Hey there! If you’re anything like me, your phone probably pings more often than a microwave at a college dorm. I’m Martin, and I’ve been living in the Snapchat ecosystem since back when the ghost logo didn’t even have a face.
The other day, I was sitting at my favorite coffee shop—double espresso in hand—when I noticed a weird little “Mercury” icon next to my best friend’s profile. I’ve been a Power User for years, but even I felt like I’d missed a secret meeting. That’s the thing about Snapchat Plus rewards; they’re constantly evolving, and by 2026, the system has become a full-blown reward economy.
Let’s break down what’s actually worth your time (and your $3.99).
My Personal Experience with Snapchat Plus Rewards
Honestly, I resisted the subscription at first. “Why pay for an app I already use for free?” I thought. But then I saw the achievement icons on a colleague’s phone and my inner tech-geek got FOMO.
About three months ago, I decided to go all-in to see if it actually changed my “Snap game.” I started obsessing over my planet streaks. There was this one week where my “Sun” (that’s me) moved from being Earth to Mars in my brother’s solar system. It sounds silly, but it actually sparked a real-life conversation. I texted him like, “Hey, am I really drifting into the outer rim of your life?”
What I learned is that these rewards aren’t just pixels; they are digital body language. They tell you who is paying attention and who is just “ghosting” your stories. It turned the app from a simple messaging tool into a sort of social leaderboard that, surprisingly, made me more intentional about who I was snapping.
Read More: Snapchat Plus Free Trial Planets: Do You Get Them? (2026)
The Core of the System: Achievement Icons & Badges
In 2026, Snapchat Plus rewards are all about “The Flex.” It starts with that tiny black star badge (✪) next to your name. It’s the ultimate “I’m in the club” signal. But the real meat is in the icons you unlock through activity.
Custom App Icons
Gone are the days of the basic yellow ghost. As a member, you get access to over 40 custom icons. I currently have mine set to a sleek “Cyberpunk” neon ghost that looks incredible on my home screen.
- Pro Tip: Look out for “Seasonal Drops.” Snap has been releasing limited-edition icons that disappear if you don’t “claim” them by using the app during specific windows.
Achievement Icons
These are the new “Trophies.” You earn them by hitting specific milestones, like using the AI “My AI” more than 100 times in a month or maintaining a 365-day streak. They don’t just sit in a menu anymore; you can actually display them on your public profile to show off your Power User status.
Decoding the 2026 Planet Streaks (The Solar System)
This is where people get the most confused. The Friend Solar System is basically a ranking of your top 8 friends. If you’re a Plus member, you can see where you “orbit” in their world.
The Planetary Ranking Order
Have you ever wondered why you’re Saturn and not Mercury? It all comes down to the “Snap Frequency” algorithm.
| Rank | Planet | What it Means in 2026 |
| #1 | Mercury | Your Ride-or-Die. Most snaps exchanged. |
| #2 | Venus | The Reliable Bestie. Frequent daily contact. |
| #3 | Earth | The Constant. You’re in their daily routine. |
| #4 | Mars | The Close Circle. You talk a few times a week. |
| #5 | Jupiter | The “Good Terms” Friend. Regular but not constant. |
| #6 | Saturn | The Perimeter. You view their stories often. |
| #7 | Uranus | The Occasional Chat. Just made the top 8. |
| #8 | Neptune | The Edge. You’re one step away from the outer rim. |
Exclusive Snapchat Plus Member Benefits
Beyond the icons and the solar system, 2026 has introduced some heavy-hitting snapchat plus member benefits that actually change how the app functions.
1. The Snapscore Multiplier
If you’re trying to boost that number at the top of your profile, this is a godsend. When you interact with another Plus member, your Snapscore grows at a 1.5x rate. It’s a literal reward for being part of the community.
2. Story Rewatch Indicator (The “👀” Icon)
This is probably the most controversial feature. It tells you how many people rewatched your story, but not who. However, in the 2026 update, it gives you a “Rewatch Heatmap,” showing which specific part of your video people found most interesting. Creepy? Maybe. Useful? Absolutely.
3. Priority Story Replies
If you’re trying to get the attention of a “Snap Star” (a celebrity or big creator), your replies now sit at the very top of their inbox. It’s like having a VIP pass to the front of the line.
FAQ: What the People are Asking
Why can’t I see my friend’s Solar System?
You both need to be “Best Friends” (in each other’s top 8) for the badge to appear. Also, it’s a Plus-only feature. If they don’t have Plus, you can’t see where you rank in their world, but they can see where they rank in yours if you have the subscription.
Do “Planet Streaks” ever reset?
They don’t “reset,” but they are dynamic. If you stop snapping your #1 friend for 48 hours, you’ll likely see yourself drop from Mercury to Venus or Earth pretty quickly. The algorithm is live!
Is the Snapchat Plus Badge (✪) mandatory?
Nope! I actually turned mine off for a month because I wanted to see if people treated me differently. You can toggle it in your settings. Some people like the “incognito” vibe.
Does the Snapscore Multiplier work on everyone?
Only when you’re interacting with other Snapchat Plus members. It’s a “membership has its privileges” kind of thing.
Martin’s Final Tip: Don’t Chase the Planets
Look, the Snapchat Plus rewards system is a blast, but don’t let a “Neptune” ranking ruin a real-life friendship. Use these features to see who you’re naturally connecting with, but remember that the best “rewards” are the ones that happen outside the app.
That said, if you’re a data nerd like me, the rewatch heatmaps and the custom icons make the subscription feel like a whole new app experience.
Would you like me to create a step-by-step guide on how to maximize your Snapscore using the 2026 multiplier?
