Snapchat has launched a new feature called Buddy Passes, giving Snapchat+ subscribers the ability to gift friends a free 7-day trial each month. This initiative is designed to boost Snapchat+ adoption while letting users explore premium features at no cost. In this article, we'll explain what Buddy Passes are, how they work, and why they matter for both users and Snap's long-term growth.
What are Snapchat Buddy Passes?
Buddy Passes is a membership promotion tool launched by Snapchat+.
If you're a Snapchat+ subscriber, you automatically get 3 Friends Passes every month.
Each pass can be gifted to one friend, who will receive 7 days of free Snapchat+.
Distribution time:
How to send: This can be done through the Snapchat+ account management page.
It's important to note that once you send a pass, it cannot be withdrawn.
What are the advantages of Snapchat+?
Before you consider whether to use or share Buddy Pass, it would be helpful to understand the features of Snapchat+. Users who subscribe to Snapchat+ can enjoy:
Exclusive chat features (such as special badges and priority support for friends)
AI and AR enhancements
New features early experience
Customize application icons and interface themes
As of now, Snapchat+ has more than 15 million paying users, performing well among subscription services on global social platforms, even surpassing the number of users of X Premium and Meta Verified.
How to use Snapchat Buddy Passes? (Tutorial)
Want to share or claim a Buddy Pass? Follow these steps:
For Snapchat+ users (gift pass)
Open the Snapchat app.
Go to the Snapchat+ management page.
Find the "Buddy Passes" option.
Click to select the friend you want to send the gift to.
Confirm sending.
For friends (receive experience)
Receive a Buddy Pass invitation notification from a friend.
Click the link and confirm your acceptance.
Unlock a 7-day free trial of Snapchat+ now.
Why did Snapchat launch Buddy Passes?
Snapchat's latest financial report shows that advertising revenue has fallen short of market expectations, while AI and AR R&D costs continue to rise. Therefore, the company urgently needs to find new growth drivers.
The main purposes of launching Buddy Passes are:
Leverage word-of-mouth from existing users – Have subscribers actively invite their friends to experience Snapchat+.
Significantly increase exposure opportunities – Based on 15 million subscribers x 3 passes, that's a potential 45 million new Snapchat+ experiences per month.
Lower the trial threshold - users are more likely to convert to paid subscribers after a week of free trial.
Availability of Snapchat Buddy Passes
Please note that Buddy Passes isn't available in all regions yet. If you can't find it in your admin page, it may not be available in your area yet. Snapchat plans to expand the feature over time.
Other Snapchat promotion methods
In addition to Buddy Passes, Snapchat has recently been actively expanding subscription promotions:
Launched Snapchat+ gift cards, which users can purchase at offline retail channels.
Partnered with McDonald's to allow customers to redeem points for Snapchat+ subscriptions.
This shows that Snapchat is trying to deeply integrate Snapchat+ into the life scenes of young users in various ways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many Buddy Passes will I get each month?
A1: Each Snapchat+ user can get 3 Buddy Passes each month.
Q2: Can I withdraw a pass that has already been issued?
A2: No, once issued, it cannot be withdrawn.
Q3: Will Buddy Passes expire?
A3: Yes, the three passes issued in each cycle can only be used in that month, and unused passes will not be accumulated.
Q4: Will Snapchat+ be automatically charged after the free trial ends?
A4: No, unless the user chooses to subscribe.
Final Thoughts
If you haven't tried Snapchat+ yet, now's the perfect time. With a Buddy Pass gifted by a friend, you can get a free 7-day trial and unlock all the premium features.
For Snapchat, this not only helps them expand the scale of paying users, but also further consolidates their core position among young user groups.
If you're already a Snapchat+ subscriber, don't forget to share your Buddy Passes each month—you might help your friends unlock a new favorite feature.
