Snapchat Moons Explained: Features, Meaning, and How They Work
SnapMoons are the app’s newest playful feature that helps users manage digital interactions with their friends. A moon icon appears next to chats or friends and behaves similarly to a Do Not Disturb mode except Snapchat uses a lunar symbol instead of a simple “mute” tag.
There is a subtlety and versatility to Snapchat Moons that makes them so appealing. We’ll take a closer look at what each moon symbol typically represents:
- Full Moon: Indicates that the friend or chat is active and visible; you may actively receive notifications from them.
- Half Moon: A gentle nudge—someone you’ve missed perhaps. It may remind you to reconnect.
- Crescent Moon: Aligns with the “Do Not Disturb” mode. Messages won’t be notified to you, but you can still check them whenever you wish.
- Blue Moon: This rare event prompts you to get in touch with friends you haven’t spoken to in a while.
- New Moon: The relationship may have once been strong, but has cooled due to inactivity.
Activating Snapchat Moons: How It Works
Here’s a simple breakdown on how to toggle Snapchat Moons (i.e., Do Not Disturb mode):
- Open your Snapchat app.
- Select the friend or group from the Chat section and press and hold.
- Use the gear icon to access Chat Settings.
- Enable or disable Do Not Disturb—this activates or removes the moon icon.
Once enabled, you’ll stop receiving message notifications from that contact but can still open the chat to view and respond on your own timing.
What Snapchat Moons Offer
This feature does more than just silence notifications:
- It allows you to prioritize your attention without severing friendships.
- Offers gentle social cues—like the Blue Moon—to reconnect with friends.
- Adds a playful layer to interaction dynamics using lunar metaphors.
- Isn’t about judging or ranking, unlike other Snapchat features (e.g., Planets).
Snapchat Moons vs. The Solar System (Planets) Feature
Snapchat Moons aren’t the only symbolic representation in Snapchat’s playful “friendship mapping” instruments. The premium Friend Solar System (Planets) is another feature, exclusive to Snapchat+ subscribers, that ranks best friends through a planetary analogy.Prices aside, here’s how they compare:
| Feature | What It Means | Purpose |
| Moon (Various Phases) | Do Not Disturb status or subtle reminders | Manages notifications; signals social cues |
| The planets (Mercury, Venus, etc.) | Rank among top 8 friends in order of interaction frequency | Gamified visual of friendship closeness |
The Planet system gamifies friend closeness—Mercury is your #1 friend, Neptune is the #8. It’s totally private and optional, and serves to increase engagement through emotional curiosity. Meanwhile, the Moons address your communication flow and boundaries—without attachments to popularity or nerves.
Why Snapchat Moons Matter
Snapchat Moons reflect a thoughtful approach to managing digital social life:
- Better boundaries: Mute chats without deleting or ignoring contacts.
- Social awareness: Blue and Half Moon icons gently prompt you to keep connections alive.
- Reduced stress: Rather than snapping back under pressure, you choose when to engage.
In Summary
Snapchat Moons are:
- A Do Not Disturb-style feature, marked with lunar icons.
- Useful when you want peace of mind without losing touch.
- Accompanied by social indicators (Half Moon, Blue Moon) to maintain mindfulness in relationships.
- Differentiated from the planetary ranking system by their role in privacy and emotional pacing.
