Snapchat points have long intrigued users, often sparking questions like: What do they actually mean? How are they earned? Do they serve a real purpose? In this guide, we’ll demystify Snapchat points—explaining their role, how to increase them, and why they matter in the broader Snapchat experience.
What Are Snapchat Points?
Snapchat points—also known as your Snapchat Score—are numerical values that reflect how active you are on the platform. They increase as you send and receive snaps, and by engaging with various in-app features. The more frequently and meaningfully you use Snapchat, the higher your score climbs.
Your score is publicly visible on your profile and can be seen by friends. While the exact scoring algorithm is undisclosed, it’s clear that regular interaction boosts your numbers. For many users, it’s a badge of digital social activity—an informal status symbol that can enhance your image within your friend group or online audience.
How to Earn Snapchat Points
Growing your Snapchat score is relatively straightforward once you know what counts. Here are several ways to earn points:
Sending Snaps: The most direct method. Sending photo or video snaps to friends typically increases your score. However, sending multiple snaps to the same person in a short period may not give additional points.
Receiving Snaps: Points aren’t just for sending—receiving snaps also contributes. Mutual interaction helps both users build their scores.
Using the Snap Map: Engaging with the Snap Map feature and sharing snaps from different locations may provide a score boost.
Adding Friends: Expanding your friend list via Quick Add or direct requests can contribute to your score, especially as you begin exchanging snaps with new connections.
Why Snapchat Points Matter
While they may appear to be just a fun gimmick, Snapchat points serve a broader function. They’re part of Snapchat’s gamification strategy—motivating users to stay engaged. For socially active users, a high score can reflect popularity, consistency, and influence.
For influencers or those building a personal brand, maintaining a high score can add credibility and visibility, particularly within younger demographics where Snapchat remains a core social tool.
From Snapchat’s perspective, the point system incentivizes regular use, which drives retention and daily app engagement.
Common Misconceptions About Snapchat Points
Despite their simplicity, Snapchat points are often misunderstood. Let’s clear up a few myths:
You can’t buy Snapchat points. They’re strictly earned through activity—there's no in-app purchase option or external reward system tied to them.
Story views and chat messages don’t count. Watching Stories or chatting won’t increase your score. Only Snaps (sent and received) and certain engagement actions influence it.
Spam doesn't help. Mass-sending meaningless snaps to inflate your score might be ignored by the algorithm. Authentic interaction appears to have more value.
Tips to Increase Your Snapchat Score
Want to intentionally boost your points? Follow these smart habits:
Snap consistently: Aim to send at least a few snaps daily. Set up Snap streaks with friends for added motivation.
Reciprocate: Don’t just send—respond to incoming snaps. Engagement is a two-way street.
Leverage Snap Map: Post from different places, especially during events or trips, to increase visibility and possibly your score.
Expand your network: Add new friends and snap with them—broader activity often equals faster growth.