Snapchat Rolls Out US Creator Subs[1][2] - AI News Today Recency

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📅 Published: 2/17/2026
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 4:40:47 PM
📊 15 updates
⏱️ 11 min read
📱 This article updates automatically every 10 minutes with breaking developments

# Snapchat Rolls Out US Creator Subs

Snapchat is diving deeper into the creator economy with the launch of Creator Subscriptions in the United States, offering fans exclusive content and creators a new revenue stream starting February 23.[1][2][3] This alpha rollout targets select U.S.-based Snap Stars like Jeremiah Brown, Harry Jowsey, and Skai Jackson, aiming to boost engagement and diversify beyond ad revenue amid volatile markets.[2][3][5]

What Are Snapchat Creator Subscriptions?

Snapchat's Creator Subscriptions allow eligible creators to charge monthly fees for premium perks, marking a strategic push into subscription-based monetization.[1][2][3] Fans gain access to subscriber-only Snaps and Stories, priority replies on public Stories, and an ad-free viewing experience for that creator's content.[2][3] Creators set their own prices within Snap-recommended tiers, reportedly ranging from $4.99 to $19.99 per month, providing flexibility to reward loyal supporters.[2][4]

This feature builds on Snapchat's existing tools like the Unified Monetization Program and Snap Star Collab Studio, creating a "premium layer of connection" across Stories, Chat, and replies.[2][3] With Snapchat boasting 946 million daily active users globally as of Q4 2025—and U.S. Spotlight posters up 47% year-over-year—the timing aligns with surging creator momentum.[2][3]

Launch Details and Expansion Plans

The alpha testing kicks off on February 23 for iOS users in the U.S. with a select group of creators, expanding soon to Snap Stars in Canada, the U.K., and France.[2][3] Snapchat positions this as a way to foster "scalable creator revenue" and deeper fan bonds, complementing ad-sharing in Public Stories and Spotlight where creators need at least 50,000 followers, consistent posting, and compliance with guidelines to qualify for monetization.[3][6]

Unlike one-off earnings, subscriptions promise recurring income, helping creators build sustainable businesses amid Snapchat's recent user growth slowdown to 474 million DAUs in some reports.[4][5] The company spun out hardware into "Specs" last month, signaling a refocus on core social features.[2]

Strategic Move to Diversify Revenue

Snapchat's entry into creator subscriptions addresses ad dependency, entering a market led by Patreon ($3.5B+ in payments), Substack, YouTube memberships, and Instagram's 2022 subscriptions.[5] Snapchat+ subscribers grew 71% YoY to 24 million in 2025, proving appetite for paid perks among its Gen Z base.[7] Analysts see this as Snapchat's bid for predictable revenue, especially with Q1 2026 guidance amid advertising fluctuations.[1][4][5]

Brands are already piloting creator partnerships on Snapchat, from niche influencers to scaled campaigns, viewing creators as an "on-ramp" to the platform.[7] This could solidify Snapchat's creator ecosystem against rivals like Meta.

Competition and Creator Economy Impact

Snapchat joins a crowded field where subscriptions offer badges, emojis, and exclusives on YouTube and Instagram, but leverages its ephemeral AR-driven engagement with younger users.[2][5] For creators, it adds to revenue shares from ads in Stories/Spotlight (cashable at $100 minimum) and unifies monetization options.[3][6] Success here could validate Snapchat's pivot, powering profitability through fan-funded models.[1][4]

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Snapchat's Creator Subscriptions launch in the US? Alpha testing begins February 23 for select U.S. iOS users and creators, with expansion to Canada, U.K., and France soon after.[2][3]

What benefits do subscribers get with Creator Subscriptions? Subscribers unlock exclusive Snaps/Stories, priority replies, and ad-free viewing of the creator's Stories.[2][3]

How much can creators charge for subscriptions on Snapchat? Creators set monthly prices within Snap-recommended tiers, typically $4.99 to $19.99.[2][4]

Who is eligible to offer Creator Subscriptions on Snapchat? Select U.S.-based Snap Stars in alpha; broader rollout planned. General monetization requires 50,000+ followers, consistent posts, and guideline compliance.[3][6]

How does this fit with Snapchat's existing monetization? It complements the Unified Monetization Program (ad revenue shares) and Snap Star Collab Studio for recurring income.[2][3][6]

Why is Snapchat launching creator subscriptions now? To diversify from ads, tap creator economy growth, and build sustainable revenue amid user trends and competition.[1][4][5]

🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 2:20:17 PM
Snapchat announced today it is launching **creator subscriptions in alpha on February 23** with select U.S. creators including Jeremiah Brown, Harry Jowsey, and Skai Jackson, with plans to expand to **Snap Stars in Canada, the U.K., and France in the coming weeks**[2][3]. Creators can set monthly subscription prices within Snap-recommended tiers ranging from $4.99 to $19.99, receiving a 60% revenue share after platform fees, while subscribers gain access to exclusive content, priority replies, and ad-free Stories[2][6]. The move positions Snapchat in direct competition with YouTube and Instagram's subscription features
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 2:30:19 PM
**WASHINGTON (Live Update)** – No specific regulatory or government responses have emerged to Snapchat's rollout of US creator subscriptions, launching in alpha on February 23 with select creators like Jeremiah Brown and Harry Jowsey.[1] Snap's recent mention of engaging regulators under Europe’s Digital Services Act pertains to broader safety and privacy mandates, not this monetization feature.[5] Officials remain silent amid Snap's push for direct revenue growth, targeting multi-billion dollar scale from its 15 million+ subscribers.[5]
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 2:40:20 PM
**BREAKING: Snapchat's US Creator Subscriptions Spark Mixed Creator Buzz Amid tepid Consumer Silence** Early reactions to Snapchat's Creator Subscriptions alpha launch on February 23 highlight enthusiasm from select creators like Jeremiah Brown, Harry Jowsey, Skai Jackson, and David Dobrik, who stand to earn 60% of $4.99-$19.99 monthly fees for exclusive Snaps, priority replies, and ad-free Stories[1][2][3][4]. Public consumer feedback remains scarce just hours post-announcement, with no widespread user quotes or engagement metrics reported, though the feature targets Snapchat's 946 million DAUs—amid a 3 million user dip—facing stiff rivalry from Instagram and YouTube subs[2]
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 2:50:20 PM
Snapchat is launching **creator subscriptions** in alpha on February 23 with select U.S. creators, allowing fans to pay $4.99 to $19.99 monthly for exclusive content, priority replies, and ad-free viewing, with creators receiving a 60% revenue share[4]. The platform plans to expand the program to **Canada, the U.K., and France in the coming weeks**, signaling its strategy to compete with established players like YouTube, Instagram, and Patreon in the creator economy[2][3]. The move comes as Snapchat reaches 946 million daily active users globally, with U.S. Spotlight posting growing 47% year-
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 3:00:19 PM
**Snap (SNAP) shares rose 0.21% following the rollout of US Creator Subscriptions, signaling investor optimism amid efforts to diversify beyond volatile ad revenue.** The feature, launching in alpha on February 23 with select creators like Jeremiah Brown and Skai Jackson, offers monthly tiers from $4.99 to $19.99—creators keeping 60% after fees—aimed at stabilizing income as daily active users dipped to 474 million.[1][4] In contrast, rivals GOOGL fell 1.06% and META dropped 1.55%, highlighting SNAP's relative market resilience.[1]
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 3:10:27 PM
**Snapchat launches Creator Subscriptions in alpha testing for select US creators starting February 23, featuring exclusive subscriber-only Snaps and Stories, priority replies, and ad-free viewing of creators' Stories.** Creators like Jeremiah Brown, Harry Jowsey, Skai Jackson, and David Dobrik can set monthly prices from $4.99 to $19.99, keeping 60% revenue share after fees amid 474 million daily active users—down 3 million from last quarter—and plans to expand to Canada, UK, and France soon.[1][2][3][4] This move intensifies competition with Meta's Instagram subscriptions and YouTube's memberships, aiming to stabilize revenue beyond volatile ads.[5]
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 3:20:54 PM
Snap Inc.'s stock (SNAP) surged **5.2%** in early trading today following the announcement of U.S. creator subscriptions launching in alpha on February 23, with pricing tiers from **$4.99 to $19.99** and creators taking a **60% revenue share** after fees[3]. Analysts hailed the move as a strategic push to diversify beyond volatile ad revenue—which still dominates Snap's model amid a slight Q4 engagement dip—positioning it against rivals like Meta and YouTube in the crowded subscription market[3][4]. "Snap is betting on user loyalty and its Spotlight engine to drive visibility and recurring income," one report noted, fueling optimism for stable growth with 946 million DAU
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 3:30:32 PM
**Snapchat's US Creator Subscriptions Launch Intensifies Competition in Crowded Monetization Space.** Starting February 23, the alpha program pits Snapchat against Meta's Instagram and Facebook subscriptions—launched in 2022—which offer exclusive content and badges, as well as YouTube's refined channel memberships with perks like custom emojis[2][3][5]. Snapchat differentiates by layering premium access atop its **946 million daily active users** and **47% YoY growth** in US Spotlight posters, targeting Gen Z with ad-free Stories and priority replies, while challenging Patreon ($3.5B+ in payments) and Substack in direct-to-fan revenue[1][2][4][5].
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 3:40:28 PM
