If you’ve recently opened Snapchat and noticed something cosmic happening in your profile—planets orbiting a Bitmoji sun or glowing orbs arranged around you—you’re not alone. These celestial graphics aren’t random. They’re part of Snapchat’s Friend Solar System, and they play a key role in understanding your best friend rankings on the platform.
Whether you’re curious about your “Mercury” or why someone is orbiting farther out like “Saturn,” this article will fully explain what is Snapchat planets, how they work, what each planet symbolizes, and how they tie into your friendships.
What Is the Snapchat Friend Solar System?
The Friend Solar System is a Snapchat+ feature designed to visually represent your top friends in a planetary system format. Essentially, it uses planets to indicate how close your friendship is with someone, with your Bitmoji as the “Sun” and your top friends as planets revolving around you.
This unique feature is only visible if:
- You and your friend both have Snapchat+ subscriptions
- Your friend is in your Best Friends list
- You tap on the “Best Friends badge” in the Friendship Profile
It’s a quirky, gamified way for Snapchat to bring more personality and exclusivity to its premium tier, while also giving users a fun glimpse into their social universe.
What Is Snapchat Planets Feature?
So, what is Snapchat planets really about? At its core, this feature mirrors our solar system. Each friend is assigned a planet that corresponds to their ranking in your Best Friends list. The closer the planet is to the sun (you), the stronger your connection with that person.
Here’s how the planets break down:
1. Mercury
(1st Best Friend)
- Closest to the sun
- Indicates the person you Snap with the most
- Usually daily interactions
2. Venus
(2nd Best Friend)
- Still very close
- Someone you Snap almost as frequently
3. Earth
(3rd Best Friend)
- Close friend with consistent interaction
4. Mars
(4th Best Friend)
- Strong friendship, but slightly less than the top three
5. Jupiter
(5th Best Friend)
- Frequent Snap partner, though interaction may vary
6. Saturn
(6th Best Friend)
- Less frequent communication compared to the top five
7. Uranus
(7th Best Friend)
- Still important, but not as active
8. Neptune
(8th Best Friend)
- Your eighth closest friend on Snapchat
Each planet is color-coded and uniquely animated with hearts, sparkles, or rings to distinguish them visually.
How to Access the Friend Solar System
To view your friends’ planets, you must have a Snapchat+ subscription, which unlocks a suite of experimental and exclusive features. Once subscribed, follow these steps:
- Go to a Friendship Profile
- Tap the “Best Friends” badge under their Bitmoji
- A solar system animation appears with the planet assigned to that friend
Your friend won’t be notified when you check this info, and the feature is private to your Snapchat+ view.
What Do Snapchat Planets Actually Represent?
The Snapchat Planets are not just cool visuals—they’re a rank-based social indicator. Think of it as a modern spin on a friend hierarchy system that’s easy to understand visually.
Here’s what each planet suggests about your interaction level:
- Closer planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth) = Frequent conversations, Snaps, and interactions
- Outer planets (Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) = Less frequent but still significant interaction
- No planet = The person is not in your Best Friends list or you’re not subscribed to Snapchat+
Can the Planets Change?
Yes! These planets are dynamic, not fixed. They change based on how often you interact with each friend. If you suddenly start Snapping more with someone new, your planetary lineup will adjust accordingly.
Some users even use this system as a fun way to track shifting social circles or check where they stand in someone else’s Friend Solar System—though keep in mind, you can only see your own version of the system, not others’.
Is This Feature Available to Everyone?
Unfortunately, no. The Snapchat Planets feature is exclusive to Snapchat+ users. Snapchat+ is a paid subscription service that costs around $3.99/month (pricing may vary by region).
Snapchat+ includes features like:
- Best Friends Solar System
- Custom app icons
- Priority story replies
- Post-view emojis
- Ghost Trails on Snap Map
- And more experimental features
For casual users, it may not be worth subscribing solely for the planet feature, but for dedicated fans of the app, it’s a fun and insightful add-on.
The Psychology Behind Snapchat Planets
Why is everyone obsessed with planets in Snapchat? It taps into several social triggers:
- Visual Status: Seeing someone ranked as your “Mercury” makes the relationship feel validated.
- Exclusivity: Since it’s a paid feature, it adds a layer of exclusivity.
- Gamification: Watching your position change based on interactions feels like leveling up in a game.
- Curiosity: Let’s be honest—everyone wants to know where they stand in someone else’s digital orbit.
The Friend Solar System turns social interaction into a game, which aligns perfectly with Snapchat’s playful brand identity.
How Does This Impact Your Friendships?
It can go both ways. On one hand, it encourages more interaction and fun between friends. On the other hand, it may cause minor jealousy or confusion—especially if you thought someone was your closest friend but find out you’re their “Saturn.”
It’s important to take these rankings with a grain of salt. They’re based purely on algorithmic data from Snap interactions, not necessarily emotional connection or real-life importance.
Tips for Using Snapchat Planets Wisely
Here are a few tips if you’re diving into this universe:
Don’t Obsess Over Rankings
These change frequently and reflect Snap usage, not emotional bonds.
Use It for Fun
The planets are meant to be a lighthearted, visual way to engage—not a judgment tool.
Keep Interacting
Want someone to move closer in your orbit? Increase Snap interactions, replies, or video chats.
Watch for Updates
Snapchat often tweaks its features, so expect new animations or additional planets in future updates.
Final Thoughts
Snapchat’s Friend Solar System is a creative and visual way to rank your best friends using planets, adding a fun twist to social interaction. Understanding what is Snapchat planets helps users decode their digital relationships and adds a personalized layer to chatting and snapping.
If you’re subscribed to Snapchat+, don’t forget to explore this feature regularly—it’s not only entertaining but also a subtle reflection of your closest connections on the app.
Want to dive deeper into what is Snapchat planets and how it compares to traditional Best Friends lists? Explore this full breakdown with screenshots and feature comparisons.
