What Are Snapchat Moons?
Snapchat loves to throw in quirky little icons that make chatting feel different from any other app. One of those is the Snapchat Moons. But what’s it all about?
A moon on Snapchat usually shows up as part of your friendship status. Think of it as a sign of how strong your bond is with someone, based on how much you talk and share snaps. Just like Snapstreaks, it’s another way the app gives you a visual clue about your connection. The more you interact, the more likely you’ll notice these glowing symbols hanging around.
The funny part? Snapchat has never given an official breakdown of what the moon really means. That’s left everyone guessing. Some say it shows closeness. Others think it marks friends who are active at night. This lack of clarity has made the moon even more fun to talk about. People speculate, argue, and trade theories on social media, keeping the mystery alive.
What Are Snapchat Planets?
Now let’s move to something with a bit more structure: Snapchat Planets. Unlike moons, planets are a feature with clear rules. They’re part of the so-called Snapchat Solar System, and they show who your closest friends are on the platform.
Each planet stands for a different spot in your Best Friends list. And here’s the cool part the order follows our actual solar system:
- Mercury (closest)
- Venus
- Earth
- Mars
- Jupiter
- Saturn
- Uranus
- Neptune (farthest)
So if you land as someone’s Mercury, it means you’re at the top you’re their number one. If you’re Neptune, you’re still in the circle, but your interactions aren’t as frequent as others.
The planet’s feature is part of Snapchat Plus, which is the app’s paid upgrade. It gives subscribers extra tools, like deeper insights into friendships. Unlike moons, which are vague and open to interpretation, planets are explained clearly, so there’s less confusion about what they mean.
How Do Snapchat Moons and Snapchat Planets Differ on Purpose?
Here’s where things split.
- Moons are loose and a little mysterious. They seem to hint at bond strength or maybe late-night chats, but there’s no rulebook. You just interpret them however you like.
- Planets are fixed and structured. They’re tied directly to Snapchat Plus, and they rank your friends in a way that’s easy to understand.
So the real difference? Moons are playful and symbolic. Planets are organized and practical.
Do Snapchat Moons Count Toward Friendship Rankings?
This is something people often wonder about. The short answer is no.
Moons don’t follow the same ranking system as planets. Instead, they float around as casual add-ons, much like Snapstreak icons. You might see a moon next to a friend you chat with a lot at night. Someone else might think it’s tied to streak length. There’s no set formula. That makes moons more of a fun extra than a serious measurement of closeness.
Why Did Snapchat Add the Planets Feature?
The answer is simple: Snapchat wanted to make Snapchat Plus more appealing. Paid services need to give users something special, and planets fit the bill.
Most people are curious about where they stand in their friends’ lives. Who’s at the top of the list? Who’s slipping down the ranks? The Snapchat Planets order gives users those answers, but in a playful, cosmic style.
By turning social ranking into a solar system, Snapchat adds a game-like vibe. It makes something as simple as chatting feel like an adventure, which is especially attractive to younger users.
Which Feature Do Users Like More?
That depends on the type of person using them.
- Moons pull people in because of the mystery. They’re open-ended and spark conversations like, “What’s that moon doing next to your name?”
- Planets are loved by those who want straight answers. They show your exact spot in someone’s universe, with no room for doubt.
In terms of usefulness, planets win. They provide clarity and give people a reason to pay for Snapchat Plus.
Can You See Snapchat Moons Without Snapchat Plus?
Yes, you can. Moons are free for everyone, and they show up no matter what version of Snapchat you’re using.
Planets, though, are a Snapchat Plus exclusive. If you don’t subscribe, you won’t see them. This makes moons universal and accessible, while planets stay behind a paywall.
How Does the Snapchat Planets Order Actually Work?
Here’s the step-by-step process of how the system ranks you:
- Tracking – Snapchat keeps tabs on how often you send snaps, chat, and interact with a friend.
- Ranking – Based on this data, it assigns you a planet in their Solar System.
- Display – Your planet shows up with an icon, like Earth or Jupiter, so you can see where you stand.
The closer you are to the sun, the stronger your connection. Being Mercury feels great. Being Neptune still counts, but it means your spot isn’t as close as others.
Are Snapchat Moons Just for Decoration?
That’s a fair question. The answer is… kind of.
Moons don’t affect Snapstreaks or rankings. They’re more like a graphic that adds color to your chats. But they’re not useless either. They tap into something deeper: curiosity. They make people wonder what they mean, which keeps users coming back and interacting.
So while moons may look like small details, they’re clever little tools that keep engagement high.
Which Feature Gives a More Accurate Picture of Friendship?
If we’re talking about accuracy, planets take the lead. The Snapchat Planets order gives exact rankings, so you know where you stand.
Moons, meanwhile, are vague. They’re fun, but they don’t give a precise measurement. So if you’re after objectivity, planets are your best bet. If you’re into fun symbols and mystery, moons do the job.
Can You Spot Moons and Planets at the Same Time?
Yes, and it happens often. You might see a moon next to a friend’s name and still hold a planet rank in their Solar System assuming one of you has Snapchat Plus.
The two features don’t cancel each other out. Instead, they add layers to Snapchat’s cosmic theme. It’s part of what keeps the app’s personality unique and engaging.
Why Does Snapchat Use Space Symbols at All?
The choice isn’t random. Celestial symbols make relationships feel bigger than life. Just like planets orbit the sun and moons orbit planets, friendships orbit around the people who matter most.
It’s a simple yet creative way to show closeness. Instead of plain numbers or lists, Snapchat makes the experience feel cosmic. And that’s much easier to remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Snapchat Moons Change My Snapstreak?
No. Moons don’t affect streaks. They’re just icons.
Can I Change My Snapchat Planet?
Nope. It’s automatic. Snapchat decides your planet based on your interactions.
Is Snapchat Plus Worth It for the Planets Alone?
It depends. If you’re curious about your ranking and love extra features, it might be. If not, the free version and moons could be enough.
Do All Friends See the Same Planet for Me?
No. Your place in each person’s Solar System is unique. You could be Mercury for one friend and Saturn for another.
Will Snapchat Add More Space Symbols?
Probably. Snapchat updates often, so more stars or constellations might show up in the future.
Final Thoughts: Moons or Planets Which Should You Focus On?
It really comes down to your style of using Snapchat.
If you like things mysterious, playful, and free for everyone, then moons are perfect. They bring a spark to your conversations and add a little fun.
If you prefer structure and want a clear ranking system, then planets are your go-to. They offer precision and make Snapchat Plus worth considering.
Both features bring personality to the app. Together, they show how Snapchat takes something as simple as messaging and turns it into a creative experience.
