Snap limits Memories free storage to 5 GB, launches paid plans

Snap Inc. said this week it will limit free storage for Snapchat Memories to 5 gigabytes and begin offering paid storage plans for users who exceed that cap, marking a shift from nearly a decade of unlimited cloud backups on the messaging app. The company said the change will take effect in the coming months and will apply to users worldwide who have saved thousands of photos and videos in Memories.

Snap said it will introduce multiple Memories Storage plans, including a lower-tier option for additional space and higher-capacity allocations tied to its paid Snapchat subscriptions. The company confirmed that Snapchat Platinum subscribers will receive 5 terabytes of Memories storage as part of that $15.99 per month plan. Snap also said an introductory plan offering up to 100 gigabytes will be available and that a Snapchat subscription will include a larger 250 gigabyte allocation. The company said details and pricing may vary by market.

The company framed the move as a response to rapidly rising storage demands. Since launching Memories in 2016, users have saved more than 1 trillion items, Snap said. The company wrote, "It is never easy to transition from receiving a service for...