BBF Meaning on Snapchat: What It Really Stands For (And Why Everyone Gets It Wrong)

What Does BBF Mean on Snapchat? [Quick Definition]

If you’ve been scrolling through Snapchat and noticed someone labeled as your “BBF,” you’re probably wondering what it means. On Snapchat, BBF stands for “Best Best Friend.” It’s a specific friendship status given to someone you interact with the most on the app — more than anyone else. In other words, if you send the most snaps to a particular person (and they return the favor), Snapchat rewards that connection with the BBF tag and a yellow heart emoji 💛.

Unlike casual friends or recent snap buddies, a BBF is someone you consistently exchange snaps with — often daily. It’s Snapchat’s way of saying, “Hey, this person is basically your go-to.” BBFs are at the top of your Snapchat friends list and usually come with some serious snap streak potential.

BBF vs. BFF on Snapchat: What’s the Real Difference?

At first glance, “BBF” and “BFF” might seem like the same thing — after all, both sound like some version of Best Friend Forever. But when it comes to Snapchat, there’s a real distinction (and a little bit of confusion) between the two.

Let’s break it down:

What Snapchat Actually Recognizes: BFF

On Snapchat, BFF (Best Friends Forever) is a real status, not just a cute label. When you see a yellow heart 💛 emoji next to someone’s name, that means:

• You are each other’s #1 Best Friend on Snapchat.

• You send the most snaps to them, and they do the same with you.

• You’ve consistently interacted more with each other than with anyone else.

Stay that close for two weeks? The heart turns red ❤️, and eventually, two pink hearts 💕 after two months — showing a long-standing Snapchat BFF bond.

So… What’s BBF Then?

Here’s the twist: BBF isn’t a Snapchat feature or official term. It’s:

• A typo of BFF that gained traction.

• A slang version some people use jokingly or casually.

• Often used in texts or captions like, “She’s my BBF on Snap.”

So when someone refers to a “BBF” on Snapchat, they’re most likely referencing the BFF emoji status — just using the wrong acronym. Snapchat itself never assigns a “BBF” label, nor does it have a BBF emoji.

Why the Confusion?

The confusion comes from how common typos become trends. Enough people mistakenly typed “BBF” that it started showing up in Google searches, text messages, and even TikTok captions. Some users even think BBF might be a different level of friendship — but that’s not how Snapchat works.

Snapchat has a defined set of emoji ranks like:

• 💛 Yellow Heart = #1 Best Friend

• ❤️ Red Heart = BFF for two weeks

• 💕 Pink Hearts = BFF for two months

BBF just isn’t on that list.

TL;DR – BBF vs. BFF Recap:

Term	Real Snapchat Feature?	Meaning	Emoji
BFF	✅ Yes	Mutual #1 Best Friend	💛, ❤️, 💕
BBF	❌ No	Slang or typo for BFF	None

If you’ve ever seen someone drop “WTMS” in a Snap and had no clue what it meant, don’t worry — we’ve decoded that too.

👉 Here’s what WTMS means on Snapchat (and how people actually use it).

How Does Snapchat Assign the BBF Emoji? (Snapchat Best Friends Explained)

Snapchat doesn’t hand out the BBF — or more accurately, the BFF emoji 💛 — randomly. There’s actually a hidden algorithm working in the background that tracks your interaction patterns with friends. It’s not about being mutual followers or just having someone in your contact list — it’s about how often and consistently you engage.

Let’s unpack exactly how Snapchat determines who becomes your BFF.

What Counts Toward BFF Status?

Snapchat’s best friend system is based on snap frequency and exclusivity. Here’s what matters:

• How often you send snaps to a specific person

• How often they send snaps back to you

• Whether that person is your top interaction — and vice versa

So, to unlock the yellow heart 💛 (BFF status):

• You must send the most snaps to that person

• They must also send the most snaps to you

If one of you snaps someone else more than the other, you won’t qualify as BFFs.

💡 Note: Regular chats or messages don’t weigh as heavily — it’s the actual snaps (photos/videos) that count the most toward BFF status.

Snapstreak ≠ BFF

A common misconception is that having a Snapstreak automatically makes someone your BFF. Not quite.

• Snapstreak: You and someone else have snapped (not chatted) each other every day for at least 3 consecutive days

• BFF emoji: You are each other’s #1 snap priority, not just streak partners

You can be on a streak with multiple people and still not have a BFF.

How Long Does It Take to Become BFFs?

There’s no official timeline, but generally:

• A few days of consistent, exclusive snapping could earn you the yellow heart

• Keep that pattern for two weeks, and you’ll level up to the red heart ❤️

• After two months, you earn the ultimate friendship badge — the pink hearts 💕

Snapchat is basically gamifying friendship.

Can You Force It?

Not really — but here’s what helps:

• Be consistent: snap the same person daily

• Keep it mutual: make sure they’re snapping you back just as often

• Reduce snaps to others: the more exclusive your interactions, the better

Snapchat’s system rewards loyalty and consistency, not spammy snapping.

 

How Long Does It Take to Become BBFs on Snapchat?

