If you’ve ever looked at your Snapchat Best Friends list and noticed strange planet icons next to your friends’ names, you’re not alone. A common question people ask is: “What do the planets mean on Snapchat?” This article breaks it all down in simple terms. We’ll explain Snapchat’s Friend Solar System, what each Snapchat planet represents, how to access this feature, and what it tells you about your relationships on the app. We’ve also added real-life examples, tips, and a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this feature like a pro. Let’s explore Snapchat’s digital galaxy together.
Why Are There Planets on Snapchat?
To put it simply, the planets on Snapchat are part of a feature called the Friend Solar System, which is exclusive to Snapchat+ subscribers. This system turns your list of Best Friends into a visual model based on the actual solar system. You are the “Sun,” and your top friends become planets orbiting around you.
Each Snapchat planet emoji represents a different rank in your Best Friends list. The closer the planet is to the Sun, the closer that friend is to you based on how much you interact with them. Snapchat looks at things like:
- How often you send snaps to each other
- How frequently you chat
- How quickly and often you view each other’s stories
- The consistency of your interactions
This isn’t just a fun little graphic—it’s a surprisingly detailed reflection of your activity with people on the app.
Who Can See the Planets?
Here’s the important part:
- Only users who subscribe to Snapchat+ can access the Friend Solar System
- Your Friend Solar System is private—only you can see which planet your friend represents in your Snapchat universe
- Your friends will not know what planet they are in your Solar System unless they also subscribe to Snapchat+ and look at their own version of the feature
So if you’re worried about awkward conversations (“Why am I not your Mercury anymore?”), don’t stress. This is just for your eyes.
Step-by-Step: How to See the Planets on Snapchat
Step 1: Subscribe to Snapchat+
This feature is only available to paid users. To subscribe:
- Open Snapchat
- Tap your Bitmoji or profile icon in the top left
- Tap the Snapchat+ banner or go to Settings and select Snapchat+
- Choose a subscription plan (monthly, 6-month, or yearly)
Snapchat often offers a 7-day free trial, so you can test it out without committing.
Step 2: View a Friend’s Planet
Once subscribed:
- Go to your Chat screen
- Tap on a friend’s Bitmoji or name to view their profile
- Look for the “Best Friends” or “Friends” badge
- Tap the badge, and the Friend Solar System will appear
You’ll see which planet they are in your universe based on how close your interactions are.
Snapchat Planet Meanings Explained
There are eight different planets in Snapchat’s model, just like the real solar system (excluding Pluto, of course). Each planet represents a ranking in your Best Friends list, with Mercury being your number one best friend and Neptune being the eighth. Let’s break them down.
1. Mercury — #1 Best Friend
Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, so naturally, it represents your top Snapchat best friend.
If someone is your Mercury, it means:
- You interact with them more than anyone else
- You snap and chat often
- You’re highly active with each other
Visual description: A small, gray planet often surrounded by sparkles or hearts
Anecdote: “My best friend and I have streaks going for over 800 days. When I saw she was my Mercury, it just made sense. We’re always messaging.”
2. Venus — #2 Best Friend
Venus is slightly farther from the Sun than Mercury and represents the second closest person in your Snapchat universe.
Visual description: A yellowish-orange planet often with heart shapes around it
3. Earth — #3 Best Friend
Earth sits third in line and is someone you have regular interaction with, but they’re not in the top two.
Visual description: A blue and green planet with a moon or other elements floating around it
Fun insight: This friend is part of your day-to-day Snapchat experience and may appear often in your stories or chats.
4. Mars — #4 Best Friend
Mars represents the fourth-closest relationship. You may snap or chat here and there, but the bond isn’t as strong as your top three.
Visual description: A reddish-orange planet, simple and clean
Anecdote: “My roommate used to be my Mercury, but we both got busy and now she’s my Mars. Still friends, just not chatting as much.”
5. Jupiter — #5 Best Friend
Jupiter is the largest planet, but in Snapchat, it marks the middle of the Best Friends list.
You interact occasionally—maybe you react to each other’s stories or send the occasional snap.
Visual description: A large, brownish planet with floating rings or moons
6. Saturn — #6 Best Friend
Saturn, known for its rings, represents a quieter but still active Snapchat friend. You may not talk daily, but there’s still regular engagement.
Visual description: Pale orange or yellow planet with rings
7. Uranus — #7 Best Friend
This friend is on the outer edge of your Snapchat interactions. Maybe you had a few recent conversations, but nothing ongoing.
Visual description: A light blue planet, plain and calm
8. Neptune — #8 Best Friend
Neptune is the furthest planet from your “Sun,” which means this person just makes it into your top 8.
You likely had a few solid snaps or messages recently, but overall interaction is minimal compared to the rest.
Visual description: A deep blue planet with minimal features
Anecdote: “I was surprised to see my coworker as Neptune. I guess our quick snaps about team meetings added up.”
Quick Reference: Snapchat Planet Rankings
| Planet | Rank | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury | #1 | Closest friend, highest interaction |
| Venus | #2 | Second closest friend |
| Earth | #3 | Solid communication |
| Mars | #4 | Frequent but casual interaction |
| Jupiter | #5 | Occasional snaps or chats |
| Saturn | #6 | Less frequent communication |
| Uranus | #7 | Rare interaction, still top 8 |
| Neptune | #8 | Least close of your best friends |
Additional Tips for Snapchat+ Users
- You can only have eight planets in your Friend Solar System
- The planet rankings are dynamic—they change based on how much or how little you interact with each person
- You can move someone up the ranks by snapping, chatting, and engaging with their content more often
Should You Subscribe Just for the Planets?
That depends on how much you value personalization and social insights. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- See who you interact with the most
- Fun visual representation of friendships
- Extra features like story replays, Bitmoji backgrounds, and app icons
Cons:
- Only visible to you
- Planet positions can change frequently
- Some users may overanalyze their rankings
If you enjoy Snapchat’s social side and want to explore features that give you more control and insight, the planets are a fun bonus. But if you’re not heavily invested in the platform, you might not need it.
Final Thoughts: What Do the Planets Mean on Snapchat?
So, what do the planets mean on Snapchat? In short, they’re a fun and visual way to show who your closest friends are on the platform. They reflect your interaction levels and give your Snapchat experience a cosmic twist. Whether your best friend is your Mercury or your casual contact is Neptune, the Snapchat Friend Solar System makes your social world a little more exciting. And remember: Just like in real life, friendships on Snapchat change. Today’s Saturn could be tomorrow’s Mercury.
