Snapchat frequently introduces creative features designed to make social interactions more fun and interactive. One feature that has recently sparked curiosity among users is the Snapchat Planets Order, which is part of the app’s Friend Solar System concept.
Many users notice planet icons appearing next to friends’ names but are unsure what they actually represent.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll explain how the Snapchat Planets Order works, how Snapchat ranks your friends, and how you can understand your position in someone else’s solar system.
What Is the Snapchat Planets Order?
Snapchat created the Friend Solar System as a playful way to visualize friendships on the platform. Instead of displaying a simple list of best friends, Snapchat assigns each friend a planet within a solar system model.
In this system, you are the Sun, and your closest friends appear as planets orbiting around you.
Each planet represents how frequently you interact with that person. The closer the planet is to the Sun, the stronger your interaction level with that friend.
Simply put, the Snapchat Planets Order acts as a ranking system that shows which friends you communicate with the most.
It’s important to note that this feature is available only to Snapchat+ subscribers, meaning regular users may not see it.
Why Did Snapchat Introduce the Planet Ranking System?
Social media platforms continuously evolve to keep users engaged. Snapchat’s parent company, Snap Inc., focuses heavily on visual communication and playful design.
By introducing a planetary ranking system, Snapchat transforms simple friendship data into a fun and visually engaging experience.
Instead of displaying a plain numerical ranking, the app presents relationships through a creative solar system format. This approach encourages curiosity and motivates users to interact more frequently.
As a result, the Snapchat Planets Order makes friendship rankings feel more entertaining rather than overly competitive.
How Does Snapchat Planets Order Rank Friends?
The ranking system is not random. Snapchat evaluates several interaction factors to determine where each friend appears in your solar system.
Key factors include:
- Frequency of snaps exchanged
- Chat activity
- Replies to stories
- Consistency of communication
- Recent interactions
For example, someone you snap with daily will likely appear closer to the Sun than someone you rarely message.
However, Snapchat does not publicly reveal the full details of its ranking algorithm. Because of this, users can only estimate their ranking based on how often they interact with friends.
The Snapchat Planets Order automatically updates as communication patterns change over time.
What Does Each Planet Represent?
Each planet in the solar system represents a specific ranking among your best friends. While the visual design may vary slightly, the general order typically follows the same structure as the real solar system.
The ranking usually appears like this:
- Mercury – Closest friend
- Venus – Second closest friend
- Earth – Third closest friend
- Mars – Fourth closest friend
- Jupiter – Fifth closest friend
- Saturn – Sixth closest friend
- Uranus – Seventh closest friend
- Neptune – Eighth closest friend
For instance, if you appear as Earth in someone’s solar system, it means you are their third most interacted-with friend.
Understanding this structure makes it much easier to interpret the Snapchat Planets Order.
How to View Snapchat Planets Order
If you want to check your ranking in a friend’s solar system, follow these steps:
- Subscribe to Snapchat+.
- Open the profile of a friend.
- Tap the Best Friends or Friends badge.
- Look for the planet icon displayed.
The planet shown represents your position in that friend’s ranking system.
Keep in mind that rankings are not always mutual. For example, you might appear as Mercury in someone’s system while they appear as Mars in yours.
This happens because each user’s ranking is based on their own interaction patterns.
Can You Change Your Position in the Ranking?
Yes, your ranking can change depending on how often you interact with someone.
If you want to move closer to the Sun in someone’s solar system, you can:
- Send snaps regularly
- Reply to their stories
- Maintain conversations
- Interact consistently over time
However, trying to force interactions solely to change rankings can feel unnatural. The feature works best when friendships develop naturally.
In essence, the Snapchat Planets Order reflects real communication habits rather than artificial engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Snapchat Planets Order available to everyone?
No. The feature is only available to Snapchat+ subscribers.
Do rankings update instantly?
No. Rankings change gradually as interaction patterns shift.
Can friends see their ranking in my solar system?
Only if they also have access to Snapchat+ features.
Are rankings the same for both people?
No. Each user has their own interaction-based ranking.
Do chats count the same as snaps?
Both matter, but snaps usually carry slightly more weight.
Can rankings disappear?
Yes. If communication decreases significantly, a friend may drop out of the top ranking list.
Final Thoughts
The Snapchat Planets Order is designed primarily as a fun feature rather than a serious measurement of friendship. It provides a creative way to visualize how often you communicate with friends on the app.
However, interaction frequency doesn’t always reflect the strength of a real-world friendship. Some close friends may rank lower simply because you communicate with them outside Snapchat.
For that reason, it’s best to view the system as an entertaining visualization rather than a true social score.
Once you understand how the Snapchat Planets Order works, it becomes an enjoyable way to explore your connections on the platform.