If you know, you know.
Snapchat Plus isn’t just a subscription—it’s like getting the golden backstage pass to the app’s coolest and most secret features.
From VIP-style profile upgrades to exclusive map icons, it’s the kind of thing that makes regular Snapchat feel… well, basic.
And here’s the fun part: once you know the signs, you can instantly tell who’s a casual Snapchatter and who’s part of the Snapchat Plus inner circle.
This guide will walk you through how to tell if someone has Snapchat Plus—with simple tricks so you can spot it without asking (and without looking like you’re snooping).
10 Clear Signs You Can Spot
Here’s a quick breakdown of the 10 signs you can spot instantly.
1. Check for the Snapchat+ Badge
When figuring out how to tell if someone has Snapchat Plus, the most obvious clue is the Snapchat+ badge—a small black star ✨ that appears next to their display name in chats, on their profile, or in your friends list.
It’s Snapchat’s way of showing they’re part of the premium club.
However, not every Plus subscriber shows it—displaying the badge is completely optional in their settings.
Some people keep it visible as a little flex, while others prefer to keep their upgrade a secret.
So, if you spot it, you can be 100% sure they have Snapchat Plus… but if you don’t, they could still be subscribed.
2. Extended Story Expiration
Another easy trick for how to tell if someone has Snapchat Plus is by checking how long their stories stick around.
On a regular account, stories disappear after 24 hours, no exceptions.
But Snapchat Plus users can set their stories to last up to 7 days, which means they can keep their content visible for much longer.
This feature is perfect for people who post special events, travel updates, or announcements and want them to stay live without reposting every day.
So, if you notice your friend’s story is still sitting at the front of your feed after three, four, or even seven days—it’s a pretty good sign they’ve upgraded to Snapchat Plus.
3. Post View Emoji
One subtle but fun clue for how to tell if someone has Snapchat Plus is the Post View Emoji feature.
This lets Plus subscribers choose a custom emoji that appears next to their name after you’ve viewed their snaps.
For example, after opening their snap, you might notice a 🌙, 🔥, 💎, or any other emoji sitting there every single time.
It’s their little signature—kind of like a digital calling card—so they can add personality or inside jokes to their snaps.
On regular Snapchat, this feature doesn’t exist, so if you’re consistently seeing the same emoji pop up after you view their content, it’s a strong sign they’re using Snapchat Plus.
4. Extra Snap Replay
Another clear sign for how to tell if someone has Snapchat Plus is the extra snap replay perk.
On the free version of Snapchat, you only get one chance to replay a snap—once you’ve viewed it twice (original + replay), it’s gone forever.
With Snapchat Plus, subscribers get one extra replay, allowing them to watch the same snap twice after the initial view.
That means they can see your snap three times in total (view + replay + bonus replay).
So, if your friend mentions tiny details from a snap you know you sent only once—or catches something you didn’t expect them to notice—it might be because they used this double replay feature.
5. Special Chat Wallpapers
When figuring out how to tell if someone has Snapchat Plus, one of the easiest things to notice is the chat wallpaper.
Normally, Snapchat chats have a plain background unless you manually change the theme.
But Snapchat Plus subscribers have access to exclusive, premium-style wallpapers—from colorful gradients to stylish patterns and even animated designs.
If you open a chat and suddenly see a sleek or themed background you didn’t set yourself, that’s a strong hint they’ve upgraded.
These wallpapers are often unique to Plus users, so they’re a quick visual clue that your friend is enjoying some extra customization perks.
6. Premium-Looking Profile Backgrounds
Another visual clue for how to tell if someone has Snapchat Plus is the look of their profile background.
While standard Snapchat profiles keep things simple, Plus subscribers can add premium backgrounds—including smooth gradients, animated patterns, or themed designs that instantly make their profile stand out.
These backgrounds aren’t just for looks—they’re a way for users to personalize their profile and give it a more “exclusive” feel.
If you tap on someone’s Bitmoji and their profile looks polished, colorful, or animated in ways yours doesn’t, chances are they’ve unlocked these upgrades with Snapchat Plus.
7. Story Rewatch Count
A sneaky but clear way for how to tell if someone has Snapchat Plus is through the story rewatch count feature.
In the regular version of Snapchat, users can only see who viewed their story—not how many times each person rewatched it.
Snapchat Plus changes that by letting subscribers track exactly how many times a specific user has gone back to view their story.
So, if your friend casually says something like, “Wow, you watched my story three times” or jokes about you rewatching it, they’re not guessing—they actually have the numbers.
Since this feature is exclusive to Plus, it’s one of the easiest giveaways if they ever mention your rewatch stats.
8. Ghost Trails on Snap Map
Another strong clue for how to tell if someone has Snapchat Plus is the Ghost Trails feature on Snap Map.
Normally, Snapchat’s map just shows your current location if you’ve chosen to share it.
But with Ghost Trails, Plus subscribers can see a dotted “trail” of where you’ve been in the past 24 hours.
This means they can track your recent movements—like the café you visited in the morning or the park you stopped by in the afternoon—without you ever sending them an update.
If your friend seems to know your day’s route without asking, they might be using Ghost Trails, which is available only to Snapchat Plus users.
9. See If the User Has Pets or Cars on Map
A playful and visual clue for how to tell if someone has Snapchat Plus is to check their Bitmoji on Snap Map.
While standard Snapchat shows a simple standing or sitting Bitmoji, Plus subscribers can unlock special map poses and props—like driving a car, walking a dog, riding a bike, or even holding unique accessories.
These little extras aren’t just for fun; they’re a way for Plus users to stand out and personalize how they appear to friends on the map.
So, if you notice their Bitmoji cruising down the street in a sports car or strolling with a cute puppy, it’s not a random animation—it’s one of the exclusive perks of Snapchat Plus.
10. Priority Story Replies
Another subtle sign for how to tell if someone has Snapchat Plus is the priority story replies feature.
When a Plus subscriber replies to the story of a popular creator or public figure, their comment gets pushed higher in the creator’s inbox—making it more likely to be seen and replied to.
If you notice someone consistently getting quick responses or shoutouts from influencers or celebrities, it’s not just luck—they might be benefiting from this priority placement.
While there’s no public label showing it, the pattern of fast replies from big accounts can be a strong hint that they’re using Snapchat Plus.
Quick Recap: How to Tell if Someone Has Snapchat Plus
- Snapchat+ badge
- Extended story expiration
- Post view emoji
- Extra snap replay
- Special chat wallpapers
- Premium profile backgrounds
- Solar System badge
- Story rewatch count
- Ghost Trails
- Pets or cars on Snap Map
- Priority story replies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I figure out how to tell if someone has Snapchat Plus without asking them?
Yes—spotting any of the features above is a simple, private way.
Do all Snapchat Plus users show the badge?
No. The badge is optional.
How much is Snapchat Plus?
It’s about $3.99/month, depending on your location.
Does Snapchat Plus give extra privacy?
Not really—it focuses on customization, not privacy.
Can I try Snapchat Plus for free?
Yes—Snapchat often offers a 7-day free trial.