If you’re wondering how long it takes to go from just “friends” to “BBFs” (or more accurately, BFFs) on Snapchat, you’re not alone. While there’s no official countdown timer or notification from Snapchat, there is a pattern based on your snap habits.

Here’s how it typically plays out.

There’s No Fixed Number of Days — But There Is a Pattern

Snapchat doesn’t publish the exact algorithm it uses to award friendship statuses like BFF 💛, but user behavior reveals some clues.

To become #1 Best Friends (which shows as a yellow heart), both you and the other person need to:

• Snap each other more than anyone else

• Do this consistently for several days — usually at least 2 to 5 days

• Avoid interacting more frequently with other friends during that time

So, the BFF (or what some people mistakenly call BBF) emoji usually shows up after a few days of mutual high-volume snapping — think daily photos, videos, and replies.

From Yellow to Red to Pink: The Timeline Breakdown

If you maintain your snap dominance with someone, you start unlocking new friendship levels:

1. Yellow Heart 💛 – You’re each other’s #1 Best Friend
   ⏱ Usually appears after 2–5 days of mutual high snap activity

2. Red Heart ❤️ – You’ve been each other’s #1 for two weeks
   ⏱ Sustain the yellow heart for ~14 days

3. Pink Hearts 💕 – You’ve been #1 Best Friends for two months straight
   ⏱ Hold that red heart status for 60+ days

Snapchat users love using shorthand to keep convos snappy. If you’ve come across “IMY” and weren’t sure if it was cute, sad, or both — we’ve got you covered.

👉 Check out our guide to what IMY means on Snapchat.

How to Speed Things Up

Want to become BFFs faster? Try this:

• Prioritize snapping that one person over others — quantity and frequency matter

• Make it mutual — if you’re snapping them a lot but they don’t return the favor, it won’t work

• Limit interactions with other friends — especially if you’re sending more snaps to someone else

Basically, Snapchat wants to see genuine mutual interaction, not random or one-sided activity.

Can You Change or Remove a BBF on Snapchat? Here’s How

Whether you’re trying to reshuffle your Snapchat top friends or just want to avoid awkward questions about who’s at the top of your list, you might be wondering: Can you actually remove or change your BBF (BFF) on Snapchat?

Short answer: Yes — but not directly. Snapchat doesn’t offer a “remove BFF” button, but there are a few clever workarounds.

1. Stop Snapping That Person Frequently

The most straightforward way to remove someone from your Best Friends list is to simply stop interacting with them.

Since Snapchat assigns the BFF (yellow heart 💛) based on mutual snap frequency, lowering your engagement will naturally drop them from the list. Instead:

• Start snapping other friends more often

• Let the current BFF streak fade out naturally

• Avoid chats — prioritize sending actual snaps (photos/videos)

Within a few days to a week, the emoji will disappear and your Best Friend list will update.

2. Delete or Block the Contact (If You Want a Clean Break)

If things are awkward and you want a hard reset:

• Delete the friend from your Snapchat list

• Or block and unblock them (removes the snap record temporarily)

⚠️ Heads up: Blocking will also erase your chat history and Snapstreaks, so this is a more extreme option.

3. Customize Emoji Friendships (Visually Hide It)

If you’re okay with still being BFFs but don’t want people seeing the emoji:

• Go to Settings > Customize Emojis

• Tap “Super BFF” or “Best Friend”

• Replace the emoji with something neutral or unrecognizable (like 🐢 or 🍕)

This won’t remove the person from the BFF position, but it removes the visual indicator, which can be helpful in avoiding questions.

4. Clear Conversations (For Privacy or Aesthetic Reasons)

This doesn’t affect BFF status but can help if you don’t want that person’s name always showing at the top:

• Tap on your profile

• Go to Settings > Clear Conversations

• Remove that person from your recent chats

Pro Tip: Snapchat Updates Frequently

Snapchat’s algorithm and interface are constantly evolving. While these methods work today, always check for new features or hidden settings in updates — Snapchat may eventually give users more control over friendship statuses.

Why BBF Status Matters: Social Signals and Streak Culture

To some, Snapchat’s “BBF” (or BFF) emoji might just look like a fun heart icon — but for active users, that yellow, red, or pink heart carries way more weight than it seems.

In the world of Snapchat, your BFF status is more than a friendship badge. It’s a social signal, a status symbol, and in many cases, a subtle flex that says: “This person and I are tight.”

Here’s why BBF/BFF status matters more than you might think.

1. It’s a Reflection of Your Digital Relationships

Snapchat’s friendship emojis show how strong your connection is based on actual interaction, not just who you follow.

Having someone as your BBF:

• Signals mutual engagement

• Shows others (especially curious friends who peek over your shoulder) who you prioritize

• Can even reveal subtle dynamics in a friend group or relationship

Whether it’s your bestie, crush, or significant other — that emoji means you’re talking often and exclusively.

2. BBF = Snap Status (Especially Among Teens and Gen Z)

For many users, especially younger ones, being someone’s BFF on Snapchat is almost like being verified on Instagram. It holds social clout, especially in:

• Friend groups (“Wait, you’re her BFF now?”)

