Snapchat has long been known for its playful features that gamify social interactions, from streaks and emojis to Bitmoji avatars. One of its most intriguing additions is the Snapchat Solar System, officially called the Friend Solar System. This exclusive feature for Snapchat+ subscribers transforms your top friends list into a mini cosmic universe, where you are the Sun and your closest friends orbit as planets. Launched as part of Snapchat’s premium tier, it adds a visual, engaging layer to understanding your digital relationships.

The Solar System feature taps into users’ curiosity about their social standing on the app. By representing friendships through planetary positions, it makes interactions feel more dynamic and fun. However, it’s not without controversy—early feedback highlighted potential impacts on mental health, leading Snapchat to make it opt-in. As of 2026, the feature remains available, popular among subscribers for its unique blend of nostalgia (real solar system vibes) and modern social metrics.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes this feature tick, its benefits, and how it reflects your snapping habits.

How the Snapchat Solar System Works

The Snapchat Solar System is a premium perk available only to Snapchat+ users. It visualizes your top 8 best friends as planets orbiting around you (the Sun). The positioning is based entirely on interaction levels: the more you snap, chat, and engage with someone, the closer their planet is to your Sun.

Here’s the core mechanics:

  • You are the Sun: Your Bitmoji sits at the center of your personal solar system.
  • Planets represent friends: Only your top 8 most-interacted-with friends appear as planets. These are the same as your “Best Friends” list.
  • Order mirrors the real solar system: Planets follow the astronomical sequence from closest to farthest: Mercury (1st closest friend), Venus (2nd), Earth (3rd), Mars (4th), Jupiter (5th), Saturn (6th), Uranus (7th), and Neptune (8th).
  • Mutual vs. one-sided: A “Best Friends” badge (gold ring) means you’re both in each other’s top 8. A simpler “Friends” badge means you’re in theirs, but they’re not in yours.
  • Privacy focused: Your solar system is private—no one else can see your full ranking. When viewing a friend’s profile, you can tap the badge to see your position in their solar system (with them as the Sun).

To access it:

  1. Subscribe to Snapchat+.
  2. Go to your profile > Snapchat+ settings.
  3. Toggle “Solar System” on (it’s off by default for new subscribers).

The algorithm considers factors like snap frequency, chat volume, and streak maintenance. Positions update dynamically based on recent activity, encouraging consistent engagement.

Each planet has a unique design with hearts, stars, or rings to emphasize closeness:

  • Mercury: Red planet with red hearts—your #1 bestie.
  • Venus: Beige/tan planet with yellow, blue, and pink hearts—#2.
  • Earth: Blue and green planet with hearts and stars—#3.
  • Mars: Red planet with purple and blue hearts—#4.
  • Jupiter: Orange-brown planet with colorful stars—#5.
  • Saturn: Orange planet with rings and stars—#6.
  • Uranus: Green planet (no hearts)—#7.
  • Neptune: Deep blue planet—#8.

This gamification boosts app usage, as users often “compete” to climb orbits. It’s a lighthearted way to gauge who you’re connecting with most, but Snapchat emphasizes it’s just for fun—real friendships extend beyond snaps.

Critics initially worried it could fuel anxiety, especially among teens comparing ranks. Snapchat responded by making it optional and private, reducing unintended pressure. Today, it’s praised for adding context to online bonds in a world where digital cues often lack depth.

Overall, the Solar System turns mundane friend lists into an interactive galaxy, making Snapchat feel more personal and exciting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Snapchat Solar System? It’s a Snapchat+ feature that shows your top 8 friends as planets orbiting you (the Sun), ranked by interaction level.

2. Do I need Snapchat+ to use it? Yes, it’s exclusive to paid subscribers. Free users can’t access the planetary view.

3. How do I enable the Solar System? Subscribe to Snapchat+, then go to Profile > Snapchat+ > Toggle “Solar System” on.

4. Can others see my Solar System? No, it’s completely private. You can only see your own full system or your position in a friend’s.

5. What do the planets mean? Closer planets (e.g., Mercury) = more interactions. Farthest (Neptune) = least among top 8.

6. Is the order the same as the real solar system? Yes: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.

7. Can I change someone’s planet manually? No, it’s algorithm-based on snaps and chats.

8. Why is it off by default? To address mental health concerns and let users opt-in.

9. Does it affect real friendships? It’s just a fun metric—Snapchat encourages focusing on meaningful connections beyond rankings.

10. Is the feature still available in 2026? Yes, it’s active for Snapchat+ users worldwide where the subscription is offered.

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