Snapchat has long been a go-to platform for sharing fleeting moments, quirky filters, and playful interactions with friends. Among its many innovative features, the “Friend Solar System” stands out as a unique and fun way to visualize your closest connections. Exclusive to Snapchat+ subscribers, this feature assigns your top eight friends to planets based on how much you interact with them, turning your social circle into a miniature galaxy. But what exactly are Snapchat Best Friend Planets, how do they work, and what do they mean? Let’s dive into this cosmic feature and explore its order, meanings, and appeal.5
What Are Snapchat Best Friend Planets?
Introduced as part of the Snapchat+ subscription in 2022, the Friend Solar System reimagines your “Best Friends” list as a solar system. In this setup, you are the Sun, and your top eight friends orbit around you as planets. The closer a friend is to you in terms of interaction—think snaps, chats, and streaks—the closer their planet is to the Sun. Mercury represents your #1 best friend, while Neptune marks your eighth closest pal. It’s a creative twist that gamifies your friendships and adds a layer of visual flair to the app.
To access this feature, you need a Snapchat+ subscription, which costs $3.99 monthly (with discounts for longer plans). Once subscribed, you can toggle the Friend Solar System on or off via the Snapchat+ settings—it’s not enabled by default, giving users control over whether they want to engage with it. When you visit a friend’s profile, a “Best Friends” or “Friends” badge with a gold ring appears. Tapping it reveals which planet you are in their solar system, offering a glimpse into how they rank you.
The Snapchat Planets: Order and Meaning
The planets follow the same order as our real solar system, with each one tied to a specific rank on your Best Friends list. Here’s a breakdown of each planet, its position, and what it signifies:
Mercury – Your #1 Best Friend
Closest to the Sun, Mercury represents the friend you snap and chat with the most. Visually, it’s a reddish planet adorned with red hearts, symbolizing a fiery, constant connection. This is your ride-or-die, the one you’re always streaking with or messaging about the latest drama.
Venus – Your #2 Best Friend
Second in line, Venus is your second-closest friend. Depicted as a beige planet with pink, yellow, and blue hearts, it reflects a strong bond—slightly less intense than Mercury, but still a key player in your Snapchat universe.
Earth – Your #3 Best Friend
Earth, with its blue oceans, green continents, and a tiny moon, marks your third-best friend. You interact regularly, but not as obsessively as with Mercury or Venus. It’s a steady, reliable friendship that keeps your social orbit balanced.
Mars – Your #4 Best Friend
The red planet, complete with purple and blue hearts, signifies your fourth-closest friend. Interactions here are solid but less frequent—perhaps a few snaps a week rather than daily chats.
Jupiter – Your #5 Best Friend
Jupiter, an orange giant with colorful stars, is your fifth-best friend. This spot hints at a friendship that’s still meaningful but doesn’t dominate your Snapchat activity. You might catch up weekly or enjoy the occasional silly filter exchange.
Saturn – Your #6 Best Friend
Known for its golden rings and yellow hue, Saturn represents your sixth-closest friend. Communication is more sporadic here—maybe a snap every so often or a reply to their story keeps you connected.
Uranus – Your #7 Best Friend
A green planet with minimal flair, Uranus is your seventh-best friend. Interactions are rare, perhaps monthly, but enough to keep them in your orbit. This friendship might lean more on nostalgia than daily engagement.
Neptune – Your #8 Best Friend
The farthest planet, Neptune, is a deep blue world marking your eighth-closest friend. You barely snap anymore—maybe just enough to stay on the list—but they’re still part of your galaxy.
How Does It Work?
Snapchat’s algorithm determines your planet rankings based on interaction frequency. The more you snap, chat, or maintain streaks with someone, the closer their planet moves to your Sun. It’s not a static list; it shifts as your habits change. For example, if you start snapping someone daily, they could jump from Neptune to Mercury in a matter of weeks.
To check your position in a friend’s solar system, open their profile and tap the “Best Friends” badge (if you’re both in each other’s top eight) or “Friends” badge (if you’re in theirs, but they’re not in yours). Your Bitmoji will appear on the corresponding planet, giving you a quick snapshot of where you stand. Only you can see your own solar system, keeping it a private, personal feature.
Why It’s a Hit (and Sometimes a Miss)
The Friend Solar System adds a playful, competitive edge to Snapchat. It’s satisfying to see yourself as someone’s Mercury or to climb the ranks by snapping more. The visual appeal—planets with hearts, stars, and rings—makes it more engaging than a plain list. For many, it’s a fun way to reflect on their social habits and prioritize connections.
However, it’s not without controversy. Some critics argue it can spark insecurity, especially among younger users who might feel hurt if they’re relegated to Uranus or Neptune on a friend’s list. Snapchat responded by making it an opt-in feature rather than a default one, addressing concerns about its mental health impact. It’s a reminder that these rankings are just a digital game—not a true measure of friendship’s depth.
Tips to Navigate Your Snapchat Galaxy
Want to boost your rank in someone’s solar system—or keep your Mercury spot? Here are a few tricks:
- Snap Regularly: Daily snaps and streaks are the fastest way to climb the ladder.
- Chat More: Engaging conversations bump up your interaction score.
- Stay Active: Responding to stories or sending quick replies keeps you in the mix.
If you’re not seeing planets, ensure you’ve subscribed to Snapchat+, toggled the feature on, and linked your Bitmoji. Both you and your friend need to be subscribers for the badges to appear.
Final Thoughts: Snapchat Best Friend Planets
Snapchat Best Friend Planets are a delightful blend of creativity and connection, turning your social circle into a cosmic playground. Whether you’re basking in the glow of Mercury or orbiting distantly as Neptune, it’s a lighthearted way to see who’s closest to you on the app. As of April 9, 2025, this feature continues to evolve, reflecting Snapchat’s knack for keeping things fresh. So, next time you snap your bestie, think of them as your Mercury—and enjoy the stellar ride!
