How to Tell If Someone Has Snapchat Plus

Snapchat has become more than just sending Snaps anymore. With so many premium features rolling out with Snapchat Plus, it is now common to see friends customizing their profiles, using exclusive settings, or accessing tools not available on regular accounts. And that is exactly where the confusion starts.

Maybe someone suddenly has a star badge next to their name, a new type of icon, or they appear to have extra controls in chat that you cannot find on your own Snapchat. At that point, it is normal to wonder what is going on. Are they using Snapchat Plus? Or is Snapchat just randomly testing new features? 

If you have ever felt that “I do not have this option” moment, this guide is for you. This post breaks down the most reliable signs that someone has Snapchat Plus.

What is Snapchat Plus?

Snapchat Plus is a paid subscription that unlocks exclusive features and tools not available to regular users. Think of it as Snapchat’s VIP club, offering perks like longer-lasting Stories, unique Bitmoji backgrounds, custom chat visuals, advanced analytics, and early access to experimental features.

Many of these premium options leave visible clues—like special badges, unique icons, or customizations—that can help you spot who’s using Snapchat Plus, which we’ll explore in detail below.

Subscribers often get early access to new features before they’re rolled out to everyone.

Why Would You Want to Know if Someone Has Snapchat Plus?

Whether you’re just curious, want to see what features your friends are using, or you’re considering subscribing yourself, knowing who has Snapchat Plus can help you understand how these premium features work in the real world. It’s also handy if you want to spot exclusive content or customizations that aren’t available to everyone.

How to Tell if Someone Has Snapchat Plus: 9 Signs to Spot a Subscriber

Here are the most reliable clues to look for if you suspect someone is a Snapchat Plus subscriber:

TL;DR: Quick Signs Someone Has Snapchat Plus

• Snapchat+ badge (star icon) next to their name
• Stories visible for more than 24 hours
• Unique Bitmoji or AI-generated profile backgrounds
• Premium chat wallpapers
• Extra Snap replays (Snap replayed twice)
• Friend Solar System icons (planets)
• Custom Post View Emojis
• Unique Snap Map icons (pets, cars, etc.)
• Instant Snap Streaks

1. Snapchat+ Badge

What is it?

A small star-shaped icon (white star in a black circle) that appears next to a user’s display name.

How to spot it:

1. Open Snapchat and go to the Friends tab.
2. Tap on your friend’s Bitmoji or profile picture to view their profile.
3. Look for a star icon next to their display name.
   

Caveats: Not everyone wants to advertise their premium status, so this badge is optional. If you don’t see it, they could still be a Plus user.

Example: You click on a friend’s profile and spot a bold little star beside their name. That’s the Snapchat+ badge in action!

2. Stories That Last Longer Than 24 Hours

What is it?

Normally, Snapchat Stories disappear after 24 hours. Snapchat Plus users can keep their Stories up for as long as a week.

How to spot it:

1. Check your friend’s Story.
2. If the same Story is still visible after a full day, it’s a strong sign they’re using Snapchat Plus.

Caveats: Some people might repost their Story to keep it up longer, so double-check that it’s the same content and not a fresh post.

Example: You see your friend’s vacation Story up for three days straight—yep, that’s a Plus perk!

3. Exclusive Bitmoji or AI-Generated Profile Backgrounds

What is it?

Snapchat Plus gives users access to special Bitmoji backgrounds and the option to create AI-generated profile wallpapers. These might include galaxy scenes, neon designs, or custom AI artwork.

How to spot it:

1. Go to your friend’s profile.
2. Look for unique, premium backgrounds—especially ones that have a golden “AI” badge.
   

Caveats: Some backgrounds are subtle, so keep an eye out for anything that looks extra creative or has that AI label.

Example: You spot a Bitmoji floating in space or surrounded by neon lights with a fancy AI tag. That’s definitely Snapchat Plus territory.

4. Premium Chat Wallpapers

What is it?

Plus subscribers can set premium chat wallpapers, including custom images from their camera roll.

How to spot it:

• Open a chat with your friend.
• Notice if the wallpaper is unique, super fancy, or has a star/lock icon on it.

Caveats: Not all premium wallpapers are obvious, but if you see a custom photo or an elaborate design you can’t access, that’s a giveaway.

Example: Your chat background suddenly features your friend’s pet llama or a cool design you’ve never seen—hello, Snapchat Plus!

5. Extra Snap Replays

What is it?

Snapchat Plus users can replay Snaps more than once. For regular users, it’s one-and-done, but Plus subscribers get a bonus replay.

How to spot it:

1. Send a Snap to your friend.
2. If you get two notifications that your Snap was replayed, they’re using Snapchat Plus.
   

Caveats: Only the sender can see replay notifications, so you’ll need to be the one sending Snaps to notice this.

Example: You send a silly Snap and get two “Your Snap was replayed” notifications from the same friend. That’s a solid Plus clue!

6. Post View Emojis

What is it?

