I may not get to see Lens Studio on Android any time soon. However, it appears that Snapchat Incorporated is preparing two major features that'll compensate for that. Hidden code discovered inside a beta version of their Android app reveals that the first one is a referral program.
Android Authority discovered that users will soon get one free month of the Snapchat Plus subscription. The condition is that you'll successfully invite friends to join the app. The monthly plan includes over 40 exclusive features such as the ability to prolong your status visibility, custom app icons, chat themes, story view tracking, and streak restoration. Here's how you can take advantage of the offer when (or if) it becomes available.
Bring three friends and get paid perks
Snapchat Plus is a VIP subscription service that unlocks extra features and customization options for paying members. Among its attractive perks is the ability to pin your number one best friend to the top of your chat list. You choose who it is, even if it’s not mutual and awkward. You also get early access to experimental features that regular users don’t see yet.
The standard Snapchat+ plan costs $4 per month or $30 per year. But you'll get a month free if you invite three of your friends. This development is currently in Beta testing under Android v13.51.0.53. The people you invite don't have to pay anything. Simply signing up and creating an account is sufficient.
You might become overly eager to earn more money and invite more friends. However, the app’s makers haven't clarified if bringing more people will prolong your perks. Unfortunately, the more expensive Platinum plan, which completely removes advertisements, is not included in the update. So you'll still have to pay $16 per month for it.
A second feature was also discovered, and it appears to be an integration with the Saturn app. Saturn is a calendar and social tool geared toward students. Snapchat recently acquired the app and is working on a way to let you link your Snapchat and Saturn accounts. It would grant access to shared calendars, activity statuses, and direct messaging between friends across both platforms. You'll also unlink your accounts at any time of your choosing.
Related: Snapchat Just Launched Two Envy-Worthy Features For Apple Users
Is Snapchat in the red zone?
It's easy to assume that Snapchat is struggling for users. However, recent statistics indicate that they had 460 million daily active users and approximately 800 million total active users as of May 2025. That popularity taps into how younger generations prefer to communicate. Casually and privately.
Unlike apps with permanent timelines and public likes, Snapchat’s disappearing messages and stories encourage you to feel freer. So why the incentive to increase membership?
It's most likely a strategy. Although Snapchat is widely used, especially among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, the challenge now is keeping those users engaged and converting them into paying subscribers. A free month of Snapchat+ for referring friends encourages you to spread the app organically.
It also gives the app a chance to showcase its premium features, in hopes that people will subscribe after the trial. You also have to consider the competition with other platforms such as TikTok, BeReal, and Instagram introducing new features regularly to draw user attention.
