Snapchat doesnât exactly come with a manual, and the yellow heart emoji? Most people get it wrong. Itâs not random, and itâs definitely not just cute. That đ is Snapchatâs way of saying: âyouâve built a real streak with someone.â As the algorithm evolves, so do the signals. Hereâs what the yellow heart means on Snapchat and how to earn it.
What the Yellow Heart Means (and Why Itâs So Specific)
The đ emoji isnât a popularity badge, but itâs a signal of consistency and focus. Snapchat gives it to users who:
- Are each otherâs #1 best friend on the app.
- Exchange the highest number of Snaps (not chats).
- Maintain a mutual streak of activity, not a one-sided effort.
And no, you canât have two yellow hearts. Snapchat only allows one person to hold that top spot. If you snap multiple people a lot, the đ still only goes to the one you snap the most, and who snaps you back just as often.
Do both people see the yellow heart? Yes. Thatâs the whole point. It appears for both users at the exact same time, and disappears the same way if the interaction drops.
How to Get the Yellow Heart Fast (Without Spamming Snaps)
If you want that đ to show up next to someoneâs name, hereâs what actually matters:
- Snap more than you chat. Text messages donât carry the same weight in the algorithm.
- Send at least one snap daily, ideally more than once.
- Avoid mass snapping everyone. Snapchat tracks who you focus on.
- Keep streaks alive, but donât rely on the đ„ emoji alone.
Want a tip? Reply with a quick selfie or video instead of text. That sends a stronger signal to Snapchatâs backend that the connection is mutual and active.
Why the Yellow Heart Disappears or Changes to a Smiley Face
Snapchat emojis arenât permanent â they shift based on behavior. If your yellow heart vanished or got replaced by đ, hereâs why:
- You started snapping someone else more often.
- The other person started snapping someone else more often.
- You fell into only texting, not snapping.
- The snap frequency dropped below the top tier.
Snapchatâs algorithm quietly resets emoji status based on 7-day and 14-day cycles. You donât always get a warning. Itâs not personal â itâs just math.
How Snapchat Upgrades Your Friendship with đ, â€ïž, and đ
Snapchat doesnât just hand out the yellow heart for fun â itâs the first step in a longer path. If you keep snapping your #1 best friend, your emoji will evolve:
- đ Yellow Heart: #1 Best Friends (for 2 weeks)
- â€ïž Red Heart: #1 Best Friends for 2 consecutive weeks
- đ Pink Hearts: #1 Best Friends for 2 straight months
These arenât based on how close you feel, but how active you are. Two people who send each other a dozen snaps a day will climb the ranks. Drop the habit, and the hearts reset.
Other Heart Emojis on Snapchat

Not all heart emojis are assigned by Snapchatâs algorithm. Many are popular symbols users choose in chats, bios, or stories.
Emoji | Meaning / Use |
---|---|
đ€ | Dark humor, grief, rebellion |
đ | Sparkling admiration |
đ€ | Sincerity, softness |
đ | Growing affection, care |
đ | Loyalty or calm friendship |
đ | Mutual feelings, affection |
đ | Trust, harmony, jealousy |
đ | Heartbreak or Snapstreak loss |
đ§Ą | Support or platonic love |
đ | Cupidâs arrow, flirtation |
đ | Support, BTS fandom |
đ | Warm feelings, appreciation |
đ | Affection wrapped with care |
đ€ | Stability, grounding, comfort |
â€ïžâđ„ | Burning passion or intense emotion |
These arenât automatic like đ, â€ïž, and đ, but theyâre purely expressive and chosen by users.
Does the Yellow Heart Mean Youâre in the Friendzone?
This oneâs tricky. Snapchat doesnât define emotional context â it just tracks behavior. But letâs break it down:
- đ = consistent connection, not necessarily romantic.
- If paired with đ or đ, it might hint at imbalance (one-sided interest).
- If it upgrades to â€ïž or đ and includes streaks, it might signal something deeper.
Bottom line? Donât overthink it â but donât ignore the patterns either. Snapchatâs emoji map reflects who you prioritize digitally, even if you donât realize it.
Conclusion
Snapchat wonât give you a user guide, but the emojis tell the whole story â if you know how to read them. The yellow heart is proof of a shared effort, a signal that someone is at the top of your Snap world. If it shows up, itâs earned. If it disappears, thereâs always a way to bring it back.