The Curiosity Behind Snapchat Best Friends

Snapchat, one of the most popular social media apps among Gen Z and millennials, thrives on privacy and fleeting interactions. From Snaps that disappear in seconds to hidden friend lists, it’s a platform built around spontaneity and secrecy. Yet, one feature that’s always intrigued users is the “Best Friends” list — the people someone interacts with most frequently.

Naturally, many users wonder: “Can I see someone else’s Best Friends on Snapchat?”

The short answer is no, but there’s much more to understand. This article breaks down everything you need to know about Snapchat’s Best Friends system, privacy changes over time, common myths, and smart ways to understand your friends’ interactions without crossing boundaries.

Understanding Snapchat’s Best Friends Feature

Before diving into the question of visibility, it’s important to understand what Best Friends actually are on Snapchat.

1. What Are Best Friends on Snapchat?

Snapchat’s algorithm tracks how often you exchange Snaps and chats with your contacts. Based on this interaction frequency, the app assigns certain people as your Best Friends — typically the ones you communicate with most often.

2. How Many Best Friends Can You Have?

• Regular Users: Up to 8 Best Friends.
• Snapchat+ Subscribers: Can have up to 16 Best Friends, along with exclusive customization features.

3. How Are Best Friends Determined?

The algorithm considers several factors:

• Number of Snaps exchanged.
• Frequency and recency of chats.
• Snapstreaks and emoji reactions.
• Use of Snapchat features like stories and Bitmoji interactions.

In short, Snapchat’s Best Friends aren’t manually selected — they’re automatically chosen by the app’s engagement data.

Can You See Someone Else’s Best Friends on Snapchat?

Let’s get straight to the point — Snapchat no longer allows you to see anyone else’s Best Friends list.

1. The Old Days of Snapchat

In Snapchat’s early versions (before 2015), users could view not only their own Best Friends but also those of their friends. This meant you could see who your crush or bestie talked to most often.

However, this led to privacy concerns and drama among users. Many felt uncomfortable with their social patterns being visible to others.

2. The 2015 Update and Beyond

In early 2015, Snapchat rolled out a major update that removed the ability to see other users’ Best Friends lists. Now, only you can see your own Best Friends — no one else has access to it.

This move was made to enhance user privacy and reduce social tension.

3. The Current Situation (2025 Update)

As of 2025, even with the latest Snapchat+ features, you still cannot view another person’s Best Friends list.
The app keeps this information completely private, ensuring that interactions between users remain confidential.

Myths and Misconceptions About Snapchat Best Friends

Despite clear privacy policies, rumors and “hacks” about revealing someone’s Best Friends list continue to circulate online. Let’s debunk the most common ones.

Myth 1: “You can see their Best Friends through third-party apps.”

This is false and dangerous.
No legitimate third-party app can access Snapchat’s internal data. Any app claiming to show someone’s Best Friends is a scam and could compromise your personal data or account security.

Myth 2: “You can tell who their Best Friends are from emojis or score changes.”

While Snapchat emojis (like ) indicate interaction levels, they only reflect your relationship with that person, not their relationship with others.

For example, if you see a  (yellow heart), it means you’re each other’s #1 Best Friend — but you can’t see who else they’re close to.

Myth 3: “Snapchat+ reveals everyone’s Best Friends.”

Snapchat+ gives users features like Friend Solar Systems and Friendship Badges, which show how close you are to someone (e.g., “Mercury” for top friend). However, this still doesn’t expose anyone else’s Best Friends list — it only reflects your unique friendship ranking with them.

How to Understand Friendship Dynamics on Snapchat (Without Invading Privacy)

Even though you can’t directly see someone’s Best Friends, there are still ways to understand interaction patterns — ethically and privately.

1. Pay Attention to Chat Frequency

If someone frequently responds to your Snaps or messages, it’s a good sign that you’re among their closest contacts.

2. Watch Their Story Views

Snapchat stories can reveal subtle hints about friendships. People often prioritize viewing stories from their closest friends.

3. Notice Bitmoji Interactions

Bitmojis appearing together on Snap Map or in games can indicate active connections.

4. Use Snapchat+ Friend Solar System (if you’re subscribed)

Snapchat+ introduces “Friend Solar Systems,” which ranks your friendship based on proximity to the “Sun.”

• Mercury: #1 Best Friend
• Venus: #2
• Earth: #3, and so on

This feature only shows your ranking in someone’s system if they also have Snapchat+, not their entire friend hierarchy.

Privacy and Ethics: Why Snapchat Keeps Best Friends Hidden

Snapchat’s decision to hide Best Friends lists wasn’t random — it was a deliberate step toward protecting users.

1. Avoiding Drama and Misunderstandings

Public Best Friend lists used to cause unnecessary conflict — jealousy, assumptions, and hurt feelings were common. By keeping the feature private, Snapchat reduced social tension.

2. Protecting User Privacy

Snapchat emphasizes ephemeral and private communication. By ensuring that interactions remain between two people, the platform promotes trust and comfort among users.

3. Encouraging Genuine Connections

Without public visibility, users can interact more freely without worrying about judgment or comparison.

Smart Alternatives to Learn More About Your Snapchat Friends

If your curiosity is driven by wanting to know who’s closest to someone — whether it’s a friend, crush, or influencer — here are healthier, respectful alternatives.

1. Build a Closer Connection

The best way to find out where you stand is to simply engage more — send Snaps, reply to stories, and have real conversations. Snapchat’s algorithm rewards genuine communication.

2. Use Friendship Profiles

Tap on a friend’s Bitmoji and open your Friendship Profile. You’ll see shared emojis, Snapstreaks, saved Snaps, and memories — all indicators of how strong your connection is.

3. Communicate Directly

If it’s important enough to know, ask the person directly about your relationship instead of trying to spy or guess. Transparency is always better than assumption.

Snapchat’s Focus on Privacy and Evolving Features

Snapchat continues to evolve its privacy framework. From encrypted messages to customizable visibility settings, the app prioritizes user control.

Recent Privacy Enhancements

• Ghost Mode for hiding location on Snap Map.
• Private Story Controls to manage who can view posts.
• Enhanced Two-Factor Authentication for security.
• AI-powered Friend Emojis customization for better engagement insights.

These updates reinforce the app’s core philosophy — personal connection without exposure.

Final Thoughts: Respecting Boundaries in a Private Digital World

The idea of seeing someone else’s Best Friends list may sound appealing, but it goes against Snapchat’s design and ethics. The app’s goal isn’t to create social competition; it’s to foster private, authentic communication between individuals.

If you’re curious about your relationship with someone, focus on building a real bond rather than searching for hidden data. Remember, trust and honesty are more meaningful than algorithms.

In the end, Snapchat’s decision to hide Best Friends lists protects users from unnecessary tension and encourages deeper, more respectful interactions online — and that’s something worth appreciating in today’s digital age.