Why Snapchat Created the Solar System Feature
Snapchat has always thrived on private interactions rather than public metrics.
No follower counts.
No visible likes.
Just conversations.
The Snapchat Solar System continues that philosophy by turning friendship data into something visual, playful, and slightly addictive.
Psychologically, it works because:
- Humans understand visual hierarchy faster than numbers
- Planets trigger curiosity and comparison
- The feature encourages more engagement without pressure
In short, it’s a smart UX design wrapped in cosmic branding.
How the Snapchat Solar System Works (Step-by-Step)
Understanding the Snapchat Solar System is easy once you see the logic.
Step 1: Subscribe to Snapchat+
You must be a Snapchat+ subscriber to access this feature.
No subscription = no planets.
Step 2: Open a Friend’s Profile
Tap on a friend’s Bitmoji.
If you see a Best Friends badge with a planet icon, the Solar System is active.
Step 3: Tap the Badge
This reveals:
- The planet assigned to that friend
- Their position relative to you
- A visual explanation of your ranking
That’s it.
No guesswork required.
Snapchat Solar System Planets Explained (In Order)
Each planet represents a Best Friend rank based on Snap frequency, message consistency, and interaction history.
Let’s break them down from closest to farthest.
Mercury – Your #1 Best Friend
Mercury means one thing:
This is the person you Snap the most.
No competition.
No debate.
This friend receives:
- The highest Snap volume
- The fastest replies
- The most consistent engagement
In real life, this is your Snapchat ride-or-die.
Venus – Very Close, But Second
Venus represents your second closest friend.
You Snap them a lot.
Just not the most.
This usually means:
- Daily interaction
- Strong streaks
- High emotional engagement
Think of Venus as a strong second place.
Still important.
Still close.
Earth – Balanced and Reliable Friendship
If someone is Earth, your friendship is steady and mutual.
There’s balance.
There’s consistency.
But it’s not obsessive.
This planet often reflects:
- Long-term friendships
- Equal effort from both sides
- Stable communication habits
Earth friendships are underrated—and powerful.
Mars – Active but Inconsistent
Mars means interaction exists, but it’s not constant.
Some days you Snap a lot.
Other days, nothing.
This usually indicates:
- Friends with busy schedules
- On-and-off conversations
- Casual but friendly vibes
Mars isn’t weak.
It’s just unpredictable.
Jupiter – Friendly but Distant
Jupiter is where things start cooling off.
You interact.
But not often.
This planet suggests:
- Occasional snaps
- Low daily engagement
- Friendship without urgency
Still a Best Friend.
Just not a priority.
Saturn – Almost Out of Orbit
Saturn means you’re barely holding onto Best Friend status.
One missed streak.
One slow week.
And they’re gone.
This planet signals:
- Declining interaction
- Low Snap volume
- Weak consistency
If you care about friendship, now’s the time to act.
Uranus & Neptune – Farthest Best Friends
These planets sit at the edge of your Snapchat Solar System.
They represent:
- Minimal interaction
- Rare conversations
- Near-inactive friendships
Technically Best Friends.
Practically acquaintances.
What the Snapchat Solar System Does Not Show
Let’s clear up some confusion.
The Snapchat Solar System does not show:
- Who views your profile
- Who stalks your snaps
- Who has a crush on you
- Who is toxic or fake
It’s purely data-driven engagement ranking.
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
Why the Snapchat Solar System Changes Frequently
One Snap can change everything.
That’s because Snapchat recalculates rankings based on:
- Message frequency
- Snap streaks
- Reply speed
- Interaction patterns
Miss a few days?
Planets shift.
Start snapping more?
Orbits tighten.
It’s dynamic by design.
How to Improve Your Snapchat Solar System Ranking
Want to move closer to the Sun?
Here’s how—step by step.
Step 1: Increase Daily Snaps
Consistency beats volume.
Send fewer snaps daily rather than many once a week.
Step 2: Reply Faster
Fast responses signal active engagement.
Snapchat’s algorithm loves that.
Step 3: Maintain Snap Streaks
Streaks are still powerful ranking signals.
Protect them.
Step 4: Use Direct Snaps
Avoid group chats.
One-to-one snaps carry more weight.
Is the Snapchat Solar System Accurate?
Short answer: Yes, mostly.
Long answer: It reflects Snapchat behavior, not real-life closeness.
Some friends don’t like snapping.
Others live on the app.
The Solar System measures activity, not emotions.
And that’s okay.
Snapchat Solar System vs Best Friends List
Before planets, Snapchat used:
- Emojis
- Best Friends lists
- Snap scores
The Snapchat Solar System improves this by:
- Adding visual clarity
- Removing public comparison
- Making rankings easier to understand
It’s cleaner.
Smarter.
More engaging.
Common Snapchat Solar System Myths
Let’s debunk a few.
Myth 1: The Solar System shows mutual rankings
→ False. It only shows your perspective.
Myth 2: You can hide your planet
→ False. Snapchat controls visibility.
Myth 3: More snaps always mean higher rank
→ False. Consistency matters more.
Should You Care About the Snapchat Solar System?
That depends.
If you use Snapchat casually, it’s just fun trivia.
If you’re socially active, it becomes a feedback loop.
And if you’re strategic?
It’s a roadmap for engagement.
Used wisely, the Snapchat Solar System helps you understand:
- Who you actually interact with
- Where friendships stand
- How your habits shape connections
And that insight alone makes it worth understanding.
Final Thoughts on the Snapchat Solar System
The Snapchat Solar System isn’t just a gimmick.
It’s a clever blend of data visualization, psychology, and social behavior.
Once you understand it, you stop guessing.
You start seeing patterns.
And suddenly, those tiny planets tell a much bigger story.
A story about attention.
Consistency.
And who truly stays in your orbit.
