How Snapchat Determines Planet Rankings
Snapchat Planets is a feature included in Snapchat Plus that turns your closest friendships into a visual solar system. Each of your top eight friends is assigned a planet based on how frequently you interact with them. The closer the planet is to the Sun (you), the stronger the friendship ranking.
One of the most common questions users ask is how Snapchat actually decides who becomes Mercury, Venus, Earth, and so on. While Snapchat does not reveal its exact algorithm, there are clear activity signals that influence the ranking system.
In this guide, we’ll explain how Snapchat determines planet rankings, what factors matter most, and how the system organizes your friendships.
What Are Snapchat Planet Rankings?
Snapchat Planet Rankings are part of the Friend Solar System available in Snapchat Plus.
In this system:
- You are the Sun
- Your top 8 friends are assigned planets
- Each planet represents a rank based on interaction level
The ranking order is:
- Mercury (1st closest friend)
- Venus (2nd closest friend)
- Earth (3rd closest friend)
- Mars (4th closest friend)
- Jupiter (5th closest friend)
- Saturn (6th closest friend)
- Uranus (7th closest friend)
- Neptune (8th closest friend)
The ranking is dynamic and changes based on your recent activity.
The Main Factors Snapchat Uses for Rankings
Although Snapchat does not publicly disclose its full ranking system, the Friend Solar System is based on several key interaction signals.
Snap Frequency
The number of snaps exchanged between you and a friend is one of the most important ranking factors.
If you frequently send and receive snaps with someone, Snapchat considers them a stronger connection.
This includes:
- Photo snaps
- Video snaps
- Daily exchanges
- Back-and-forth conversations
Higher snap frequency usually leads to a higher planet ranking.
Chat Activity
Messaging activity inside Snapchat also plays a major role.
Snapchat tracks:
- Direct chats
- Replies to messages
- Conversation length
- Consistency of communication
Friends you chat with regularly are more likely to appear in higher positions like Mercury or Venus.
Story Engagement
Interaction with stories also influences rankings.
This includes:
- Viewing stories frequently
- Replying to stories
- Reacting to story posts
- Consistent engagement over time
If you regularly interact with a friend’s stories, it signals a stronger connection.
Snapstreaks
Snapstreaks are another important factor in determining friendship strength.
A Snapstreak is formed when two users send snaps to each other every 24 hours for consecutive days.
Long Snapstreaks often indicate:
- Strong daily communication habits
- Consistent engagement
- High interaction frequency
Users with longer streaks are more likely to rank higher in the Solar System.
Mutual Interaction Balance
Snapchat doesn’t only look at what you do—it also considers mutual engagement.
For example:
- If you send many snaps but get few replies, your ranking may not increase much.
- If both users actively communicate, the ranking improves faster.
Balanced interaction strengthens friendship ranking.
Recency of Activity
Recent interactions matter more than older ones.
Snapchat prioritizes:
- Recent chats
- Recent snaps
- Recent story views
This means rankings can change quickly if your activity patterns change.
A friend you talked to daily last month but not recently may drop in ranking.
Consistency Over Time
Consistency is more important than occasional activity spikes.
For example:
- Talking daily for weeks increases ranking
- Sending many snaps in one day but disappearing afterward has less impact
Snapchat rewards steady engagement rather than short bursts.
Why Planet Rankings Change
Snapchat Planet Rankings are not permanent. They update based on your changing activity.
Common reasons for ranking changes include:
Increased Interaction With Another Friend
If you start talking more with someone else, they may move up in your Solar System.
Reduced Communication
If you stop interacting with your current top friend, their ranking may drop.
New Snapstreaks
Starting a new streak with someone can boost their position.
Story Engagement Changes
If you begin interacting more with another user’s stories, rankings adjust accordingly.
Overall Activity Shifts
Your daily Snapchat usage patterns directly affect rankings.
Does Snapchat Use an Exact Algorithm?
Snapchat has not revealed the exact formula used to calculate planet rankings.
However, it is believed to use a combination of:
- Engagement scoring
- Interaction frequency
- Recency weighting
- Mutual communication levels
The system continuously updates in the background to reflect your most active friendships.
Can You Manually Control Planet Rankings?
You cannot directly set or control Snapchat Planet rankings.
However, your actions indirectly influence them.
To improve someone’s ranking, you can:
- Send snaps regularly
- Chat frequently
- Maintain Snapstreaks
- Interact with stories
- Stay consistent in communication
Even then, Snapchat’s algorithm ultimately decides the final ranking.
Are Planet Rankings the Same for Both Users?
No.
Snapchat Planet Rankings are individual.
This means:
- You may have someone as your Mercury (closest friend)
- But they might have a completely different Mercury
Each user’s Solar System is based on their own activity.
Common Misunderstandings About Rankings
More Chats Always Mean Higher Rank
Not always—Snapchat also considers consistency and mutual engagement.
Old Friends Stay at Top
Long-term inactivity can cause rankings to drop.
Group Chats Affect Rankings
Group activity has less influence than direct one-on-one interaction.
Rankings Are Permanent
They change frequently based on behavior.
Why Snapchat Uses Planet Rankings
Snapchat created this system to make friendships more visual and engaging.
It helps users:
- Understand interaction patterns
- See their closest connections
- Gamify social relationships
- Increase app engagement
The solar system concept makes friendship tracking more fun and interactive compared to simple lists.
What Happens If You Stop Using Snapchat?
If you reduce activity or stop using Snapchat:
- Your rankings may change quickly
- Active friends may replace inactive ones
- Your top friends may shift positions
The system always reflects current behavior rather than past history.
