Hey there! I’m Martin. If you’re anything like me, you probably spend a little too much time perfecting your Bitmoji or checking who rewatched your latest Story. We’ve all been there—scrolling through our friend list and seeing that sleek little gold star icon next to a name and wondering, “Wait, how did they get that, and how do I get one?”
I remember the first time I saw it. I was grabbing a latte at my favorite spot in downtown Seattle, and my buddy Sarah showed me her profile. There it was: the Snapchat Plus Badge. It looked like a tiny badge of honor. Being the tech nerd I am, I had to dive in and figure out exactly how the Snapchat Plus Badge works, how to toggle it on, and what it actually tells the world about your profile.
If you’re ready to level up your Snap game, let’s break it down over this virtual cup of coffee.
My Personal Experience with the Snapchat Plus Badge
Honestly, when Snapchat+ first dropped, I was a bit of a skeptic. I thought, “Do I really need to pay for a social media app?” But curiosity got the better of me, especially when I realized the Snapchat Plus Badge wasn’t just about the flex—it was the gateway to a bunch of “power user” tools I’d been dying for.
I signed up for the trial on a rainy Tuesday. After getting my subscription sorted, I headed straight to my profile to find my new badge. Here’s the kicker: it didn’t show up immediately. I actually felt a tiny bit of “buyer’s remorse” for about two minutes before I realized that Snapchat, in its infinite wisdom, hides the badge by default.
I had to manually go into my Snapchat+ settings to toggle it on. The moment that black circle with the white star appeared next to my name, I felt like I’d joined an exclusive club. Within an hour, three of my friends messaged me asking how I got “verified.” I had to explain that while it looks like a verification mark, it actually identifies me as a Snapchat+ member. It’s been on my profile ever since, and it’s a great conversation starter for fellow tech enthusiasts.
Read More: Is Snapchat Plus Worth It for Planets? (2026 Guide)
What Exactly is the Snapchat Plus Badge?
Before we get into the “how-to,” let’s clarify what this thing actually is. The Snapchat Plus Badge is an exclusive profile badge available only to subscribers of Snapchat’s premium service.
It appears as a small gold star icon (specifically a white star inside a black/dark circle) located right next to your display name. It’s visible to your friends and other users when they view your profile or see you in their chat list.
Why Do People Want It?
- Status: It shows you’re a dedicated user.
- Customization: It’s part of a larger suite of tools to make your profile look unique.
- Early Access: It signals that you have access to experimental features like Ghost Trails and the Friend Solar System.
How to Get the Snapchat Plus Badge (Step-by-Step)
Getting the badge is a two-part process. First, you need the subscription. Second, you need to tell the app to actually display it. Trust me, I’ve seen so many people subscribe and then wonder why their profile looks the same—don’t be that person!
Step 1: Subscribe to Snapchat+
You can’t just “earn” this badge through points; you have to be a Snapchat+ member.
- Open Snapchat and tap your Bitmoji in the top left.
- Look for the Snapchat+ banner card (usually right under your name).
- Choose a plan (Monthly or Yearly). In the USA, it’s typically around $3.99/month.
- Complete the purchase through your App Store or Google Play account.
Step 2: Enable the Profile Badge
This is the part everyone misses!
- Go back to your Profile.
- Tap on your Snapchat+ membership card at the top.
- You’ll see a list of exclusive features. Scroll until you find “Snapchat+ Badge.”
- Toggle the switch to ON.
Martin’s Pro-Tip: If the badge doesn’t appear immediately after toggling it, try force-closing the app and restarting it. Sometimes the cache needs a little nudge to show your new shiny star!
What Does the Badge Show to Your Friends?
When you display the badge, it tells your friends a few specific things. It’s not just a pretty icon; it’s a signal of your “Power User” status.
1. Subscription Status
The most obvious one: it shows you are a paying Snapchat+ member. In a world of free apps, this is a way to support the platform and get those “experimental” vibes.
2. Access to Premium Features
When someone sees that star, they might suspect you’re using other Plus-only perks. Have you ever wondered if someone rewatched your Story? With the badge, people know you likely have the Story Rewatch Indicator active.
3. Friendship “Tier” Clues
If you have the badge, you also have access to the Friend Solar System. While the badge itself doesn’t show your best friends, it lets others know you can see where you stand in their “universe.” (Which, let’s be honest, can be a little stressful sometimes! Have you ever dropped from being someone’s “Sun” to “Mars”? It stings a little!)
Comparing Snapchat+ Badge vs. Snap Star (Verified)
A common point of confusion—and one that I had to clear up for my sister last week—is the difference between the Plus badge and the “Verified” star.
| Feature | Snapchat Plus Badge | Snap Star (Verified) |
| Icon Appearance | White star in a black circle | Black star in a gold/yellow circle |
| How to Get It | Paid subscription ($3.99/mo) | High engagement, public figure status |
| Who Sees It? | Friends and people you interact with | The entire public Snapchat community |
| Main Purpose | Access to premium features | Content creator verification |
| Customizable? | Yes, can be toggled on/off | No, it’s permanent while verified |
Deep Dive: Other Features That Come With the Badge
While we’re here for the Snapchat Plus Badge, you aren’t paying $4 a month just for a tiny icon. When you toggle that star on, you’re unlocking a whole toolbox.
Custom App Icons and Themes
One of my favorite parts of being a Snapchat+ member is changing the app icon on my home screen. I currently have mine set to a retro neon look that matches my wallpaper. You can also customize the actual interface colors—I went with a “Midnight” theme because the standard white is way too bright for my late-night snapping sessions.
Ghost Trails on the Map
This one is a bit controversial! Ghost Trails allow you to see the “path” a friend has taken in the last 24 hours (if they share their location). It’s great for seeing if your group of friends actually made it to the concert yet, but I always remind people to use it respectfully.
Pinning Your #1 BFF
Do you have that one person you message more than anyone else? With Snapchat+, you can pin them as your #1 Best Friend. This keeps them at the very top of your chat list, regardless of who else is messaging you. It’s a small change that makes a huge difference in how fast you can respond to your “inner circle.”
FAQs: What the Internet is Asking
1. Can I hide the Snapchat Plus Badge after I buy it?
Yes! Unlike the verified “Snap Star” badge, you have total control. Just go to your Snapchat+ settings and toggle the badge off. You’ll keep all your premium features, but your profile will look like a standard account. I do this sometimes when I want to “fly under the radar.”
2. Does the badge mean I’m verified?
Not exactly. It “verifies” that you are a subscriber, but it doesn’t mean you’re a celebrity or a public figure. If you want the “Snap Star” verification, you have to apply for that separately based on your content and following.
3. If I cancel my subscription, do I keep the gold star icon?
Unfortunately, no. The Snapchat Plus Badge is a “live” perk. The second your subscription expires, the badge (and your custom app icons) will vanish. It’s a “lease,” not a “buy”!
4. Can non-Plus users see my badge?
Yes, they can! As long as they have an updated version of the app, your friends (and even strangers, if your profile is public) will see that tiny star next to your name.
Martin’s Final Tip
If you’re on the fence about getting the Snapchat Plus Badge, I’d say give the 7-day free trial a shot. Don’t just get it for the icon—spend some time playing with the Story Rewatch Indicator and the Custom Notification Sounds. Being able to know exactly who messaged me just by the sound of the chime is a total game-changer for my productivity (and my sanity).
The badge is a fun way to show you’re part of the “inner circle” of the app, but the real value is in the time-saving features. Just remember to toggle it on manually once you sign up!
Would you like me to walk you through how to set up those custom notification sounds next? It’s one of the best “hidden” perks of the subscription!
