The Snapchat best friends list shows the people you Snap and chat with the most. Snapchat builds it automatically, it holds up to eight friends, and only you can see the full list. Other people can only tell whether they are one of your best friends, for example through a shared emoji. This guide explains how the list works, where to find it, who can see it, and what you can really change.
Key Takeaways
- Snapchat picks your best friends for you, based on how you interact.
- The list shows up to eight friends. You cannot type in names to choose them.
- Only you can see your full list. Friends cannot open it, and you cannot open theirs.
- Snapchat+ adds an extended list that shows your current best friends plus upcoming ones.
- Apps that promise to show anyone’s list or change your ranking are risky. Avoid them.
What Is the Snapchat Best Friends List?
It is an automatic ranking of the friends you interact with most on Snapchat, such as sending Snaps, chatting and keeping streaks. People also call it the BSF list, the bestfriend list or “snap best friends”. Snapchat uses it to put your closest contacts at the top, so they are easy to reach.
Where to Find Your Best Friends List
Your profile then My Friends Chat tab top of the list Send To screen after you take a Snap
- Open Snapchat and tap your Bitmoji or profile icon at the top left.
- Tap My Friends. Your best friends appear at the top.
- You can also look at the top of your Chat tab, where your closest friends show first.
- After you take a Snap, tap Send To. Your closest friends appear near the top.
How Snapchat Decides Who Is on the List
Snapchat does not publish the exact formula. Reports agree on the basics: the list follows how often and how recently you send and receive Snaps and chats, and activity like Story views and streaks can matter too. Things like your Snap Score or how often you visit a profile are not described as factors. The list can change as your habits change, so a friend you stop messaging can drop off.
Who Can See Your Best Friends List?
Only you can see your full ranked list. Years ago, other people could view someone’s best friends, but that is no longer the case. Today, other people can only work out whether they are one of your best friends, for example through matching emojis in your chat. You also cannot see another person’s list, even with Snapchat+.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can friends see my full list? | No |
| Can I see someone else’s list? | No, not even with Snapchat+ |
| Can someone tell they are on my list? | Partly, through shared emojis |
| Can I hide my list? | It is already private |
Can You Change Your Best Friends List?
Not directly. You cannot type in names to pick your best friends. What you can do is change how you use Snapchat:
- To move a friend up, Snap and chat with them more often.
- To move a friend down, talk to them less, and give the list some time to update.
- To remove someone entirely, remove or block them. See the steps below.
- With Snapchat+, you can pin one person as your number one best friend. Reports say pinning does not rewrite the rest of the ranking.
What Snapchat+ Adds
Snapchat+ is a paid plan. According to Snapchat Help, its Extended Best Friends List shows your 8 best friends, the next 8 as “upcoming” best friends, and any movement since you last checked. It does not show another person’s list. To turn it on, open your profile, tap My Friends, and follow the prompts there.
How to Remove a Friend From Your List
- Open your profile and tap My Friends.
- Find the person and tap their name or Bitmoji.
- Tap the three dots or the settings icon.
- Choose Remove Friend (or Block if you do not want contact).
- Confirm. They are removed from your friends, and from your best friends.
Snapchat does not usually tell the other person when you remove them, but they may notice that your Snaps and Story no longer reach them.
Why Did My Best Friends List Change?
- Your habits changed. You messaged others more, and the ranking moved.
- A friend became less active. The list follows recent activity.
- The app updated. Snapchat sometimes changes how the list looks or where it is shown.
- You removed or blocked someone. They disappear from the list.
Scams and Mistakes to Avoid
- “Best friends viewer” apps and sites. No legitimate tool can show another person’s list. These can steal your login or install harmful software.
- “Ranking boost” tools. Third-party apps that claim to change your ranking can put your account at risk.
- Sharing your password. Never give your login to anyone, even a friend.
- Reading too much into the order. It reflects activity, not real friendship.
Privacy Settings Worth Checking
- Open your settings and set Who Can Contact Me to friends only.
- Check Who Can View My Story and choose friends only or a custom group.
- Turn on two-step verification, and use a strong, unique password.
Want to protect your other accounts too? Read our guide to passkeys and safer sign-in, our tips for staying private in Anonymous Instagram, and more in our Mobile Apps category.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Snapchat best friends list work?
Snapchat ranks the friends you interact with most, such as through Snaps, chats and streaks, and shows the top eight. The list updates as your activity changes.
Can people see my best friends on Snapchat?
No. Only you can see your full ranked list. Friends can only tell whether they are one of your best friends, for example through shared emojis.
How many best friends can you have on Snapchat?
Up to eight. Snapchat+ also shows eight upcoming best friends in an extended list.
Can I choose my own best friends on Snapchat?
Not directly. You can influence the list by how often you Snap and chat with people. Snapchat+ lets you pin one person as your number one best friend.
Can I see someone else’s best friends list?
No. Another person’s list is private, even if you have Snapchat+. Be careful with apps that claim otherwise, because they are usually scams.
How do I remove someone from my Snapchat best friends list?
Remove or block them from My Friends, or simply talk to them less and wait for the list to update.
Final Thoughts: It Reflects Activity, Not Friendship
The Snapchat best friends list is a simple mirror of how you use the app. It is private, automatic and not something to stress over. If you want a different list, change who you Snap and chat with, and stay away from apps that promise tricks.
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