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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.
Snapchat data usage ranges from about 20 KB for a text message to as much as 2 GB per hour during video calls, so it comes down to how you use the app. Trying filters, sending Snaps, browsing Spotlight, and making video calls all use different amounts of data.
So, how much data does Snapchat use? Below is a full breakdown of Snapchat data usage, plus the settings that cut your consumption. And if you’re traveling, Holafly’s unlimited data eSIMs let you enjoy Snapchat without watching the meter.
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Does Snapchat use a lot of data?
Yes — Snapchat uses a lot of data. Based on our data usage research, typical Snapchat usage consumes around 101 MB every five minutes while scrolling through the Spotlight or Stories section. How much mobile data does Snapchat use the rest of the time depends on your activity: text chats barely register, while video snaps and filters sit somewhere in between.
How much data does Snapchat use per hour?
How much data Snapchat uses depends on the activity. Text-only chats use very little data, while sending Snaps, using filters, browsing Spotlight or Stories, and making video calls progressively use more. Video calls are the most data-intensive activity because they continuously upload and stream video.
| Snapchat activity | Estimated data usage |
|---|---|
| Text messages | 20 KB per message |
| Sending photos | 1–3 MB per photo |
| Sending video Snaps | 3–8 MB per 10-second video |
| Sending photos & video Snaps (continuous use) | 500–800 MB/hour |
| Filters & AR Lenses | 500–700 MB/hour |
| Spotlight & Stories | 800 MB–1.2 GB/hour |
| Video calls | 1.5–2 GB/hour |
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 use roughly 0.8 to 1 GB per hour. That adds up fast on the move. Relying on roaming abroad, a single heavy session can cost more than you’d expect, since carriers charge steep per-MB rates. Here’s how to cut your usage.
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 can significantly reduce Snapchat’s data usage by preventing content from loading automatically and lowering how much data the app uses in the background.
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 Plans, 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.
FAQs about Snapchat data usage
It depends on how you use Snapchat. Watching Spotlight videos or browsing Stories can use 800 MB–1.2 GB per hour, so 1 GB may last around 50–75 minutes. If you’re mostly sending messages or photos, it can last much longer.
Text messages use around 20 KB each, sending photos 1–3 MB per photo, sending video Snaps 3–8 MB per 10-second video, continuous snapping 500–800 MB per hour, Filters and AR Lenses 500–700 MB per hour, Spotlight and Stories 800 MB–1.2 GB per hour, and video calls 1.5–2 GB per hour.
Turn on Data Saver in Snapchat’s settings — it roughly halves your usage. You can also limit auto-saving of Memories, skip Spotlight on mobile data, and stick to WiFi when possible. Traveling abroad? An unlimited data eSIM lets you use Snapchat freely without roaming fees.
It depends on your habits. A heavy day of scrolling and video snaps can run several GB, while a light day of texting uses only a few MB. As a benchmark, browsing Spotlight or Stories typically uses 800 MB–1.2 GB per hour, while video calls can use up to 2 GB per hour.
Yes — Snapchat works in most countries as long as you have an internet connection. The app itself isn’t the issue; data is. Roaming abroad gets expensive fast, so many travelers use an unlimited data eSIM to keep snapping, chatting, and posting Stories without the fees.
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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.
