Snapchat Memories is a convenient way to save your snaps, but is it the best place to store years of photos? Let's compare Snapchat Memories with your phone's camera roll and explore why many users are choosing to export their memories.
What is Snapchat Memories?
Snapchat Memories is a feature within the Snapchat app that lets you save snaps, stories, and camera roll photos. It stores your content in Snapchat's cloud, making it accessible from any device where you're logged into your account.
Key features include:
- Save snaps before or after sending
- Create stories from old snaps
- Search by date, location, or content
- My Eyes Only for private content
The Comparison
Here's how Snapchat Memories compares to keeping photos in your camera roll:
Accessibility
Snapchat Memories:
- Only accessible within the Snapchat app
- Requires Snapchat account access
- Can't easily share to other apps
- Can't print directly
Camera Roll:
- Available in any app on your phone
- No account required
- Easy to share via any platform
- Can print, edit, or use anywhere
Backup and Safety
Snapchat Memories:
- Stored only in Snapchat's cloud
- Lost if account is deleted, hacked, or banned
- No redundant backup
- Dependent on Snapchat's service continuing
Camera Roll:
- Stored locally on your device
- Automatically backed up to iCloud or Google Photos
- Multiple backup options available
- You control your data completely
Cost
Snapchat Memories:
- Free storage is limited
- Additional storage requires Snapchat+ ($3.99-$15.99/month)
- Ongoing cost that never ends
- Up to $192/year for heavy users
Camera Roll:
- Uses your existing phone storage
- Backed up with existing cloud plan (iCloud/Google Photos)
- No additional cost for most users
- You're already paying for this storage
Organization
Snapchat Memories:
- Basic organization by date
- Search functionality within app
- Separate from your other photos
- No albums or custom organization
Camera Roll:
- Integrated with all your photos
- Smart albums, faces, places
- Powerful search capabilities
- Create custom albums
- See memories alongside regular photos
The Risks of Keeping Photos Only in Snapchat
There are several scenarios where you could lose access to your Snapchat Memories:
Account Issues
- Forgotten password - If you lose access to your email and phone, recovery can be difficult
- Account hack - Someone gains access and changes your credentials
- Accidental deletion - You delete your account without exporting first
- Policy violations - Account banned for terms of service violations
Service Changes
- Storage policy changes - Snapchat has already started charging for storage
- Feature removal - Memories could be modified or deprecated
- Company changes - Acquisitions, pivots, or shutdowns affect all users
Technical Issues
- Corrupted data - Rare but possible with any cloud service
- Sync errors - Photos not uploading correctly
- App bugs - Software issues causing data loss
Why Your Camera Roll is the Better Choice
Your phone's camera roll offers several advantages:
You Own Your Photos
When photos are in your camera roll, they're truly yours. No company can restrict access, charge you to view them, or hold them hostage in their app.
Multiple Backup Options
Your camera roll can be backed up to:
- iCloud (iPhone)
- Google Photos
- Your computer
- External hard drives
- Other cloud services
Multiple backups mean your photos survive even if one service fails.
Universal Access
Photos in your camera roll can be used in any app - Instagram, email, text messages, printing services, photo editors, and more. No need to save, export, or work around limitations.
Better Organization
Modern photo apps offer incredible organization:
- Automatic face recognition
- Location-based albums
- Smart search ("beach photos" or "photos with mom")
- Custom albums
- Date-based browsing
The Best Approach: Export and Keep
You don't have to choose one or the other. The smart approach is:
- Export your existing Snapchat Memories to your camera roll
- Continue using Snapchat however you like
- Enable "Save to Camera Roll" in Snapchat settings for future snaps
- Periodically export any new memories you've saved
This way, you get the convenience of Snapchat Memories while ensuring your photos are safely backed up in your camera roll.
How to Export Your Snapchat Memories
The export process is straightforward:
- Request your data at accounts.snapchat.com
- Wait for Snapchat's email (24-48 hours)
- Download the export ZIP file
- Use Memories Import to save everything to your camera roll
The app preserves original dates and locations, so your memories appear in the correct chronological position in your camera roll.
Make the Switch Today
Don't wait until you lose access to your memories to realize you should have backed them up. Export now, and enjoy the peace of mind knowing your photos are safe.
Export your memories to your camera roll
Memories Import makes it easy to save all your Snapchat photos and videos. One-time purchase, keeps original dates.
Download Now - $4.99