Updated October 2026: eligibility rules taken from Snapchat’s help pages. Public Profiles are off by default and age-restricted.
Every Snapchat account is private by default: friend lists are hidden and only accepted friends can contact you. A Public Profile adds a public face to your account, so people who are not your friends can subscribe to you, see your public Stories and Spotlight posts, and find you through a shareable Snapcode.
Who can create one
- Public Profiles are only available to users aged 16 and older.
- Teens under 16 cannot create one.
- Some 16 and 17 year olds get opt-in access with extra safety protections.
How to create a Public Profile
- Tap your Bitmoji or profile icon to open your Profile.
- Look for the Public Profile option and tap to create it.
- Follow the prompts to add a bio, profile photo and other details.
- Share your Public Profile Snapcode or link so people can subscribe.
If you do not see the option, your account may not meet the age requirement, or the feature may not yet be available to you.
What changes with a Public Profile
- People can subscribe to you without being your friend.
- Your public Stories and Spotlight posts can be seen by subscribers and others.
- Your private Story and chats stay friends-only.
- Anyone can block your Public Profile from its three-dot menu, just as you can block theirs.
Public content is visible beyond your friends, so think twice before posting personal details. For blocking unwanted contact, see our guide on blocking and unblocking on Snapchat.
FAQs
How old do you have to be for a Snapchat Public Profile?
16 or older. Teens under 16 cannot create one, and some 16 and 17 year olds have opt-in access with extra protections.
Is my Snapchat account public by default?
No. All Snapchat accounts are private by default, with private friend lists.
Can people message me through my Public Profile?
Your chats stay friends-only. Public Profiles let people subscribe to and view your public content.
Can I block a Public Profile?
Yes. Open it, tap the three dots in the top right, tap Block and confirm.
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