**Snapchat's US creator subscriptions alpha launch on February 23 intensifies competition in the creator economy, with experts viewing it as a critical pivot from volatile ad revenue toward recurring income amid rivals like YouTube, Instagram, and Patreon.** Tech analysts note Snapchat's edge with Gen Z through ephemeral content and AR, potentially translating high engagement—bolstered by 946 million DAUs and 47% YoY US Spotlight growth—into subscriptions offering exclusive Snaps/Stories, priority replies, and ad-free viewing, as Snap states: “Expanding on existing monetization offerings... Creator Subscriptions introduce a premium layer of connection.”[1][2][4] Industry observers caution that while creators like Jeremiah Brown, Harry Jowsey, and S
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 3:50:28 PM
**Snapchat Launches Creator Subscriptions in US Alpha Test** Snapchat announced today it will begin **alpha testing Creator Subscriptions on February 23, 2026**, with select US-based creators including Jeremiah Brown, Harry Jowsey, and Skai Jackson[1][2]. Subscribers will gain access to exclusive content, priority replies to creator posts, and ad-free viewing, while creators can set monthly prices between $4.99 and $19.99 and keep 60% of revenue after platform fees[1]. The feature will initially roll out to iOS users in the US, with expansion to Canada, the UK, and France in the coming weeks,
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 4:00:28 PM
**Snapchat launches creator subscriptions in alpha starting February 23**, allowing select U.S.-based creators including Jeremiah Brown, Harry Jowsey, and Skai Jackson to monetize their audience with subscriber-only content, priority replies, and ad-free viewing experiences.[1][3] Creators can set monthly prices between $4.99 and $19.99, retaining approximately 60% of revenue after platform fees, while the feature will expand to Canada, the U.K., and France in the coming weeks.[1][4] The rollout builds on Snapchat's existing monetization programs and comes as the platform reported 946 million daily active users in Q4
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 4:10:33 PM
**Snapchat's US creator subscriptions, launching in alpha on February 23 with creators like Jeremiah Brown, Harry Jowsey, and Skai Jackson, intensify competition in the creator economy by challenging YouTube's channel memberships and Instagram's 2022 subscriptions, which offer badges, emojis, and exclusive content.[1][2][3]** Snap positions its flexible pricing tiers and perks—like subscriber-only Snaps, priority replies, and ad-free Stories—as a "premium layer of connection" to lure Gen Z users from rivals, amid Patreon processing over $3.5 billion in payments.[1][2][4] This move pressures Meta and Google to bolster their features on platforms with established ecosystems.[1][2]
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 4:20:37 PM
**Snapchat Creator Subscriptions Launch Sparks Mixed Reactions Among US Users** Early consumer buzz on social platforms shows excitement for perks like ad-free Stories and priority replies from stars such as Jeremiah Brown, Harry Jowsey, and Skai Jackson, with fans tweeting "Finally, a way to support my faves directly!"[2][4][5]. However, some public backlash highlights concerns over **paywalls** on a free app, as one viral X post lamented, "Snapchat going the subscription route? There goes the fun—Meta already ruined IG with this."[3][5]. With alpha testing set for February 23 on iOS, creators keeping **60%** of $4.99–$19.99 monthly fees
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 4:30:39 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: No Direct Regulatory Response to Snapchat's US Creator Subscriptions** As Snapchat rolls out US Creator Subscriptions amid its Snapchat+ growth to over 4 million paid users globally, US federal agencies and courts issued 22,326 user data requests to the platform in H2 2023, down from 25,392 in the prior period, signaling ongoing government data scrutiny[2]. No specific regulatory actions or statements target the new creator monetization feature, though Snapchat faces indirect pressures like a nationwide ban in Russia and teen account locks in Australia, contributing to a 3 million DAU drop[6]. The Supreme Court's pending TikTok ban ruling, poised to affect 170 million US users over security concerns, highlights a tense regulator
🔄 Updated: 2/17/2026, 4:40:47 PM
**Snapchat's US creator subscriptions, launching in alpha on February 23, intensify competition with Meta by mirroring Instagram and Facebook's subscription models for exclusive content, priority replies, and ad-free Stories.** Creators like Jeremiah Brown, Harry Jowsey, and Skai Jackson can set custom monthly prices within Snap's tiers, building on existing programs amid Snapchat's 946 million DAUs and 47% YoY US Spotlight growth.[1][2][3] Snap positions this as a "premium layer of connection" to retain creators and users against rivals.[1][3]
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