Snapchat Planets Explained: What Do They Really Mean in 2025
Snapchat has taken social media to the next level with its Snapchat+ feature—and one of its most talked-about perks? Snapchat Planets. If you’ve seen planets next to your friends’ names and wondered what they mean, you’re not alone. This fun, space-themed feature is actually tied to your Best Friends list, showing how close you are to your friends.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Snapchat Planets, what each planet represents, and how you can use this feature to decode your relationships.
What Are Snapchat Planets?
Snapchat Planets are a part of Snapchat+, the platform’s premium subscription plan. This feature uses planets to represent your closest friends, in the style of the solar system.
Think of yourself as the Sun, and your top eight friends as planets orbiting around you. The closer a planet is to the sun (you), the closer that friend is to you on Snapchat.
How Many Snapchat Planets Are There?
There are eight Snapchat Planets, just like the real solar system (sorry, Pluto). Each planet represents a ranking of your top friends.
Here’s the breakdown of what each planet means:
| Rank | Planet | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Mercury | Your #1 Best Friend |
| 2nd | Venus | Your second closest friend |
| 3rd | Earth | Third closest friend |
| 4th | Mars | Fourth closest friend |
| 5th | Jupiter | Fifth closest friend |
| 6th | Saturn | Sixth closest friend |
| 7th | Uranus | Seventh closest friend |
| 8th | Neptune | Eighth closest friend |
Each planet icon also appears with unique sparkles, hearts, or glows to make it visually different.
How Do I Get Snapchat Planets?
To see Snapchat Planets, you must be a Snapchat+ subscriber.
Here’s how to subscribe:
- Open Snapchat.
- Tap your Bitmoji in the top left.
- Tap the Snapchat+ banner.
- Choose a plan (monthly or yearly).
- Confirm your payment.
Once subscribed, the Friend Solar System feature activates automatically.
What Does It Mean If You See a Planet Next to Someone’s Name?
If you see a planet next to someone’s Bitmoji or profile, it means you’re in their top friends list—not necessarily your own. For example:
- If you see Venus next to someone, it means you are their second best friend on Snapchat.
- If you see Earth, you’re their third best friend.
You won’t see Snapchat Planets next to your own best friends unless they have Snapchat+ too.
Is Snapchat Planets Based on Snaps or Chats?
Snapchat Planets rankings are mostly based on:
- How often you snap each other
- How many chats you have
- Whether you share videos, stickers, or Bitmojis
- How recently you’ve interacted
It’s not based solely on snapping—chats, replies, and story views also contribute.
Can You Turn Snapchat Planets Off?
No, if you are a Snapchat+ user, the Planets feature is always on. However, others cannot see your planet system unless they have Snapchat+ too. So it’s pretty private.
If you don’t want to use Snapchat+, you won’t see the planets at all.
Are Snapchat Planets Accurate?
Snapchat’s algorithm updates frequently, so the Best Friends ranking can change week by week. If you start chatting with a new friend more often, they might move up in the solar system rankings.
In short: yes, they’re accurate—but they change. Consistency matters.
Fun Fact: Why Planets?
Snapchat’s creative team wanted to gamify the social experience by using something universal, fun, and visually clear. Using the solar system allows for:
- Easy ranking
- Colorful UI
- A unique twist on the Best Friends list
It makes your relationships feel cosmic!
Final Thoughts: Should You Use Snapchat Planets?
If you’re a fan of knowing who’s close to you, Snapchat Planets is a fun and easy way to visualize your friendships. It may not be super scientific, but it’s a playful look at your social orbit.
If you’re curious about who ranks you high in their friend list—or just want to see the sparkly planets—Snapchat+ might be worth trying.