If you’re a Snapchat user, you’ve probably noticed those special friends who pop up at the top of your chat list with cool emojis next to their names. Yep, those are your Snapchat Best Friends! But here’s the big question: how many best friends can you have on Snapchat? Whether you’re a casual snapper or a Snapchat+ subscriber looking to flex your social circle, we’ve got all the answers you need updated for March 2025. Let’s break it down step-by-step and sprinkle in some insider tips to make your Snapchat game even stronger.
How Many Best Friends Can You Have on Snapchat?
Let’s cut to the chase: Snapchat allows you to have up to 8 Best Friends on the standard, free version of the app. These are the people you snap and chat with the most, and they get prime real estate on your “Send To” screen and Chat section. It’s like Snapchat’s way of saying, “Hey, these are your VIPs!”
But here’s where it gets interesting if you’re a Snapchat+ subscriber (more on that later), you can unlock an extended Best Friends list that shows up to 16 friends. That’s double the fun, right? Whether you’re rocking the free version or the premium one, Snapchat keeps your closest connections front and center, making it super easy to stay in touch.
Why Only 8 (or 16) Best Friends?
You might be wondering, “Why cap it at 8 or even 16? I’ve got way more friends than that!” Snapchat’s reasoning is simple: it’s all about focusing on your real inner circle. The app uses an algorithm that tracks who you interact with most think snaps sent, chats exchanged, and streaks maintained over the past few weeks. The result? A dynamic list that reflects your closest bonds, not just a random popularity contest.
For the free version, 8 feels like the sweet spot small enough to keep things meaningful, but big enough to include your go-to crew. With Snapchat+, the jump to 16 gives you a broader view of your social orbit, perfect for those of us who juggle multiple tight-knit groups.
How Does Snapchat Decide Your Best Friends?
Snapchat’s Best Friends list isn’t something you can manually tweak (sorry, control freaks!). It’s powered by a clever algorithm that looks at:
- Snap Frequency: How often you send and receive snaps with someone.
- Chat Activity: The back-and-forth messages you exchange.
- Streaks: Those fire emojis don’t lie consistent snapping keeps friends high on the list.
- Recency: More recent interactions carry more weight than old ones.
This list updates regularly sometimes even daily so if you start snapping your cousin more than your BFF, expect some shuffling. It’s a living, breathing reflection of your Snapchat habits!
Snapchat+ and the Extended Best Friends List
Now, let’s talk about Snapchat+. If you’ve upgraded to this premium subscription (as of March 2025, it’s $3.99/month or $39.99/year), you get some sweet perks, including the Extended Best Friends List. Here’s what you need to know:
- Up to 16 Best Friends: Instead of just 8, you can see a ranked list of your top 16 connections.
- Movement Tracking: Snapchat+ even shows you who’s climbed up or slid down the list since your last check. Drama, anyone?
- How to Access It: Go to your Profile, tap your Snapchat+ membership card, and hit “Extended Best Friends List.” Boom your full social hierarchy revealed!
This feature is a game-changer for power users who want deeper insights into their Snapchat relationships. Plus, it’s just fun to see who’s orbiting closest to your “Sun” (that’s you, by the way!).
The Friend Solar System: A Cosmic Twist
Speaking of orbiting, Snapchat+ subscribers also get the Friend Solar System feature. This turns your Best Friends into planets, with you as the Sun. Here’s the breakdown:
- Mercury: Your #1 Best Friend (closest to you).
- Venus: #2
- Earth: #3
- Mars: #4
- Jupiter: #5
- Saturn: #6
- Uranus: #7
- Neptune: #8
It’s a playful way to visualize your top 8, and if you’re in someone’s top 8, you can tap their “Best Friends” badge to see which planet you are in their solar system. (Pro tip: Toggle this on/off in your Snapchat+ settings if you’re feeling shy about your rankings!)
Can You Have More Than 8 (or 16) Best Friends?
Nope, that’s the limit! Snapchat caps it at 8 for free users and 16 for Snapchat+ subscribers. If you’re snapping with more than 16 people regularly, the algorithm will still prioritize your top 16 based on interaction levels. The rest? They’re still your friends just not Best Friends in Snapchat’s eyes.
And here’s a fun fact: while Snapchat limits your Best Friends list, there’s no cap on your total friends list until you hit 5,000 friends. So, you can keep adding people, but only a select few will earn that coveted Best Friends status.
How to Influence Your Best Friends List
Want someone specific to crack your top 8 (or 16)? You can’t force it, but you can nudge the algorithm:
- Snap More: Send them direct snaps (Stories don’t count as much).
- Chat One-on-One: Group chats have less impact, so focus on personal messages.
- Keep Streaks Alive: That fire emoji isn’t just for show it boosts their ranking.
- Be Consistent: Regular interaction over a week or two will push them up.
Just don’t spam them to game the system Snapchat’s algorithm is smarter than that, and your friends might get annoyed!
Why Your Best Friends List Matters
Your Best Friends list isn’t just a cool feature it’s practical, too:
- Quick Access: They’re right there on your Send To screen for fast snapping.
- Fun Emojis: Special icons (like ❤️ for #1 or 🔥 for mutual #1s) add personality.
- Social Insights: It’s a snapshot (pun intended) of who you’re vibing with most.
But a word of caution: don’t obsess over it. Friendships ebb and flow, and so does this list. If someone drops off, it’s not the end of the world it’s just Snapchat doing its thing.
Privacy Note: Who Can See Your Best Friends?
Here’s the good news: only you can see your Best Friends list. Your friends might know they’re on it (thanks to emojis like ❤️ or 🔥), but they can’t peek at your full lineup. It’s your little secret unless you’re flexing that Snapchat+ Solar System, of course!
FAQs: Your Snapchat Best Friends Questions Answered
1. How many Best Friends can you have on Snapchat without Snapchat+?
You can have up to 8 Best Friends on the free version of Snapchat.
2. Does Snapchat+ increase the Best Friends limit?
Yes! With Snapchat+, you can see an Extended Best Friends List of up to 16 friends.
3. Can I manually choose my Best Friends?
No, Snapchat’s algorithm decides based on your interactions. But you can influence it by snapping and chatting more with specific people.
4. How often does the Best Friends list update?
It updates regularly sometimes daily depending on your activity. Recent interactions weigh more heavily.
5. What’s the difference between “Best Friends” and “Friends” badges in Snapchat+?
- Best Friends: You’re in each other’s top 8.
- Friends: You’re in their top 8, but they’re not in yours.
6. Can I have more than 16 Best Friends?
No, 16 is the max, even with Snapchat+. The algorithm picks your top 16 based on interaction.
7. Why did someone drop off my Best Friends list?
You might not be snapping or chatting with them as much lately. Ramp up the interaction to bring them back!
8. How do I see my Extended Best Friends List?
If you’re a Snapchat+ user, go to your Profile, tap your membership card, and select “Extended Best Friends List.”
There you have it a complete guide to how many Best Friends you can have on Snapchat, plus all the juicy details to master your list in 2025. Whether you’re aiming for a tight-knit 8 or an expansive 16, Snapchat’s got you covered. Now, go snap your faves and watch those rankings soar! What’s your favorite Best Friends emoji? Let us know in the comments!
