What The Solar Systems Icons Mean On Snapchat And How To Use Them Correctly

Have you ever noticed planets, stars, or other cosmic symbols next to your friend’s Bitmoji on Snapchat+ and wondered what they meant? You’re not alone. These solar system icons are part of a fun and creative way Snapchat shows friendship rankings—if you’ve subscribed to Snapchat+, that is. But understanding them and using them correctly can take your Snapchat game to a new level.

TL;DR:

Snapchat+ introduces friendship rankings using solar system icons to represent where you stand in a friend’s universe. These icons are based on the order of the planets from the Sun, with Mercury symbolizing your closest connection and Neptune showing the more distant connections. The feature is only available to Snapchat+ users and is visible only for your best friends. To use this feature well, you need to understand the planetary symbolism and interact regularly with your top friends to climb the ranks.

What Are the Solar System Icons on Snapchat?

In Snapchat+, the Friend Solar Systems feature shows your closeness with your best Snapchat friends using a solar system theme. Each friend is associated with a planet based on your interaction ranking with them. This planetary representation is:

• Exclusive to Snapchat+ subscribers
• Only visible when you are each other’s Best Friends—meaning you’re in each other’s top eight connections

When you tap on a friend’s Bitmoji, you might see them surrounded by a planet, and possibly with your Bitmoji next to them. This configuration mirrors the solar system—each planet indicating how close or distant you are in terms of interaction frequency.

Here’s How the Planet Rankings Break Down:

• Mercury: You’re each other’s #1 Best Friend. You interact extensively with each other more than with anyone else.
• Venus: You’re very close, likely within the top two or three best friends.
• Earth: High frequency of snaps and chats, possibly top 3-4 friends.
• Mars: Still close, but not at the top rank—usually around the 4th to 6th position.
• Jupiter: Regular interactions, but not super intense—likely 6th or 7th in line.
• Saturn: You interact occasionally, closer to the bottom of the Best Friends list.
• Uranus: You don’t chat or snap frequently, but you’re still within the Best Friends tier.
• Neptune: You’re barely in each other’s Best Friends, possibly the lowest position in the top 8.

This cosmic aesthetic makes the ranking system more engaging and emotionally resonant. Instead of a number, you get a representation that feels more whimsical and personalized.

Why Did Snapchat Use a Solar System Theme?

Snapchat built its brand around visual storytelling, creativity, and symbolism. The solar system metaphor is rich with meaning: the closer you are to the “sun” (your friend), the more important you are in their digital universe. It breaks away from cold, numerically-ranked lists and replaces them with a themed visualization that keeps the social element lighthearted and mystical.

Another reason: It taps into astrology and cosmic vibes, which resonate deeply with Gen Z culture and aesthetics.

How to Use the Solar System Icons Feature Correctly

If you’re already a Snapchat+ subscriber or considering becoming one, knowing how to interact with this feature meaningfully can help you nurture social connections—and maybe flex your rank too.

1. Understand Visibility Limits

The Friend Solar System is only visible when both you and a friend are top connections in each other’s Best Friends list. If you don’t see any planetary icon next to someone, you either:

• Don’t have them in your Best Friends list
• They don’t have you in theirs
• They don’t have Snapchat+

So, mutual high interaction is a must.

2. Climb the Ranks

Want to go from Uranus to Mercury? Increase your activity together. Send more Snaps, chat more often, reply quickly, and engage with each other’s Stories. The more consistent your interactions, the higher you’ll rise in their orbit.

3. Interpret Icons Thoughtfully

If someone is Venus in your orbit but you’re Neptune in theirs, that’s a clue to the asymmetry in your relationship. It can feel personal, but remember it’s algorithm-based and reflects behavior, not always emotional closeness.

4. Use It for Social Awareness

In social circles where Snapchat is a primary communication channel, the solar ranking can give insights into group dynamics. Are you Mercury for someone you barely talk to in real life? It could be a sign of growing digital rapport.

How Does Snapchat Determine These Ranks?

The ranking system is algorithmic, considering your frequency and recency of interactions. Factors likely include:

• Number of Snaps sent back and forth
• Chats initiated and responded to
• Story interactions like replying or viewing promptly
• Time spent interacting via voice calls or video within the app

Snapchat doesn’t disclose the exact formula, but it’s safe to assume recency and consistency play the biggest roles.

Can You Control or Hide the Icons?

As of now, there’s no manual control over what planet you or someone else sees. These are managed entirely by Snapchat’s back-end system. However, if the concept feels a bit too revealing, especially in social situations where “rank” could stir drama, you do have one option:

You can turn off Best Friends Solar System visibility:

1. Go to your Snapchat profile
2. Tap the Snapchat+ panel
3. Select “Friend Solar Systems”
4. Toggle it off

Once disabled, you’ll no longer see—or be seen—with a solar system rank. This gives users a level of privacy over their interactions.

Is It Worth Subscribing to Snapchat+ Just for This Feature?

Snapchat+ includes a suite of other perks like customizing the app icon, priority Story replies, and Bitmoji backgrounds. The Friend Solar System feature is one of the more fun and gamified aspects, especially for users who love staying in the loop socially.

If your social life thrives on Snapchat and you communicate closely with a consistent friend group, this feature can be really engaging. It gamifies connection, encouraging regular check-ins with your inner circle.

Final Thoughts

Snapchat’s solar system icons aren’t just a novelty; they’re a clever and visual way to illustrate digital closeness within the app. If used right, they can enhance your relationships by making you more mindful of regular communication and boosting your bonds through interaction.

Whether you’re a Mercury or a Neptune in someone’s world, understanding this feature helps you see your Snap friendships from a new cosmic perspective. Just remember: in the vast Snapchat universe, there’s always space to get closer.