Plus, users can set a custom emoji to appear after someone views their Snap, adding a little extra flair to their chats.

How to spot it:

• After you view a friend’s Snap, look for a fun emoji next to their name in the chat thread.

Caveats: Not all subscribers use this feature, and sometimes emojis are easy to miss.

Example: You open a Snap and spot a cupcake emoji by your friend’s name—yep, that’s their personal Post View Emoji.

7. Unique Snap Map Icons (Pets, Cars, etc.)

What is it?

Snapchat Plus lets users customize their Bitmoji on the Snap Map with pets, cars, and other fun icons.

How to spot it:

1. Open the Snap Map.
2. Look for Bitmojis with extra details, like a puppy, a cat, or a cool car.
   

Caveats: Some icons might appear during special events, but if a friend always has a pet or car by their side, it’s likely a Plus feature.

Example: Some icons might show up during special events, but if a friend always has a pet or a car next to their Bitmoji, it’s probably a Plus feature.

8. Instant Snap Streaks

What is it?

Normally, you need to Snap back and forth for three days to start a Streak. Snapchat Plus lets you skip the wait and start a Snap Streak immediately.

How to spot it:

1. Start chatting with a new friend.
2. If you see the fire emoji (Streak) appear right away, they’re likely a Plus subscriber.

Caveats: This is a subtle sign and may not always be obvious unless you’re paying close attention to new Streaks.

Example: You send your first Snap to someone and instantly see a fire emoji pop up—Snapchat Plus magic!

9. Half Swipe/ Peek a Peek

What is it?

Snapchat Plus’s Peek a Peek feature is essentially a half-swipe detector. 

Normally, you can half-swipe on a friend’s chat to preview their message without opening it fully. This means they won’t see the “Opened” status, and you can easily act like you never read it. 

With Peek a Peek, Snapchat alerts the other person when you half-swipe and peek at their chat. It’s basically Snapchat’s way of saying, “They read it, they just didn’t open it.” 

How to spot it: 

When you half swipe on someone’s chat to preview their message, and they confront you about it later, there’s a good chance they’re using Snapchat Plus.

Caveat

This is a subtle indicator that appears only when the person is on the Chats tab. Also, the Snapchat Plus user must enable Peek a Peek from their Snapchat Plus settings for it to work.

10. Comic Bitmoji

What is it?

Comic Bitmoji is a Snapchat Plus feature that lets users turn their Bitmoji into a comic-style character. Instead of the regular Bitmoji look, their avatar has a more dramatic, illustrated vibe, almost like it belongs in a comic strip.

It’s mostly a cosmetic upgrade, but it stands out because the Bitmoji looks noticeably different from the standard version.

 How to spot it:

So if someone’s Bitmoji suddenly looks more “comic-like” with sharper outlines and a more stylized appearance, they most probably have Snapchat Plus.

Caveat 

This is not a guaranteed sign on its own, since Snapchat also occasionally rolls out Bitmoji-style updates. But if the comic look appears as a distinct style option (not the default Bitmoji look), it’s a strong hint that the person is a Plus subscriber.

11. SnapScore Growing Unusually Fast

What is it?

Snapchat Plus’s Snapscore Multiplier is a perk that lets users boost the rate at which their Snap Score increases.

Normally, your Snap Score grows steadily based on activities like sending and receiving Snaps, posting Stories, and interacting on the app. But with a Snapscore Multiplier enabled, a Plus subscriber can increase their Snap Score much faster than usual, even with similar activity.

How to spot it:

If someone’s Snap Score starts jumping unusually quickly in a short period of time, there’s a good chance they’re using Snapchat Plus.

Caveat

This is not a foolproof sign, as Snap Scores can rise more quickly during periods of heavy use. Also, Snapchat doesn’t display an icon or label confirming that the multiplier is active. It’s only noticeable through sudden, consistent jumps in Snap Score that don’t match typical usage patterns.

Limitations and Things to Keep in Mind

• Not all features are visible to others: Some perks, like advanced analytics or app icon changes, are private.
• Many indicators are optional: Subscribers can hide their badge or avoid using exclusive features.
• Some clues can be misleading: Extended Stories might be reposted, and unique icons could appear during special events.
• Privacy considerations: Respect your friends’ privacy, and don’t assume intent based on these signs alone.

How to Hide Your Snapchat Plus Status

If you’re a Snapchat Plus subscriber and want to keep that private:

1. Open Snapchat and go to your profile.
2. Tap on the Snapchat+ menu.
3. Turn off the Snapchat+ Badge option.
   

You can also skip using exclusive backgrounds, wallpapers, or other visible features if you’d rather keep your subscription under the radar.

Signing off…

Spotting someone with Snapchat Plus isn’t always easy. But if you look out for these nine signs—and remember the possible limitations—you’ll have a pretty good idea. Whether you’re just curious about the premium perks or considering signing up yourself, knowing what to look for helps you stay informed and in the loop.

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