• School environments (“He snapped you more than me?”)

• Romantic situations (Snapchat has become the unofficial relationship tracker)

Snapchat even gamifies this with its streaks and emoji progression — from 💛 to ❤️ to 💕 — which creates a sense of achievement and competition.

3. It Fuels the Snapstreak & Loyalty Game

Once people reach BBF status, they’re more motivated to maintain it. It’s not just about chatting — it’s about consistency.

Users will go out of their way to:

• Keep streaks alive

• Prioritize snaps over chats

• Avoid snapping others too much (to protect that BFF rank)

That leads to longer app sessions and more interaction — exactly what Snapchat wants.

4. It Can Stir Up Jealousy or Drama

Let’s be real — social dynamics get complicated. BBF status can:

• Spark tension in love triangles

• Lead to “Snap jealousy” when BFFs change

• Cause friends to question loyalty if they’re dethroned

That’s why some users obsess over their emoji statuses or even try to manipulate the system (as we covered earlier).

Trying to hold onto a hilarious snap or capture that yellow heart before it disappears? Good news — you can screen record without being obvious (or getting caught).

👉 Here’s how to screen record on Snapchat like a pro.

Other Snapchat Emojis You Should Know (And What They Mean)

Now that you’ve mastered the meaning of BBF (or BFF) on Snapchat, you might’ve noticed other little emojis next to friends’ names — stars, flames, smiley faces.

🔥 Fire (Snapstreak)

This means you and a friend have snapped each other every day for consecutive days.

• You’ll see a number next to the flame (e.g. 🔥42) — that’s how many days your streak has lasted.

• Warning sign: If you see an ⌛️ hourglass emoji next to it, your streak is about to end.

😊 Smiling Face (Best Friend)

This friend is one of your Best Friends — someone you snap often, but not necessarily your #1.

• You can have up to 8 Best Friends, depending on how often you snap with them.

• They won’t see this emoji — it’s just for you.

😎 Sunglasses Face (Mutual Best Friend)

You and this person share a mutual Best Friend.

• Example: You both snap the same person a lot.

• It’s a subtle way of showing overlapping social circles.

💛 Yellow Heart (BFF)

You’re each other’s #1 Best Friend — this is the BFF emoji we’ve been talking about.

• You snap each other more than anyone else.

• This is the first step in a BFF status evolution.

❤️ Red Heart (Super BFF)

You’ve been each other’s #1 Best Friend for two weeks straight.

• A stronger bond than the yellow heart.

• Shows consistent daily interaction.

💕 Pink Hearts (Ultimate BFF)

You’ve been #1 Best Friends for two months.

• This is the highest level of Snapchat friendship.

• It takes commitment — and a lot of daily snapping.

💯 100 (Streak Achievement)

You’ve hit a 100-day Snapstreak with someone.

• It only appears on the 100th day — a special one-day badge.

😬 Grimace Face (Shared #1 Best Friend)

You and this person both have the same #1 Best Friend.

• Could get awkward — especially in love triangles or tight friend groups.

👶 Baby Face (New Friend)

You just added this person recently.

• Snapchat uses this to mark new connections.

Why These Emojis Matter

These tiny icons do more than decorate your chat list — they track your social behavior, highlight your priorities, and even signal who matters most in your digital world.

Understanding them helps you:

• Decode relationships

• Keep track of streaks

• Avoid accidental drama

So next time you see a new emoji pop up next to someone’s name, now you’ll know exactly what Snapchat is trying to tell you.

FAQs:

1. Is BBF a real thing on Snapchat?

Not officially. Snapchat doesn’t use “BBF” as a feature or status. What most people mean when they say “BBF on Snapchat” is actually BFF — the real Snapchat rank that shows with a yellow heart emoji 💛. BBF is just a common typo or slang variation.

2. How do you become someone’s BBF (BFF) on Snapchat?

To earn the BFF emoji, you and the other person need to send the most snaps to each other, more than anyone else. It’s based on mutual, consistent interaction — snapping photos or videos daily for several days in a row. No shortcuts or hacks — just loyalty and activity.

3. Can someone see if they’re your BBF or BFF on Snapchat?

Yes — if you and another person are mutual #1 Best Friends, both of you will see the yellow heart 💛 emoji next to each other’s names. But if they’re just on your Best Friends list and you’re not on theirs, they won’t see it. The emoji appears only when it’s mutual.

4. Why did my BBF/BFF emoji disappear?

If your yellow or red heart emoji disappeared, it usually means:

• You or the other person started snapping someone else more

• You haven’t kept up your snap frequency

• Snapchat’s algorithm refreshed your Best Friends list

Keep snapping them regularly and the emoji might return.

5. Can I change who my BFF is on Snapchat manually?

Not directly — Snapchat doesn’t let you choose or pin Best Friends. But you can influence it by:

• Snapping someone more often than anyone else

• Reducing snaps to other people

• Encouraging mutual interaction (they have to snap you back, too)

Over a few days, Snapchat will update your BFF emoji based on your activity.