It looks like Snapchat is switching to a paid subscription model, but will people really pay for it?
The feature, called Snapchat Plus (because everyone does it), was first reported on Twitter by app developer and researcher Alessandro Paluzzi on Thursday.
“Snapchat + gives you access to unique, experimental, and pre-existing features, such as the ability to set up a conversation with your best friend, access to custom Snapchat icons, a special badge, etc …” Paluzzi wrote.
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Snap spokeswoman Liz Markman confirmed to Verge that the company was testing the paid subscription and confirmed the name, Snapchat Plus.
“We’re testing early internal testing of Snapchat +, a new subscription service for Snapchatters,” a Snap spokesman told Mashable in an email. “We are excited about the potential to share unique, experimental, pre-launch features with our subscribers, and learn more about how we can best serve our community.”
What is Snapchat Plus?
With Snapchat Plus, Paluzzi reported, subscribers will have access to some special features of the app.
You’ll be able to pin a friend as your best friend (very toxic MySpace power), get special Snapchat icons, and a subscriber profile badge, and see how many Snap Stories reviews you’ve had. He also noted that you can see your friends’ locations over the last 24 hours, but only if they share it with you.
SEE ALSO: Snapchat will start allowing you to change your username, but there’s a problem
How much will Snapchat Plus cost?
According to Paluzzi’s screenshots, the service costs € 4.59 a month or € 45.99 ($ 48.39 / £ 39.28) a year.
It’s not the only social platform that moves to paid subscription models. Twitter launched its first subscription offer, Twitter Blue, in June, currently available in Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
It’s not clear when Snapchat Plus will be released, as it’s still in trial mode, but look at this space. Would you pay for it?
SEE ALSO: 20 Snapchat tips and tricks for beginners and advanced users