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What Does the Eyes Icon Mean on Snapchat Story?
Snapchat is one of the most popular social media platforms, known for its innovative features and unique user experiences. Over the years, Snapchat has introduced several creative tools and symbols that keep users engaged. One such intriguing feature is the “eyes” icon that appears on private Snapchat stories. For those unfamiliar with this feature, the “eyes” icon can raise curiosity about its meaning and function.
Understanding the eyes symbol is essential for users who want to make the most of Snapchat’s private story settings. Whether you’re a frequent user or just starting, this article explains what the eyes icon represents, how it works, and why it’s valuable for enhancing your Snapchat experience.
What Is the Eyes Icon on Snapchat?
The eyes icon on Snapchat is part of the “My Story” feature, specifically when someone uses Snapchat+ (Snapchat’s premium subscription service). This feature, called the “Story Rewatch Indicator,” appears as an emoji with a pair of eyes and a number beside it. It is exclusive to private stories and indicates how many friends have rewatched your story.
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How Does the Eyes Feature Work?

The eyes icon functions as a rewatch counter. When you post a story on Snapchat and include it in a private story list, the eyes symbol tells you which of your friends have viewed your story multiple times. However, it does not show specific details about who rewatched it or how many times a single person viewed it.
Here’s how it works:
- Rewatch Count: The number beside the eyes emoji shows how many people rewatched your story. For example, if the number is “3,” it means three individuals revisited your story at least once.
- Privacy Maintained: Snapchat does not disclose the identity of the users who rewatched it. Instead, it provides a generalized rewatch count, ensuring that privacy is preserved while giving the story owner some insights.
Why Is the Eyes Icon Important?
The eyes icon offers valuable insights for users who want to understand the engagement on their private stories. Here are a few reasons why this feature matters:
- Better Understanding of Engagement: It helps users see how interesting their content is to their close friends or audience. A higher rewatch count may indicate that your story is captivating or has sparked curiosity.
- Feedback for Creators: Content creators and influencers can use this feature to analyze which types of posts resonate most with their audience.
- Connection with Friends: If you notice a consistent rewatch trend among specific friends, it may indicate that they find your stories particularly engaging.
How to Enable the Eyes Feature?
To use the eyes icon and other premium features, you need to subscribe to Snapchat+. Here’s how you can enable it:
- Open Snapchat and go to your profile.
- Tap on the Snapchat+ icon or subscription banner.
- Follow the steps to purchase a Snapchat+ subscription.
- Once subscribed, post a private story and monitor the eyes icon for rewatch counts.
Keep in mind that the eyes icon is only visible for private stories and not for regular public stories.
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Misconceptions About the Eyes Icon

Many Snapchat users initially misunderstand the eyes emoji, assuming it reveals who stalked their stories or that it tracks every viewer’s activity in detail. However, this is not true. The eyes icon is solely a rewatch indicator and does not compromise user privacy. It’s important to remember that Snapchat values its users’ anonymity, so individual behaviors are not disclosed.
Tips for Using the Eyes Feature Effectively
- Experiment with Content: Use the rewatch count as feedback to refine the type of content you post on private stories.
- Monitor Trends: Pay attention to which stories get higher rewatch counts and adapt your storytelling style accordingly.
- Engage with Your Audience: If you notice certain friends engaging more with your stories, it can be an opportunity to strengthen connections.
The Role of Snapchat+
Snapchat+ is a subscription-based service that offers additional features like the eyes icon, exclusive story settings, and more. By upgrading to Snapchat+, you can gain deeper insights into your content’s performance and customize your Snapchat experience. For users who post frequently or have a close group of friends on the platform, Snapchat+ adds significant value.
Also, read What Does “Received” Mean on Snapchat? [Detailed Guide]
Conclusion
The eyes icon on Snapchat private stories is a unique and insightful feature that enhances the user experience. As part of Snapchat+, it allows you to track rewatch counts on your private stories without compromising viewer privacy. Whether you’re using it to gauge your friends’ interest or refine your storytelling, this feature can be a useful tool for anyone looking to maximize their Snapchat interactions. By understanding how the eyes icon works and leveraging it effectively, you can take your Snapchat game to the next level.