If you use Snapchat regularly, you’ve probably looked at your Snap Score at least once and wondered how it actually works. Some people treat it like a friendly competition. Others use it just for fun. For many users, the number keeps increasing even when they aren’t doing anything, which only adds to the confusion.

Snapchat has never revealed the full formula behind Snap Score. That mystery is intentional. Still, over the years, users have figured out enough patterns to understand what affects it and what doesn’t.

This guide breaks everything down in simple language, so you’ll finally know what makes your Snap Score move and how you can increase it without doing anything unsafe or spammy.

TL;DR

• Snap Score shows how active you are on Snapchat.
• Your score increases when you send snaps, receive snaps, post stories and stay active.
• Text chats, opening snaps and using filters without sending do not affect your score.
• Most users get around 1 point per snap sent or received.
• Scores sometimes update late, so you may see jumps even when you’re not active.
• Your score won’t increase if you only chat or if the app has a glitch.
• Myths like “story views increase score” or “filters boost score” are not true.
• Boosting apps are risky and can get your account locked.
• Snap Score doesn’t unlock features — it’s just for fun.
• Consistent snapping and posting is the safest way to grow your score.

What Is a Snap Score?

Your Snap Score represents your overall activity on Snapchat. Think of it as a combined total of how often you use the app, how many snaps you send and receive and how regularly you interact with features like Stories.

Snapchat describes it as “a special equation that combines the number of Snaps you’ve sent and received, Stories you’ve posted and other factors.” That’s vague, but it’s enough to tell us that the score is built on interaction, not just one type of activity.

You can find your Snap Score by opening your profile. It appears below your username. When you tap it, you’ll see two separate numbers:

• Snaps sent
  
• Snaps received
  

Together, they make up the base of your total score.

Snap Score is not the same thing as Snap Streaks. Streaks track consistent interaction with one person, while Snap Score tracks your overall activity on the app.

How Does Snap Score Work?

Let’s break down the factors that influence your Snap Score. While Snapchat keeps the exact math hidden, the app’s behavior makes it clear which actions lead to an increase.

1. Sending Snaps

Sending snaps is the biggest contributor to your Snap Score. Every time you send a snap to someone, your score goes up. This includes both photo and video snaps.

2. Receiving Snaps

When someone sends you a snap and you open it, your score usually increases as well. This is why users who snap each other often see their scores rise faster.

3. Posting Stories

Stories also count toward your score. When you post a story, Snapchat sees it as active engagement, and your score reflects that.

4. Watching Stories (Indirectly)

Watching stories doesn’t always increase your score directly, but staying active on the app helps. The algorithm sometimes updates your score based on overall engagement patterns.

5. Adding New Friends

Adding friends may slightly boost your score because it tells Snapchat you’re expanding your network.

6. Returning After Being Inactive

If you don’t use Snapchat for a while and then come back, you might see a sudden bump in your score. This is a known pattern. Snapchat rewards returning activity.

What Does NOT Increase Your Snap Score?

A lot of users misunderstand this part. Here are things that do not raise your Snap Score:

1. Text Chats

Texting someone on Snapchat does not boost your score. Many users assume chatting counts as activity, but Snapchat only counts snaps, not messages.

2. Watching Snaps Without Sending

Viewing a snap doesn’t increase your score. The score goes up when you send or receive snaps, not when you simply open them.

3. Using Filters or Lenses Without Sending

Playing with filters doesn’t matter unless you actually send the snap or post it to your Story.

4. Opening the App Without Interacting

Just launching Snapchat doesn’t increase anything. You need to perform some type of content-related action.

5. Group Chats Without Snaps

Chats in group conversations don’t count unless you’re sending snaps in the group.

How Much Does Your Snap Score Increase Per Snap?

This part varies. In most cases, sending one snap increases your score by one point. Receiving a snap can also add one point. Sometimes, though, you might see a larger jump.

