Quick Answer:
Snapchat ranks Best Friends based on how often and how recently you interact with someone. Sending snaps, chatting, and two-way communication matter the most. The list updates automatically as your activity changes.
Many users notice their Best Friends list changing without any warning. This happens because Snapchat regularly updates the list based on interaction patterns. Even small changes in daily chatting can affect rankings. The feature reflects app activity, not personal relationships.
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What Is the Best Friends Feature on Snapchat?
The Best Friends feature shows the people you interact with the most on Snapchat. These friends appear at the top of your chat list and get special emojis. The list is created automatically by Snapchat. Snapchat usually shows up to 8 Best Friends, and only you can see your own list. Other users cannot see who is on your Best Friends list.
Note:
Snapchat automatically updates the Best Friends list based on ongoing activity rather than manual selection. Several factors influence this ranking process behind the scenes.
How Snapchat Best Friends Ranking Works?
Snapchat uses a system that checks how much you talk and share snaps with someone. The more you send snaps and messages to a person, the higher they move on your Best Friends list.
It does not matter how long you have known them or when you added them. The ranking keeps changing as your daily activity changes. Snapchat does not tell the exact rules, but it is clear that regular and recent chatting matters the most.
What are the Factors That Affect Best Friends Ranking?
Snapchat decides your Best Friends ranking by checking how you use the app every day. It looks at different types of interactions instead of only one action. All these factors together decide who appears higher or lower on your list.
1. Snaps Sent and Received:
Sending snaps often helps improve a friend’s position on your Best Friends list. When both people send snaps to each other, the ranking becomes stronger. Regular snapping matters more than sending snaps once in a while.
2. Chat Frequency:
Chatting also plays an important role in ranking. When you talk to someone daily or regularly, Snapchat sees that as strong interaction. Longer or ongoing chats help more than short or rare messages.
3. Two-Way Interaction vs One-Way:
Snapchat prefers two-way interaction instead of one-sided activity. If one person keeps sending snaps and the other does not reply, the ranking does not grow much. When both users reply and interact, the ranking increases faster.
4. Recency of Interactions:
Recent interaction is more important than old activity. If you stop chatting with one friend and start interacting with another, the ranking can change quickly. Snapchat focuses on what you do recently, not what you did weeks ago.
5. Snapstreak Influence:
Snapstreaks show that you snap someone daily, which supports the ranking. However, a snapstreak alone does not decide who becomes your Best Friend. Chats, snaps, and mutual interaction still matter more overall.
Snapchat+ Extended Best Friends List:
Snapchat+ users get an extra feature called the Extended Best Friends List. This feature gives more visibility into your Best Friends list compared to the free version. It does not change how ranking works, but it helps users understand it better.
Extended Best Friends List:
The Extended Best Friends List shows more information about your top friends. In the free version, you only see a limited list, but Snapchat+ lets you see a wider view of your Best Friends. This makes it easier to notice changes in your ranking.
Difference Between Free Snapchat and Snapchat+:
|
Feature |
Free Snapchat |
Snapchat+ |
|---|---|---|
|
Best Friends list size |
Up to 8 friends |
Extended list |
|
Visibility of ranking changes |
Limited |
More clear |
|
Extra insights |
Not available |
Available |
|
Ranking control |
Not allowed |
Not allowed |
Understanding Ranking Movement with the Extended List:
With the extended list, users can better understand why someone moves up or down. It shows changes more clearly instead of making them feel sudden. This helps users see that ranking changes are based on activity, not on removing or adding friends.
What Does NOT Affect Best Friends Ranking?
Some actions on Snapchat Panets do not affect your Best Friends ranking at all. Watching someone’s Story does not change the list because it does not involve direct interaction. Opening or visiting a profile also has no effect on ranking. Searching for a username is private and not counted. Your phone contacts and call history are not connected to Snapchat ranking. Only snaps and chats inside the app are used to decide Best Friends.
Why Your Best Friends List Changes ?
Snapchat updates the Best Friends list regularly based on your activity. If you start snapping or chatting more with one person, their ranking can increase quickly. At the same time, less interaction with another friend can move them down the list. Even small changes in daily communication can cause updates. This is normal and happens automatically. The list reflects recent activity, not long-term relationships.
If you want more step by step detail see our guide Why Snapchat Planets Order Changes Suddenly?
Common Myths About Snapchat Best Friends:
There are many wrong ideas about how Snapchat Best Friends work. These myths often cause confusion and overthinking. Below are some common myths explained in simple words.
Ranking Is Permanent
Many users think once someone becomes a Best Friend, they stay there forever. In reality, the ranking keeps changing based on daily activity. If interaction drops, the ranking can change anytime.
One Snap Changes the List
Some believe sending one snap can change the entire Best Friends list. This is not true because Snapchat looks at regular activity over time. One snap alone does not affect ranking much.
Others Can See Your List
Many people think their Best Friends list is visible to others. Snapchat keeps this list private, and only you can see your own Best Friends.
Emojis Equal Feelings
Some users believe emojis show emotions or relationship importance. Emojis only show interaction patterns and change when activity changes. They do not represent personal feelings.
Social & Emotional Impact of Best Friends Ranking:
The Best Friends ranking can sometimes affect how people feel while using Snapchat. Many users take the ranking seriously, even though it is only based on activity. Below are some emotional effects explained in simple words.
Pressure and Overthinking:
Some users feel pressure when their Best Friends list changes. They may start overthinking why someone moved down or disappeared. This can create unnecessary stress, even though the change is only activity-based.
Teenagers and Youth Concerns:
Teenagers and young users may feel insecure if their ranking changes. They may compare lists with friends or worry about emojis changing. This can affect confidence, even though Snapchat does not link ranking to real friendships.
Healthy Ways to Use the Feature:
It is best to see the Best Friends list as a fun feature, not a score. Users should focus on real communication instead of rankings. Remembering that rankings change often helps reduce stress.
Conclusion:
Snapchat Best Friends ranking is based on how often and how recently you talk and send snaps to someone. The list changes automatically as your activity changes. Emojis and rankings only show interaction, not feelings or importance. Small changes in daily chatting can move friends up or down the list. Snapchat+ can show more details, but it does not change the ranking rules. Understanding how the system works helps users enjoy Snapchat without confusion or stress.
