Snapchat Faces Backlash Over ‘Memory Tax’ as Users Condemn New Storage Fees

Snapchat is facing a major backlash after revealing that users will now have to pay to store more than 5GB of Memories — the app’s archive for photos and videos. For many, these saved moments represent years of personal history.

The change, announced in September, means only users with large storage will be affected for now. Snap Inc., Snapchat’s parent company, said it costs money to host billions of photos and videos on its servers. It compared the new paid plan to Apple iCloud and Google Drive, which already charge users for extra space.

However, the update has upset many loyal users. Social media has exploded with complaints, and app stores are flooded with one-star reviews. An online petition calling the charge a “memory tax” has gained thousands of signatures. Some users even posted goodbye videos on TikTok, saying they plan to delete the app.

One reviewer wrote, “Half my life is on this app — and now they expect us to pay for it.” Others said the decision feels “greedy” and “unfair,” arguing that Snapchat built its popularity by encouraging people to save their digital memories for free.

Experts say the anger is understandable. Social media analyst Matt Navarra told the BBC the move feels like a “bait and switch.” “People built huge archives because Snapchat told them they could. These aren’t just files — they’re emotional artefacts,” he said.

Researchers also warn this controversy exposes a deeper issue. Dr. Taylor Annabell from Utrecht University explained that users often trust tech companies to protect their personal memories forever. “But these are private corporations, not caretakers of our past,” she said.

Snapchat insists only a small group of users will be affected and that paying for storage will be “worth the cost.” Still, many feel betrayed — and say the app has lost sight of what made it special in the first place.