a Snap to a friend and they replay it, you’ll get a notification. But how to tell if someone has snapchat plus through replays?
Subscribers get the ability to replay Snaps multiple times. If you see a notification that your Snap was replayed twice (or even more), you’ve found a subscriber. They are using their “extra” replays to take another look at your content.
Customization and AI Backgrounds
Snapchat has leaned heavily into AI and customization for its paying members. If a friend’s profile looks like it was designed by a professional digital artist, they are likely paying for the privilege.
- AI-Generated Backgrounds: Look at the background behind their Bitmoji. If it features a high-definition, surreal landscape (like a neon forest or a futuristic city) and has a small “AI” tag in the corner, that’s a Plus feature.
- Custom App Icons: If a friend shows you their phone screen and their Snapchat icon is a custom color or design instead of the classic yellow ghost, they are a subscriber.
- Chat Wallpapers: When you open a chat with them, is there a custom image or a fancy pattern in the background? While some wallpapers are free, the most intricate ones are reserved for the premium tier.
The Post-View Emoji
Have you ever sent a Snap and, the moment it’s opened, a specific emoji (like a fire flame or a heart) appears next to your friend’s name in your chat list? This is called a Post-View Emoji. It’s a signature move for Snapchat Plus users. They can choose a specific emoji to automatically “sign” their name once they’ve viewed your message.
Quick Comparison: Standard vs. Snapchat Plus
| Feature | Standard User | Snapchat Plus User |
| Story Duration | Strictly 24 hours | 1 hour to 1 week |
| Profile Badge | None | Optional Black Star (✪) |
| Snap Replays | One per Snap | Multiple replays |
| Friend Ranking | Hidden algorithms | Can see “Planet” rank |
| Chat Wallpapers | Basic options | Custom & AI options |
Steps to Verify a Friend’s Subscription Status
If you want to be a digital detective, follow these steps to check for the most common indicators:
- Check the Profile: Tap their Bitmoji and look for the black star badge.
- Inspect the Background: Look for the “AI” ring around their Bitmoji profile background.
- Monitor the Clock: Check if their Story stays active for more than 24 hours.
- Send a Snap: See if you get multiple replay notifications.
- Check the Chat List: Look for a unique emoji appearing next to their name immediately after they view your Snap.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When trying to figure out how to tell if someone has snapchat plus, it’s easy to get a “false positive.”
- The Verified Star: Don’t confuse the Snapchat Plus star (white star in a black circle) with the gold star used for verified celebrities or public figures. They look different!
- Old Stories: Sometimes the app glitches and shows a Story as “New” even if it’s old. Don’t assume someone is a subscriber just because of a single app lag; wait to see if it actually says “1 day ago.”
- Custom Bitmojis: While Plus users get extra outfits, many Bitmoji customizations are available to everyone. Focus on the background rather than the clothes.
FAQ
Can someone hide that they have Snapchat Plus?
Yes. Subscribers can easily toggle off their Snapchat+ badge in their settings. They can also choose not to use obvious features like custom expiration timers or post-view emojis if they want to remain “undercover.”
Does Snapchat Plus notify the other person if I check their profile?
No, simply looking at someone’s profile to check for a badge or an AI background will not send them a notification. However, if you are a Plus user yourself, you might be able to see if they have “half-swiped” on your chat, a feature known as “Peek a Peek.”
Can I see who rewatched my Story if I don’t have Plus?
No. The “Rewatch Indicator” is a feature exclusive to subscribers. Only the person who has Snapchat Plus can see how many people rewatched their Story. If you don’t have the subscription, you won’t see this data for your own Stories.
Is there an app that can tell me if someone has Snapchat Plus?
Avoid any third-party “tracker” apps that claim to reveal subscription statuses. As noted by security experts at iGeeksBlog, these are often phishing scams designed to steal your login credentials. The only reliable way to know is through the app’s official features.
What does the ‘Planet’ thing mean?
This is the “Friend Solar System.” If someone mentions that you are “their Mercury” or “their Venus,” it means they have Snapchat Plus. It’s a ranking system that shows them who they interact with most based on the order of the planets.
Would you like me to help you draft a message to ask a friend about their Snapchat Plus features without sounding awkward?
This video provides a visual walkthrough of the specific settings and features that identify a premium subscriber.
