Hey there! I’m Martin, and if you’re anything like me, your phone is basically a digital extension of your social life. But have you ever looked at your friend list and wondered, “Who actually are my ‘best’ friends this week?”
A few months ago, I found myself in a bit of a digital pickle. I was sitting at a coffee shop, scrolling through my stories, when I realized I was oversharing. I’d posted a video of my (admittedly messy) kitchen to my entire Instagram following—including my old high school gym teacher and a guy I met once at a networking event in 2019. Talk about an “oh no” moment.
That’s when I really started diving into the gatekeeping features of social media. Specifically, the battle between the gamified, slightly mysterious Snapchat Planets and the straightforward, curated vibe of Instagram Close Friends. If you’ve been torn between the two, or just want to know which one actually respects your privacy, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down the Snapchat Planets vs Instagram Close Friends debate like we’re grabbing a brew.
My Personal Experience with Friend Rankings
Let me tell you a quick story about the time I almost lost a real-life friend over a digital planet.
I’ve been a Snapchat Plus subscriber for over a year (I know, I know—I’m a sucker for those experimental features). Last summer, my buddy Dave and I were on a massive 500-day streak. We were “Mercury” to each other—the #1 spot. Then, I started a new project at work with another friend, Sarah. We were snapping constantly about deadlines and coffee runs.
One Tuesday, Dave checked my profile (yes, he’s that guy) and saw he’d been demoted to Venus. He actually texted me: “Bruh, am I really just Venus now? Who’s your Sun?” It was hilarious but also a little eye-opening. While Snapchat Planets turned my friendships into a competitive sport I didn’t know I was playing, Instagram Close Friends has always felt like my “safe haven.” I use my Close Friends list on IG for the raw, unedited Martin—the guy who burns toast and rants about bad UI design.
Testing both side-by-side taught me one thing: Snapchat tells you who you actually talk to, while Instagram lets you choose who you want to talk to.
Read More: Snapchat Plus Custom Icons: My Ultimate Aesthetic Guide
Snapchat Planets: The Cosmic Hierarchy
If you’re a Snapchat Plus user, you’ve seen the “Solar System” badge on friendship profiles. It’s a literal ranking of your top eight friends based on how much you interact. You are the Sun, and your friends orbit you based on your “closeness” (read: snap volume).
The Snapchat Planet Order
The order follows the real-life solar system. Here’s the breakdown of how Snapchat sees your social life:
- Mercury: Your #1 Best Friend. You guys are basically attached at the thumb.
- Venus: Your 2nd closest. A solid silver medalist.
- Earth: 3rd place. Still very much in the inner circle.
- Mars: 4th place. You’re talking daily, but maybe not every hour.
- Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, & Neptune: The “outer rim.” You’re friends, but the interaction is more sporadic.
Why It’s Addictive (And a Bit Stressful)
The thing about social media ranking on Snap is that it’s dynamic. If you stop snapping your Mercury for two days, they might drift out to Mars. It creates this subconscious pressure to keep the streaks alive. Honestly, sometimes I feel like I’m managing a literal galaxy just to keep my “BFF” status.
Instagram Close Friends: The VIP Velvet Rope
On the other side of the fence, we have Instagram Close Friends. This isn’t an algorithm-based ranking; it’s a manually curated list. You decide who gets to see those “for your eyes only” stories and posts.
How It Works in 2026
Instagram has expanded this feature significantly. It’s no longer just for Stories. You can now:
- Post Feed Photos: Share a permanent post that only your Close Friends can see.
- Share Reels: Yes, even your cringey dance attempts can be gated.
- Live Streams: You can go live specifically for your “Green Ring” crew.
The biggest difference? Privacy review. On Instagram, nobody knows who else is on your list, and nobody knows their “rank.” It’s a binary choice: you’re either in the club, or you’re not.
Snapchat Planets vs Instagram Close Friends: Feature Comparison
To make this easier to digest, I’ve put together a quick comparison table. This is based on my daily usage and the latest 2026 updates.
| Feature | Snapchat Planets | Instagram Close Friends |
| Selection Method | Algorithmic (Based on Snaps/Chats) | Manual (You choose) |
| Visibility | You can see your rank in their system | Private (List hidden from others) |
| Content Gating | No specific gated content | Gated Stories, Posts, and Reels |
| Cost | Requires Snapchat+ Subscription | Free for everyone |
| Psychological Vibe | Competitive / Gamified | Curated / Safe Space |
| Privacy Level | Moderate (Ranks are semi-visible) | High (Total control) |
Privacy Review: Which One Protects You Better?
This is where things get a bit “techy,” but stay with me. When we talk about privacy review in social media, we’re looking at how much data the app reveals about your habits.
The Snapchat “Expose”
Snapchat Planets can be a bit of a snitch. If a “friend” has Snapchat+, they can see exactly where they rank in your life. If they were your Mercury yesterday and they’re Earth today, they know you’ve been talking to someone else more. For some, this feels like an invasion of social privacy. It’s “forced transparency.”
The Instagram “Shield”
Instagram is the king of the “silent add/remove.” You can add someone to your Close Friends for a day to show them a specific post and then remove them—they’ll never get a notification. It gives you the power to segment your life. I use it to keep my family, work colleagues, and actual “ride-or-dies” in separate mental buckets.
Best Friend Features Comparison: The Verdict
So, which one is actually better for your friendships?
- Choose Snapchat Planets if: You love the “game” of social media. You want to see who your real top friends are based on data, and you don’t mind a little friendly competition over who is whose “Mercury.”
- Choose Instagram Close Friends if: You value control and privacy. You want a space to be “unfiltered” without the pressure of an algorithm deciding who gets to see your life.
Personally? I think Instagram Close Friends is the superior feature for long-term social health. It reduces the “ranking anxiety” that Snapchat thrives on. But hey, there’s no denying the rush of seeing that little gold ring around a planet on Snap!
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: Can people see if I move them from Mercury to Venus on Snapchat?
A: Not directly through a notification, but if they have Snapchat+ and check your Friendship Profile, they’ll see the planet icon has changed. So, yeah—they can find out if they’re looking!
Q: Does Instagram notify people when I add them to my Close Friends list?
A: Nope! They’ll only know they’re on the list when they see the green ring around your story or a green badge on your post in their feed.
Q: Is Snapchat Planets available for free users in 2026?
A: As of right now, no. It remains a “Gold” feature exclusive to Snapchat Plus subscribers. Instagram Close Friends, however, remains free for all.
Q: Can I have multiple Close Friends lists on Instagram?
A: Instagram has experimented with “Lists,” but for most users, you still have one primary Close Friends list. However, you can now share stories with “Selected People” for even tighter control.
Martin’s Final Tip
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the “rankings” on Snapchat, my best advice is to toggle the Solar System feature off in your Snapchat+ settings. You can still enjoy the other perks without the cosmic drama. Social media should be about connection, not checking your “orbit” every five minutes!
Would you like me to show you how to customize your Instagram Close Friends list for better privacy, or perhaps explain the other hidden perks of Snapchat Plus? Let me know!
