What Data Does Snapchat Collect?

Understanding what data Snapchat collects is important for maintaining your privacy on the social media app. The data includes personally identifiable information, device and location data, AI and generative features data, and more.

Snapchat needs to collect these details to operate as intended, but there are ways to keep your data private. Adjusting your privacy settings and reviewing app permissions can help limit what Snapchat collects and how it uses your information.

What data does Snapchat collect about you?

Data collected	What that data includes	When it's collected
Personal information	Name, username, email address, phone number, date of birth	At sign up
Messaging information	Direct messages, Snaps, Stories, voice and video calls, Bitmojis	Generated through your use
Location information	IP address, precise location through GPS signals	Generated through your use
Device/usage information	Hardware model, operating system, apps installed, IP address, device usage data, browser type, battery level, time zone	Generated through your use
AI and generative features data	Text, images, video, audio, and engagement data shared with My AI and other AI-powered features; used as inputs to generate responses and train AI models	Generated through your use of AI features

Like most software companies, Snapchat is always looking to improve user experience and deliver relevant content. As such, it collects an extensive amount of data. This includes basic personal information for account setup, messaging activity, location activity, device and usage information, and — as of Snapchat's current privacy policy — data generated through its AI features.

When you set up a Snapchat account, your personal information is collected to create that account: your name and birthdate are required. If you set up two-factor authentication (2FA), you'll also enter your phone number for verification.

Once your account is up and running, Snapchat collects information on your messaging activity. This type of data collection is extensive, including all the content you create in the app — everything you send and receive. This includes Snaps, Stories, chats, Bitmojis, and voice and video calls.

Snapchat monitors the content and collects when you send and to whom you send messages. It also keeps tabs on your location through features like Snap Map, which shows your location to family and friends, as well as your IP address, web beacons, and information collected by cookies.

Snapchat also collects data through its AI-powered features, including My AI. According to Snap's current privacy policy, conversations with My AI — including text, images, video, audio, and location inputs — are used to generate responses and to improve Snap's AI models. This means that what you share with My AI isn't treated the same as a private chat with a friend: it feeds into Snap's broader AI development.

Lastly, Snapchat pays close attention to your device and usage information, storing device information like:

• Your hardware
• The software you are using
• Your operating system
• Device memory
• Installed apps
• Your browser
• Whether you're using headphones
• Info about your wireless and mobile connections

As far as usage information goes, Snapchat stores data on how you interact with its services, like which Lenses you use and apply, the Stories you watch, who you frequently communicate with, and your engagement with the camera and creation tools.

How does Snapchat use your information?

It's easy to be overwhelmed by social media terms of service, but we're here to help. Snapchat collects a trove of data for several reasons. According to its privacy policy, the information it collects is used to provide users with personalized products and services and improve its current services.

The Snapchat privacy policy is fairly straightforward about the reasons for collecting so much data, citing the following:

• Keeping the app running smoothly
• Personalizing your experience to serve you more content that you may be interested in 
• Personalizing your experience by suggesting new friends
• Providing relevant ads
• Developing and improving features and AI models, including generative AI features like My AI
• Analytics
• Research
• Safety and security
• Support

However, the amount of data collected and why it may be collected may be concerning if you're focused on keeping your data private. That's where Snapchat's privacy settings come into play.

Keep all your personal data safe

How to change your Snapchat privacy settings

Even with the app closed, Snapchat still has a large amount of your data, so adjusting your privacy settings is crucial in protecting your information. Changing your privacy settings can help you control who can contact you, which notifications you receive, who can view your story, and who can see your location, activity indicator, and more.

To change your privacy settings on Snapchat:

1. Tap the gear icon in the Profile screen to open Settings.
2. Scroll down to Privacy Controls and select an option you wish to alter.
   

   

3. Choose an option and update the toggle. For example, you can toggle off Ghost Mode and Hide My Location.
   

   

Other ways to stop Snapchat from collecting your data

Adjusting your Snapchat privacy settings is a good first step in protecting your information, but limiting the data collected requires more than simply adjusting your privacy settings. Practice social media safety tips, and follow these steps to ensure your data is safe online:

• Make sure your apps and software programs are up to date and protected with the latest security updates.
• Adjust your privacy settings in apps.
• Review permissions — turn off location services and allow access only to your contacts.
• Use two-factor or multi-factor authentication.
• Adjust your ad settings.
• Block suspicious accounts.
• Use a password generator to create strong, unique passwords.
• Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection on public Wi-Fi.

Why you should care about Snapchat collecting user data

Snapchat's data collection practices are concerning for several reasons. Collecting, storing, and sharing your information with third-party services exposes you to cyber threats, including data breaches and identity theft. This is especially relevant for families: our survey found that 77% of parents monitor their children's texts, yet Snapchat's disappearing messages make that difficult — and the data Snapchat holds on your teen extends well beyond what parents can see.

While some third parties purchase or share information for targeted ads, cybercriminals can also purchase data to carry out scams. Data brokers are constantly collecting personal data, and using one of the best data removal services can ensure your data is removed from the internet.

For more context on how Snapchat's data practices compare to other platforms, see our other social media privacy guides:

• What data Facebook collects
• What data X (formerly Twitter) collects

Bottom line

Snapchat collects a lot of user data — and with its April 2025 privacy policy update, that now explicitly includes data from AI features like My AI, which feeds into Snap's broader AI model training. If you want to use the app safely, there are ways to enjoy the platform while limiting what you share. Protect yourself by adjusting privacy settings, reviewing permissions, and staying informed about how the platform uses your data.

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