If you use Snapchat often, you might have noticed different moon emojis appearing next to your friends’ names. These Snapchat Moons are part of a unique system Snapchat uses to show how active and close you are with someone. Although they may look simple, each moon has a specific meaning. This beginner-friendly guide explains what each moon represents, how the system works, and why it exists. It will also help you understand how it connects to the popular Snapchat solar system order, another feature people often compare to Snapchat moons.
Introduction to Snapchat Moons
A Simple Overview for Beginners
Snapchat has always been famous for its fun features streaks, filters, emojis, and now, the Snapchat Moons system. These moon emojis appear next to a contact’s name to show your interaction level with that user. They work similarly to Snapchat’s original friend emojis but offer a more visual and symbolic way to show engagement.
Because social apps evolve constantly, Snapchat introduced the moon system to make relationships and activity levels easier to understand. Unlike streak emojis, which depend on daily snaps, moons look at overall communication trends. Therefore, they allow users to see how active they are with a friend even if they don’t maintain a streak.
In this guide, you will learn how the moon colors work, what each stage means, and how it may relate to features like the Snapchat solar system order.
How Snapchat Moons Work
Understanding the Purpose Behind the Emoji Levels
The moon emojis represent your activity level with a specific friend. As your interaction with someone increases, your moon level changes. Snapchat uses algorithms to track messages, snaps, and engagement frequency. Based on these factors, you are placed into a moon level that updates automatically.
Because the system is algorithm-based, users cannot manually change their moon level. Instead, Snapchat focuses on natural interaction patterns. If you talk more with a friend, your moon level rises. If you stop interacting, it can drop.
This moon system also works separately from streaks. For example, you could have a low moon level even if you have a long streak with someone, especially if the streak only involves sending blank snaps. That makes the moon system more accurate in representing real communication.
Every Snapchat Moon Meaning Explained
Beginner-Friendly Breakdown of All Moon Emoji Levels
Below are the main Snapchat Moons levels and what each one means. These levels may look slightly different depending on app updates, but the general meaning stays the same.
1. Grey Moon – Low Activity Level
The Grey Moon shows that you have minimal interaction with this person. Although you may have them added as a friend, the conversations or snaps between you two are rare. This moon is common for new friends, old contacts, or people you added but never talk to.
2. Blue Moon – Moderate Activity Level
The Blue Moon indicates a medium level of engagement. You may exchange snaps or chats occasionally, but the activity is not consistent. This moon tells you that you have some communication with the person, but you are not highly active.
3. Yellow Moon – Active Communication
The Yellow Moon shows that you are actively communicating with this friend. You likely exchange snaps or chats several times a week. It reflects steady interaction without requiring streaks. Many users stay in this stage because it represents regular but balanced communication.
4. Orange Moon – High Engagement
The Orange Moon represents a strong, ongoing connection. When you see this emoji, it means you frequently engage with that person. Your communication is consistent, and Snapchat recognizes that this contact matters to you.
5. Gold Moon – Very High Activity Level
The Gold Moon is the highest level in the Snapchat Moons system. It symbolizes very high interaction. You communicate often, share snaps daily, and consistently stay active with each other. People with a Gold Moon are typically your closest Snapchat contacts.
This system makes it easy to understand your communication patterns at a glance. Therefore, even beginners can quickly identify how active they are with each friend.
Why Snapchat Uses Moons Instead of Stars or Streaks
Understanding the Purpose Behind the Design
Snapchat chose moons for their symbolism. Moons change phases, just like relationships and communication levels change over time. The moon system visually reflects slow growth, natural progress, and changes in engagement.
Unlike streaks, which require daily participation, Snapchat moons reflect overall connection patterns. This reduces pressure on users. Moreover, moons provide a more honest picture of actual communication, since streaks can be maintained without real conversation.
Snapchat also introduced moons as part of its broader emphasis on relationship indicators. For example, the Snapchat solar system order shows closeness within Snapchat Plus. Together, these features allow Snapchat to offer more personalized insights into your social interactions.
How Snapchat Moons Connect to the Snapchat Solar System Order
Understanding the Difference Between the Two Features
While the moon system is available to all users, the Snapchat solar system order is only available to Snapchat Plus subscribers. Many users compare the two because both are designed to show closeness levels. However, they work in very different ways.
How They Differ
| Feature | Who Can Use It | What It Shows | Symbol Style |
| Snapchat Moons | All users | Activity level | Moon colors |
| Snapchat Solar System Order | Snapchat Plus only | Friend ranking | Planet icons |
In the Snapchat solar system order, you appear as the Sun, and your friends are placed as planets based on how close you are. For example, Mercury means extremely close, while Neptune means the relationship is distant.
Meanwhile, Snapchat Moons show your communication level regardless of ranking. You can have a Gold Moon with multiple people, but in the solar system feature, only one person can be your Mercury.
Both features aim to highlight user engagement, but moons focus on activity consistency rather than ranking.
Tips to Increase Your Moon Level on Snapchat
Simple Steps for Beginners
If you want to increase your moon level, you must focus on real communication instead of forced activity. The moon system values genuine interaction.
Here are some effective steps:
- Send snaps regularly instead of only viewing others’ stories.
- Start conversations by replying to snaps or messages.
- Avoid one-word messages because the algorithm prefers meaningful engagement.
- Share photos, videos, or Bitmoji reactions to increase interaction variety.
- Don’t rely on streaks alone since they don’t guarantee moon level changes.
With consistent communication, your moon level will gradually increase without extra effort.
Final Thoughts
Simple Summary for Beginners
The Snapchat Moons system is an easy way to understand your interaction level with friends on Snapchat. Each moon color represents how active your connection is, and the meanings are simple enough for beginners to understand. Whether you are new to Snapchat or returning after a break, knowing what each moon means helps you use the app more confidently.
Additionally, understanding how moons differ from the Snapchat solar system order gives you a clearer picture of how Snapchat measures relationships. Although these features are different, both aim to help users see their social patterns more clearly.
As Snapchat evolves, the moon system will likely continue to play a role in how users understand their friendships on the app.