Snapchat has started changing how Memories work and some saved Snaps will be deleted for certain users, but it is not deleting all Memories for everyone at a single global “start date”.

What Snapchat is changing

Snapchat is now capping free Memories storage at 5GB per account, after years of effectively unlimited storage. Users who go over that 5GB limit are being offered paid “Memories storage” plans if they want to keep everything in Snapchat.

When deletions actually happen

For accounts already over the 5GB cap, Snapchat is giving a 12‑month grace period of temporary storage. After that grace period, Memories beyond the free limit can start being removed unless the user either downloads them or pays for more storage.

What gets deleted first

Under the new policy, the oldest Snaps up to the free 5GB are kept, and more recent Snaps beyond that limit are the ones that may be deleted to keep the account within its storage cap. This means deletion is rolling and account‑specific, based on when you exceeded the limit and when your 12‑month window runs out, not a single fixed date for all users.

How to see your own timeline

The exact “when” for your account depends on when Snapchat notified you that you were over the storage limit and that your 12‑month countdown started. To avoid losing anything, Snapchat and independent guides recommend exporting/downloading Memories to your device or upgrading storage well before that 12‑month period ends.

Quick comparison of key points

Aspect| What it means for you
---|---
Free storage cap| 5GB of Memories kept for free per account. 45
Grace period| 12 months of temporary storage if you are already over 5GB. 46
Deletion behavior| Newer Snaps beyond 5GB may be deleted after the grace period. 78
Exact start date| Varies by user; tied to when your over‑limit notice appeared. 36

To know your precise deadline, check the in‑app notification or Memories/storage settings, because that message marks the start of your personal 12‑month timer.