Snapchat is known for introducing fun and interactive features that help users stay connected with friends. One of its most popular premium features is Snapchat Planets, also called the Friend Solar System. Available exclusively to Snapchat Plus subscribers, this feature transforms your closest Snapchat friends into planets that orbit around you, making friendships easy to visualize.
If you’re wondering what Snapchat Planets are, how they work, what each planet means, or why your planet ranking changes, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Are Snapchat Planets?
Snapchat Planets is a feature included with Snapchat Plus that ranks your top eight closest friends using the eight planets in our solar system.
In the Friend Solar System:
- You are represented as the Sun.
- Your closest friends appear as planets orbiting around you.
- The closer the planet is to the Sun, the stronger your friendship based on Snapchat interactions.
Instead of showing a simple list, Snapchat uses an engaging visual system inspired by the real solar system.
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What Is the Snapchat Friend Solar System?
The Friend Solar System is the visual representation used by Snapchat to display your friendship rankings.
Every planet represents one of your top eight friends.
The order follows the real solar system:
| Planet | Friendship Rank |
|---|---|
| Mercury | #1 Best Friend |
| Venus | #2 |
| Earth | #3 |
| Mars | #4 |
| Jupiter | #5 |
| Saturn | #6 |
| Uranus | #7 |
| Neptune | #8 |
Mercury represents the friend you interact with the most, while Neptune represents your eighth closest friend.
Do You Need Snapchat Plus?
Yes.
Snapchat Planets is an exclusive feature available only to Snapchat Plus subscribers.
Without Snapchat Plus, you won’t be able to access the Friend Solar System or view your friendship planet rankings.
Besides Planets, Snapchat Plus also includes features such as:
- Custom App Icons
- Story Rewatch Indicator
- Priority Story Replies
- Chat Wallpapers
- Snapchat+ Badge
- Early access to selected features
- Additional personalization options
Features may vary depending on your region and Snapchat updates.
How Snapchat Planets Work
Snapchat automatically analyzes your interactions with friends and assigns each of your top eight friends a planet.
Although Snapchat doesn’t publicly reveal its exact algorithm, rankings are believed to be based on your overall activity, including:
- Snaps exchanged
- Chat frequency
- Story replies
- Story reactions
- Snap Streaks
- Voice and video calls
- Overall interaction consistency
The more you interact with someone, the closer their planet moves toward the Sun.
Since rankings are dynamic, they can change over time as your activity changes.
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Complete Snapchat Planets Order and Meaning
Mercury – Your #1 Best Friend
Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and represents your closest Snapchat friend.
If someone appears as Mercury, they are the person you interact with more than anyone else.
Mercury is commonly displayed with several red hearts, symbolizing a strong friendship.
Venus – Second Closest Friend
Venus represents your second closest friend.
You interact with this person frequently, but slightly less than your Mercury friend.
Venus usually features soft yellow and pink colors with decorative hearts.
Earth – Third Closest Friend
Earth represents your third closest Snapchat friend.
It resembles the real Earth with blue oceans, green land, and often includes a small moon.
Mars – Fourth Closest Friend
Mars represents your fourth closest friend.
Its appearance is typically red with colorful stars and hearts surrounding it.
Jupiter – Fifth Closest Friend
Jupiter represents your fifth closest friend.
It is usually orange with striped patterns inspired by the real Jupiter.
Saturn – Sixth Closest Friend
Saturn represents your sixth closest friend.
Its famous rings make it one of the easiest planets to recognize in Snapchat.
Uranus – Seventh Closest Friend
Uranus represents your seventh closest friend.
It usually appears in green or blue shades and indicates regular, but less frequent, interaction.
Neptune – Eighth Closest Friend
Neptune is the final planet in Snapchat’s Friend Solar System.
It represents your eighth closest friend and is usually shown in deep blue.
Snapchat Planet Colors
Although Snapchat occasionally updates the design, the planets generally appear as:
| Planet | Typical Color |
|---|---|
| Mercury | Red |
| Venus | Yellow & Pink |
| Earth | Blue & Green |
| Mars | Red |
| Jupiter | Orange |
| Saturn | Golden with Rings |
| Uranus | Green/Blue |
| Neptune | Deep Blue |
Best Friends Badge vs. Friends Badge
Many users confuse these two badges.
