Snapchat Plus launches for $4/month but does not remove ads

The new "Snapchat Plus" membership for the social app costs $3.99 per month. The membership grants Snapchat users access to exclusive new features and the opportunity to try out new features before other users.

The membership does not remove Snapchat advertisements.

Snapchat Plus is the company's first attempt to generate revenue outside of advertising, however, it is not anticipated that it will become a main business pillar. Instead, Snapchat Plus is designed for "those who spend the majority of their time interacting with their closest pals on Snap."

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Snapchat Plus is currently a relatively minor addition to the app. Initial enhancements for subscribers will be primarily cosmetic, such as the option to alter the app's icon on the home screen.

Other Snapchat Plus features include the ability to know who has viewed your story multiple times and the ability to pin a buddy to the top of your list as a "BFF."

The feature is currently rolling out only in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.