Snapchat Launches “Friend Solar System” – Here’s How to Navigate your Planets
Snapchat+ subscribers now have a new way to visualize their closest connections with the rollout of “Snapchat planets,” a feature displaying a user’s top eight friends orbiting their Bitmoji as the Sun. the system, designed to show engagement levels, is sparking curiosity about how rankings are determined and how to access this playful new view of one’s Snapchat network.
Snapchat Planets presents a visual depiction of your moast frequent interactions. Your Bitmoji takes center stage as the Sun, with the eight friends you engage with most appearing as planets in orbit.Mercury represents your #1 friend, Earth is #3, and Neptune signifies your #8 friend.
How Does it Work?
Snapchat’s algorithm tracks several factors to determine planet rankings: snaps sent,chats exchanged,Story replies,and maintained streaks. The positions of these “planets” are not static; they shift dynamically as engagement levels change. snapchat emphasizes that rankings reflect interaction frequency, not the quality of the friendship itself.
Who Can See Your Planets?
Visibility is limited. Only Snapchat+ users who have specifically enabled the “Friend‑Solar System” feature can view planets. Crucially, both users in a connection must have the feature activated to see each other’s planet positions.
Key Features & FAQs:
* Automatic Rankings: Snapchat calculates rankings algorithmically.Users cannot manually assign or change planet positions.
* Opt-In Feature: Snapchat Planets is off by default. Users must enable it within their Snapchat+ settings.
* No Notifications: Snapchat does not send notifications when a friend’s ranking changes.
* Disabling the Feature: Users can turn the Friend‑Solar System on or off at any time through Snapchat+ settings.
* Focus on Authenticity: snapchat encourages users to interact authentically, rather than focusing solely on improving rankings.
Snapchat designed the feature to be a “fun, visual guide” to closest connections, acknowledging potential social pressures and prioritizing emotional well-being by making it an opt-in experience. The company states the feature is intended to be enjoyed as a “playful way” to view your friend network.