Best Friends Badge
This means:
- You are in your friend’s Top 8.
- Your friend is also in your Top 8.
The ranking is mutual.
Friends Badge
This means:
- You are one of their closest friends.
- They may not appear in your Top 8.
The ranking is one-sided.
How to Check Your Snapchat Planet
Follow these steps:
- Open Snapchat.
- Go to a friend’s profile.
- Look for the Best Friends or Friends badge.
- Tap the badge.
- Snapchat will display your friendship planet.
Can You Change Your Snapchat Planet?
No.
Snapchat doesn’t allow users to manually select or change their planet.
Your ranking changes automatically based on your interactions.
To improve your ranking:
- Exchange Snaps regularly.
- Maintain Snap Streaks.
- Reply to Stories.
- Chat consistently.
- Stay active with your friend over time.
There is no guaranteed method to become someone’s Mercury.
Why Does Your Planet Change?
Planet rankings are not permanent.
Your ranking may change because:
- You communicate less with a friend.
- Another friend becomes more active.
- Snap Streaks end.
- Overall engagement changes.
Snapchat updates rankings automatically.
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Can You Customize Snapchat Planets?
No.
Currently, Snapchat doesn’t allow users to:
- Change planet colors
- Select a different planet
- Rearrange rankings
- Customize the Friend Solar System
All rankings are determined automatically.
Why Snapchat Planets Aren’t Showing
If Snapchat Planets aren’t appearing, try these solutions:
- Make sure you have an active Snapchat Plus subscription.
- Update Snapchat to the latest version.
- Check whether the Friend Solar System feature is enabled.
- Restart the app.
- Ask your friend to update their app.
- Wait if Snapchat is rolling out updates gradually.
Is Snapchat Planets Private?
Yes.
Snapchat Planets is designed with privacy in mind.
Only eligible Snapchat Plus users involved in the friendship can view the Friend Solar System. Your rankings are not visible to everyone on Snapchat.
Common Myths About Snapchat Planets
Myth: Location affects planet rankings.
Fact: Snapchat has not confirmed that location sharing influences Friend Solar System rankings.
Myth: Only chats matter.
Fact: Snapchat considers overall interaction, not just messages.
Myth: Planet rankings never change.
Fact: Rankings update automatically based on your activity.
Myth: You can manually choose your planet.
Fact: Users cannot manually change their planet.
Tips for Improving Your Snapchat Friendship Ranking
- Send Snaps daily.
- Keep your Snap Streak active.
- Reply to Stories.
- Share photos and videos.
- Stay consistent instead of interacting only occasionally.
- Communicate naturally rather than trying to game the ranking.
Conclusion
Snapchat Planets adds a fun and visual way to understand your closest friendships on Snapchat. By turning your top eight friends into planets orbiting your personal Sun, Snapchat Plus offers a unique feature that combines personalization with social interaction.
While the exact ranking algorithm remains private, staying active with your friends through Snaps, chats, Stories, and regular engagement can influence your position over time. Whether you’re trying to understand why someone is your Mercury or wondering why your planet changed, knowing how the Friend Solar System works helps you make the most of your Snapchat Plus experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Mercury mean on Snapchat?
Mercury means you are someone’s closest Snapchat friend.
Is Snapchat Planets free?
No. It requires a Snapchat Plus subscription.
How many friends appear in Snapchat Planets?
The Friend Solar System includes your top eight friends.
Can I hide my Snapchat Planet?
There is no separate option to hide your planet. Access depends on Snapchat Plus features and privacy settings.
How often do Snapchat Planets update?
There is no fixed schedule. Rankings change automatically as your interactions change.
Do Snap Streaks affect planet rankings?
Snap Streaks may contribute to overall interaction, but Snapchat has not disclosed the exact ranking formula.
I’m Kishan Rana, an SEO professional and digital marketing specialist with over 8 years of hands-on experience in search engine optimization, organic growth strategies, and online visibility enhancement. I’m passionate about analyzing search algorithms, exploring ranking strategies, and helping businesses build sustainable traffic through data-driven SEO practices. Through Mashupmind, I share practical insights, industry trends, and actionable techniques designed to help brands grow smarter in the digital landscape.
