Find out how much data Snapchat uses, simple ways to reduce it, and how to pick the ideal mobile plan for Australians. Compare plans and save today!
Published on 30/04/2025
By Pallav Verma
Mobile Comparison
Snapchat holds a unique place in our daily phone habits as one of the most interactive and engaging social media apps. From sending quirky snaps to friends, binge-watching entertaining Stories, to endlessly scrolling through Spotlight videos, Snapchat’s addictive nature makes it easy to lose track of how much data you're actually consuming. But just how much does Snapchat use? And what can you do to stay in control of your mobile data when using the app?
This guide is designed to help Australian Snapchat users understand the app’s data usage, explore its impact on mobile plans, and provide practical tips to save data while staying connected.
Snapchat is a highly dynamic app with multiple features that influence its data consumption. While text-based messaging apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger are relatively light on data, Snapchat involves sending multimedia files. These Snaps, Stories, and Discover content are data-hungry.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the features that can drive up your data usage on Snapchat:
Sending or receiving photo Snaps uses less data compared to video Snaps. However, frequent usage throughout the day can add up significantly.
Viewing friends’ Stories or Spotlight videos consumes considerably more data, especially when autoplay is turned on.
Browsing articles or videos in the Discover tab also adds to your data bill.
Snapchat’s voice or video calls can be convenient, but they are relatively heavy on data compared to regular text Snaps.
Even when you’re not actively using Snapchat, the app may sync and update notifications or refresh Stories, consuming data in the process.
The exact amount of data Snapchat uses depends on how you use the app. However, estimates gathered from various studies and real-world observations provide some insight into average usage patterns:
Sending a single photo-based Snap uses approximately 0.2 to 0.3 MB of data, whereas a short video Snap can consume anywhere between 1–5 MB per Snap.
Watching stories or Spotlight videos autoplay continuously eats up data, with estimates ranging from 10 MB per minute for standard-quality videos to 150 MB or more per hour for prolonged consumption.
The data used for Discover content varies widely, depending on whether you’re reading articles or streaming videos.
A one-minute voice call may use around 0.5–1 MB per minute, while video calls are much heavier, consuming 5–20 MB per minute, depending on video quality.
For light users, weekly Snapchat data consumption might range from 100–300 MB, but avid Snapchatters who spend hours viewing Stories, videos, or making calls could be using 2–3 GB per week or more.
Exploring other data-heavy apps? You might benefit from one of these unlimited data phone plans in Australia to avoid surprise charges.
The following factors determine how much Snapchat data you use:
Australia is known for its mobile data prices, with many plans having strict data caps or expensive overuse charges. Snapchat’s heavy reliance on data makes it crucial for users to keep track of the app’s usage to avoid going over their data limits.
If you're concerned about managing data and finding an affordable mobile plan that suits your Snapchat usage, a mobile plan comparison can help. Explore plans with higher data caps or unlimited data to help you avoid excess charges or limitations.
Thankfully, you don’t have to sacrifice your Snapchat experience to keep your data usage under control. Here are a few practical strategies to help you save data while staying connected with friends and followers:
Snapchat offers a built-in Data Saver mode, which ensures Snaps and Stories don’t automatically load while you’re using mobile data. To enable it:
Go to Settings > Data Saver and toggle it on.
Connect to Wi-Fi networks whenever available, especially for heavy Snapchat activities like watching videos or video calling. Avoid using Snapchat on mobile networks with slower speeds, as this may consume more data.
Prevent Stories and Spotlight videos from automatically loading in the background. You can adjust these preferences in the app’s settings.
You can lower video quality to significantly reduce data usage. Go to Settings > Manage Preferences > Video Quality and select “Standard” instead of “High.”
Restrict Snapchat’s ability to consume data in the background by disabling background app refresh in your phone’s settings.
Keep tabs on how much data Snapchat is using by checking your mobile app or provider’s data tracking dashboard. Monitoring usage regularly will help you identify peak consumption periods and manage them better.
If Snapchat is a staple in your daily routine, choosing the ideal mobile plan can make a big difference in managing your data consumption without breaking the bank.
Don’t know where to start? Use the Econnex Mobile Plan Comparison Tool to compare mobile plans that suit your Snapchat and social media usage.
Snapchat delivers unparalleled engagement and creativity, but heavy data consumption can catch users off guard if not managed properly. The key is understanding how Snapchat uses data, reducing consumption through smart settings and habits, and finding a mobile plan tailored to your needs.
Want to make the most out of your data? Compare and switch to a mobile plan that keeps you snapping all day without worrying about data usage. Visit Econnex to explore mobile deals that align with your lifestyle.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data. While we strive to keep the content accurate and up to date, certain details—including pricing, plan features, and availability—are subject to change or may vary by provider or location. We strongly recommend confirming the latest information directly with the mobile service provider before making a decision. Econnex may receive a commission from selected providers when users purchase or switch mobile plans via its platform. Not all mobile plans or providers available in the market are included in our comparison, and availability may depend on your device, location, or network compatibility. This article does not constitute professional advice and should not be relied on as the sole basis for choosing a mobile service.
