Snapchat+ introduced a unique and visually captivating feature called the Snapchat Solar System. This premium feature lets you understand your relationship with your top friends by comparing it to the positions of planets in a solar system. It’s symbolic, fun, and surprisingly insightful—but how exactly does it work?
What Is the Snapchat Solar System?
The Snapchat Solar System is a Snapchat+ friendship ranking feature that represents your closest friends as planets orbiting the Sun (you). This system is only visible to Snapchat+ users and works within the Best Friends Badge system on chat profiles. The closer the "planet" is to the Sun, the closer that friend is to you based on Snapchat interaction metrics like messages, snaps, video calls, and more.
How the Planet Rankings Work
Each planet symbolizes your friend’s ranking in your top eight on Snapchat. Here’s a breakdown of each planet’s symbolic meaning:
| Planet | Friend Rank | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury | #1 | Closest friend; constant interaction |
| Venus | #2 | Very close; frequent chats and snaps |
| Earth | #3 | Engaged friend; high snap frequency |
| Mars | #4 | Active communication; regular updates |
| Jupiter | #5 | Consistent interaction; less frequent |
| Saturn | #6 | Occasional but steady interaction |
| Uranus | #7 | Rare communication; still a top contact |
| Neptune | #8 | Least interaction among best friends |
This ranking reflects your activity with them, not necessarily theirs with you.
The Logic Behind the Ranking System
Snapchat uses a mix of algorithms to determine the planet each friend falls on. Here are the main factors:
Frequency of Snaps (sent/received)
Length of Chat Conversations
Usage of Video/Voice Calls
Reply Speed
Story Interactions
Group Snap Interactions
Streak Consistency
These metrics combine to build a Friendship Engagement Score, which then places your friend on a planet in your Solar System.
How to View the Snapchat Solar System
You need to be a Snapchat+ subscriber to access this feature.
Steps:
Open Snapchat and tap on the Chat tab.
Choose a chat with someone you regularly interact with.
Tap on their Bitmoji to open their Friendship Profile.
Look for a "Best Friends" badge with a golden ring and a planet icon.
Tap the badge to see which planet they are in your solar system.
Is the Snapchat Solar System Private?
Yes, the system is private and one-sided. Only you can see your friend’s position in your Solar System. They won’t know unless you tell them—or if they are also a Snapchat+ user and check your profile back.
What If the Solar System Badge Doesn’t Show Up?
If the Best Friends badge with the solar system icon is missing:
Ensure Snapchat+ is active on your account.
Check if the person is within your top 8 friends.
Confirm the app is updated to the latest version.
Badge only appears for individual chats, not groups.
Does the Planet Change Over Time?
Yes. The planet assigned to a friend can and will change based on your interaction patterns. For example, if you start snapping someone else more frequently, your current Mercury might drop to Venus or Mars.
Dynamic updates reflect real-time interaction.
Rankings adjust automatically.
You can influence the Solar System by snapping/chatting more.
What Is the Difference Between “Best Friends” and “Friends” Badges?
Best Friends Badge : You and the other person are each other’s top 8 friends.
Friends Badge : You’re in their top 8 or they’re in yours, but not both.
Only Best Friends get the Solar System view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Snapchat Solar System Available on Android and iOS?
Yes. As long as you’re a Snapchat+ subscriber, the feature works on both Android and iOS devices.
Can I Customize the Planet My Friend Is On?
No. The system is entirely automated based on Snapchat’s internal engagement scoring. Manual changes are not allowed.
Does My Friend Know What Planet They Are On?
No, unless they are also a Snapchat+ user and look at their Friendship Profile with you. Otherwise, the Solar System feature is private.
How Often Does the Snapchat Solar System Update?
It updates frequently—daily or weekly, depending on changes in your interaction behavior.
Final Thoughts: Snapchat Solar System in a Nutshell
The Snapchat Solar System isn’t just a fun visual—it’s a smart engagement feature that deepens your understanding of your digital relationships. It rewards interaction, provides a gamified look at your social life, and keeps your inner circle glowing bright.
Upgrade to Snapchat+ to unlock this exclusive insight and orbit your closest connections like never before.