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I’ll admit it—I have a slight obsession with decoding people’s online habits. Not in a “hide in the bushes” way, but in a curious, scroll-too-long-on-Snapchat kind of way.
So when I noticed that one of my Snap friends suddenly had a glittery little star next to their name, I did what any self-respecting social sleuth would do: I Googled how to tell if someone has Snapchat Plus before casually sliding into conversation like, “Hey… what’s that gold thing next to your name?”
Spoiler alert: you don’t have to ask at all. Once you know what to look for, it’s ridiculously easy to spot a Snapchat Plus subscriber.
What Is Snapchat Plus Really Offering?
Credit : watcher.guru
Snapchat Plus is the app’s VIP pass. For $3.99/month, users unlock extra features like:
- Custom app icons
- Rewatch counts on Stories
- Ghost trails on Snap Map
- Best friend pinning
- Priority replies to Snap Stars
Think of it like a members-only jacket for your Snapchat account. It’s not essential, but it does get people talking (and watching).
How Can You Actually Tell If Someone Has Snapchat Plus?
No need to interrogate them or perform digital forensics. If you’re wondering how to tell if someone has Snapchat Plus, here are the subtle giveaways that scream “premium user.”
Check for the Gold Star Badge
That sparkly badge next to someone’s name is the ultimate tell.
If you see it, you’re looking at a Snapchat Plus subscriber. Some users turn it off in their settings—but honestly, why would they? It’s like hiding your engagement ring after the proposal.
Look for it in chat lists, Stories, or their profile page.
Watch for Custom App Icons
Snapchat Plus users can change the app icon on their home screen.
If you notice a Snapchat logo that’s not yellow—maybe pink, metallic, or vintage-looking—they’re 100% on Plus. This only shows on their phone, but if they post a screenshot of their screen or show you their home screen, it’s a dead giveaway.
See Who’s “Pinned” as #1 BFF
Snapchat Plus lets users pin one friend as their #1 bestie.
If someone’s suddenly #1 all the time, even if you barely talk? That’s not Snapchat’s algorithm—it’s them flexing with their Plus powers. It’s petty, it’s spicy, and it’s kind of iconic.
Do Ghost Trails Give It Away?
Yes, but only if you’re really paying attention.
Ghost trails show where a friend has been in the last 24 hours (if they’ve opted into Snap Map). Only Plus users can view this, so if someone casually says, “Oh, you were downtown yesterday?”—they either saw your story… or they’re tracking your ghost.
And don’t worry, they can’t see your trail unless you’ve enabled location sharing.
Story Rewatch Counts: Sneaky but Telling
If a friend says you’ve watched their Story multiple times, and you’re like, “Wait—how do you know that?”
You guessed it. Snapchat Plus. The rewatch indicator is subtle: a little eye-loop symbol that only shows for Plus users. So if someone mentions how many times people rewatched their Snap, they’ve got the upgrade.
Also, fun fact: there’s no limit to how often you can rewatch, but maybe don’t do it ten times unless you want to out yourself as a secret fan.
Could They Be Hiding the Badge?
They could. Snapchat allows users to toggle off the star badge in their settings.
But here’s the thing—people who subscribe usually want to show off. So if the badge is missing but they’re still seeing rewatch counts or pinning besties, the signs are still there.
In other words: don’t trust the badge alone. Look at their behavior too.
Tips to Confirm Someone Has Snapchat Plus Without Being Awkward
Once you know what to look for, it’s honestly kind of fun playing detective. Here’s how I confirm it discreetly:
- Check if they post custom Snapchat icons in screenshots
- See if they mention who rewatched their Stories
- Watch for a consistently pinned BFF
- Look out for ghost trail conversations
- Spot that sparkly badge when they forget to hide it
Still not sure? If they’re a tech junkie or social-savvy, chances are they’ve at least tried Snapchat Plus.
Your Top Questions—Answered, Straight Up
Can you use Snapchat Plus features on someone who doesn’t have it?
Nope. You can’t ghost trail someone who’s not sharing their location, and you can’t pin someone to your best friends unless you’re the subscriber. It’s a one-way flex.
Is Snapchat Plus private?
Sort of. You can hide your badge, but some features (like rewatch counts and pinning) make it obvious. If someone’s trying to keep it on the down low, they’re going to need stealth mode and a poker face.
What does a gold star on Snapchat really mean?
It means they’ve subscribed to Snapchat Plus and have chosen to show their support badge. It has nothing to do with Snap Scores or being a verified creator. It’s more “I pay for perks” than “I’m famous.”
Is Snapchat Plus available worldwide?
Yes, but the features may vary slightly by region. If you’re in the U.S., you’re getting the full feature set. For full details, check Snapchat’s official suppot page.
Snapchat Sleuths Unite: Why This Info Actually Matters
Knowing how to tell if someone has Snapchat Plus isn’t just about being nosey—it’s social strategy.
It tells you who’s watching you more closely, who’s flexing premium features, and who’s into customization and analytics. Whether you’re dating, marketing, or just being your curious self, it’s good intel.
Me? I tried it for a month, loved the insights, then canceled like the commitment-phobe I am. But I knew who kept watching my brunch Stories three times. And that’s power, babe.
Now you know too.
