
Snapchat has expanded its subscription offerings with the introduction of Snapchat+ Platinum, a premium-tier plan that allows users to remove Sponsored Snaps, Story ads, and Lens ads for a higher monthly fee. However, some advertising elements—such as sponsored places and My AI responses—will remain visible to users.
Snapchat+ Platinum comes at significantly more than the price of the standard Snapchat+ subscription ($14.99/mo vs. $2.50/mo), which already boasts 12 million paying subscribers. The base Snapchat+ plan provides early access to new features and customization options, but the Platinum tier’s key selling point is an ad-free experience.
Despite this, Snap is taking a cautious approach with minimal promotional efforts, possibly waiting to gauge demand and regulatory risks before pushing the new tier aggressively.
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Snapchat’s move to introduce an ad-free subscription follows a growing trend in digital platforms experimenting with premium, no-ad tiers. Meta set a precedent with its ad-free plan for European users in response to GDPR regulations, though the model has faced legal scrutiny over privacy concerns and potential violations of data protection laws.
For Snap, the key question is whether users will be willing to pay the steep price for an ad-free experience. At a significant premium over the cost of standard Snapchat+, the Platinum tier must appeal to a subset of users who highly value an uninterrupted experience.
From a business perspective, Snapchat+ Platinum could offset the loss of ad revenue on a per-user basis. If enough users opt in, Snap could see a net revenue gain. However, widespread adoption would also reduce ad impressions, potentially diminishing the value of its advertising platform. The balance between subscription revenue and ad revenue will be critical in determining whether this model is a long-term success.
Additionally, Snap’s quiet launch suggests caution—perhaps to avoid regulatory scrutiny similar to what Meta is facing in Europe. If demand is strong, we may see a broader push for ad-free subscriptions across more markets.
For the subscription industry, Snapchat+ Platinum is yet another example of how platforms are navigating ad monetization and user preferences. Whether this model becomes a sustainable revenue stream or a niche offering remains to be seen.