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How much data does Snapchat use?
Snapchat data usage ranges from 20 KB for a message to 150 MB for a video. Learn how much data Snapchat uses with our independent research.
How much data does Snapchat use when you’re trying filters, uploading snaps and stories, chatting, or making video calls with friends? The answer: it depends on how you’re using the app.
See our Snapchat data usage guide to understand how much data you need and how to reduce your data consumption. Plus, discover Holafly’s unlimited eSIMs – a way to enjoy Snapchat without worrying over the data you are using.
Avoid excessive roaming fees
Don't get caught out by data roaming charges. Use local networks at local rates.
Does Snapchat use a lot of data?
Based on our data usage research, Snapchat uses 101 MB every five minutes while scrolling through the Spotlight or Stories section.
However, other features like uploading stories, trying filters, or sending photos and videos can consume less data, ranging from 50 to 80 MB every five minutes when sending photos and videos. Text-only chatting only uses 20 KB per message, without including GIFs and other media pieces.
| Feature | Data usage every five minutes |
|---|---|
| Scrolling through Spotlight or Stories | 101 MB |
| Text-only chat | 20 KB |
| Chat, including photos and short videos | 50-70 MB |
| Chat with longer videos | 150 MB |
| Trying filters | 50 MB |
How to check your Snapchat data usage
Whether trying filters, scrolling through viral content, or chatting with friends, it’s important to check how much data Snapchat uses.
Here’s how you check the Snapchat data usage on iPhone and Android:
Check Snapchat data usage on iPhone
- Go to “Settings.”
- Click “Cellular/Mobile Data.”
- Scroll until you find the Snapchat data usage.
Track Snapchat data usage on Android
- Go to “Settings.”
- Click “More connectivity options.”
- Select “Data usage.”
- Look for “Snapchat” and check its data usage.
How to reduce Snapchat data usage
Snapchat’s data usage is high when compared to other apps like Instagram or TikTok, which consume 69 to 79 MB of data every five minutes.
This means that when you’re traveling and relying on data roaming, you could spend over $100 on roaming when sending a 50 MB video, as companies like AT&T and Verizon charge $2.05 per MB.
Let’s explore the ways to save how much data Snapchat uses.
Activate the data saver option
One way to reduce Snapchat’s data usage is to activate the data saver option. This will reduce the consumption by half, meaning you would use around 50 MB every five minutes.
Here’s how you activate it:
- Click on your profile icon on the left corner
- Click the “Settings” button on the top right corner
- Go to “Privacy Control” and select “Data Saver”
Turn on the option and choose “Until Turned Off” to save more data
Choose how to store your photos
Like other apps, Snapchat allows you to store those memorable photos and videos you create on the app.
However, saving these can increase the amount of data Snapchat uses. Here’s how to choose data-saving options:
- Click on your profile icon on the left corner
- Click “Settings” on the top right corner
- Go to “ Privacy Control” and select “Memories”
- Toggle on the “Smart Backup” option to create a backup of your videos and photos with WiFi
- On “Save Destinations,” change the “Save Button” option to “Memories” only and the “Auto-Save My Store Snaps” to “Don’t Auto-Save” to reduce the data consumption
Use over WiFi only
The last option for heavy Snapchat users who want to avoid spending a lot of data and money while roaming abroad is to use Snapchat only when connected to WiFi.
So, watch as many stories as you want when waiting for the plane to arrive or drinking a coffee at Starbucks and having a WiFi connection.
Using Snapchat on the go with unlimited data eSIM
Choosing an eSIM with unlimited data is the best way for you to use Snapchat while abroad, as you won’t have to worry about data or roaming fees.
With Holafly, you can access different plans for staying connected abroad and planning a trip to a single country or region. Holafly has coverage in over 200 destinations, with unlimited data plans and up to 1 GB of data sharing daily.
But what about those who work with Snapchat or like to spend the day with augmented reality filters? Holafly Connect, a monthly eSIM subscription, is the best option. Here’s what it offers:
- Unlimited data plans with a monthly renewal option for $64.90
- Up to 5G connectivity in over 170 destinations
- Unlimited data sharing
Combine work with travel
Why not turn the Bahamas into your next workplace? Get a Holafly eSIM and work online from anywhere.
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