That is because:

• Snapchat sometimes updates scores in batches
  
• Story posts may add extra points
  
• Returning after inactivity may give an initial boost
  

There’s no fixed number for every situation, but for regular use, expect 1 point per snap.

Why Did My Snap Score Increase Automatically?

This is one of the most common questions. Users see their score rise even when they haven’t snapped anyone. There are a few possible reasons.

1. Delayed Updates

Sometimes Snapchat doesn’t update your score instantly. If you sent snaps earlier, the increase may appear later.

2. Returning After a Break

If you didn’t use the app for a few days, Snapchat might bump your score when you return.

3. Story Interactions Syncing Late

Your score may rise when older story interactions finally sync to your account.

4. App Glitches

Snapchat occasionally shows temporary score jumps due to minor sync issues. These usually correct themselves.

Why Is My Snap Score Not Going Up?

If your score seems stuck, here are the possible reasons.

1. You’re Only Texting

Chats don’t count. If you aren’t sending snaps, your score won’t change.

2. App Issues

A build-up of cached data can delay score updates. Clearing your cache often helps.

3. Poor Internet Connection

Snapchat may fail to register your activity in real time. Once your device reconnects properly, the score might update.

4. Glitches or Bugs

Like any app, Snapchat has occasional bugs. Logging out and logging back in usually fixes it.

5. No Real Engagement

If you’re not posting stories or sending snaps, don’t expect movement.

Common Myths About Snap Score

Let’s clear up the biggest misconceptions.

Myth 1: Snap Score Goes Up When You Watch Stories

False. Watching stories doesn’t add points.

Myth 2: Using Lenses Boosts Score

Filters and lenses only matter if you send the snap or post it.

Myth 3: Chatting Adds to Score

Chats don’t count at all.

Myth 4: You Can Boost Score With Third-Party Apps

These apps are unsafe. Many steal account data or get users banned.

Myth 5: Snap Score Shows How Popular Someone Is

Snap Score only shows how often someone uses the app, not their popularity or relationships.

How to Increase Your Snap Score Safely

Your Snap Score will grow naturally if you use the app consistently. Here’s how to increase it in a clean and healthy way.

1. Send More Snaps

The simplest method. Send photo and video snaps to your friends throughout the day.

2. Keep Streaks Alive

Snap Streaks directly contribute to your score because they require regular snapping.

3. Post Stories Often

Stories count as activity, and they show Snapchat you’re an active user.

4. Stay Consistent

Using the app daily, even for a few minutes, helps maintain regular score growth.

5. Add Friends and Interact

Snapchat values meaningful connections. Adding friends and interacting with them helps your activity level.

6. Avoid Shortcuts

Apps that promise score boosting are unsafe. They violate Snapchat’s rules and may get your account locked.

Does Snap Score Really Matter?

Your Snap Score is not linked to rewards, levels or any special features inside the app. It doesn’t unlock anything new. The score is mainly there for fun.

For some people, it’s a friendly competitive number. For others, it’s just something cool to look at. It does not show popularity and it does not affect the algorithm.

Snapchat likely created Snap Score to keep users engaged. When you see the number go up, you feel like you’re progressing, which encourages you to keep interacting.

In short, Snap Score matters only if it matters to you.

How to Check Someone Else’s Snap Score

Checking someone’s Snap Score is simple.

1. Open Snapchat.
2. Go to your chat list.
3. Tap the profile of the person you want to check.
4. Their Snap Score appears below their username.

You can only view scores of people you’ve added. If you and someone else haven’t added each other, you won’t see their score at all.

Final Thoughts

Your Snap Score is simply a reflection of how active you are on Snapchat. Sending snaps, receiving snaps, posting stories and staying engaged all push your score higher. Text chats and passive use don’t matter.

Snap Score doesn’t define your worth, popularity or friendships. It’s just a fun number that tracks your activity. Use Snapchat the way you enjoy it, and your score will rise naturally without any stress.