Rename Snapchat Files by Date

Transform generic Snapchat export filenames into organized, date-based names. Automatically rename thousands of files so you can find any photo or video instantly.

The Filename Problem

Snapchat exports your memories with unhelpful generic filenames that make it nearly impossible to find specific photos without opening them. This creates major organization headaches.

Generic Names

Files named IMG_0001.jpg, IMG_0002.jpg tell you nothing about when they were captured or what they contain.

Unsortable by Date

Sequential numbers don't correspond to capture dates, so files don't sort chronologically in folder views.

Impossible to Search

Can't search for 'August 2023' or '2022-12-25' because the date isn't in the filename.

Duplicate Confusion

Multiple exports create IMG_0001(1).jpg, IMG_0001(2).jpg making duplicates hard to identify.

Smart Date-Based Renaming

Our app reads the memories_history.json file to find the original capture date and time of each photo and video. Then it automatically renames every file with a date-based naming scheme.

Files are renamed to include year, month, day, and optionally time - making them instantly sortable and searchable. No more hunting through thousands of generic filenames.

Batch rename thousands of files in seconds
Customizable naming formats
Automatic duplicate detection
Optional backup of original names
❌ Before (Generic Names)
📄 IMG_0001.jpg
📄 IMG_0002.jpg
📄 VID_0001.mp4
📄 IMG_0003.jpg
📄 IMG_0004(1).jpg
(Can't tell when photos were taken)
✓ After (Date-Based Names)
📄 2022-08-23_143210_Beach.jpg
📄 2023-12-31_235959_NYE.jpg
📄 2024-07-04_120000_Fireworks.mp4
📄 2024-09-15_091545_Sunrise.jpg
📄 2024-10-01_183030_Concert.jpg
(Sortable, searchable, organized!)

Flexible Naming Formats

Standard Format

2023-08-15_143210_Original.jpg

ISO date format with time and original filename. Sorts perfectly.

Date Only

2023-08-15_Original.jpg

Just the date without time for simpler filenames.

Readable Format

Aug-15-2023_Beach_Sunset.jpg

Human-readable dates with optional captions from Snapchat.

Year/Month Prefix

2023-08_Original.jpg

Group files by month while keeping original names visible.

Timestamp Only

20230815_143210.jpg

Compact timestamp format for minimal filename length.

Custom Format

Your choice

Define your own naming pattern with variables for date, time, and captions.

How It Works

1

Load Your Export

Select your Snapchat export folder containing media files and memories_history.json.

2

Choose Format

Pick a naming format or customize your own date/time pattern.

3

Preview Changes

See what the new filenames will look like before applying changes.

4

Rename Files

Click 'Rename' and all files are renamed instantly with proper backup.

Why Rename by Date?

Instant Search

Search for '2023-08' in your file browser and instantly find all August 2023 photos.

Automatic Sorting

Files sort chronologically in any folder view - no gallery app needed.

Better Backups

Date-based filenames make it easy to identify what's in backup archives.

Duplicate Detection

Easily spot duplicate files when names include capture dates and times.

Cross-Platform

Works on any operating system - Windows, macOS, Linux file browsers all sort correctly.

Safe Process

Optional backup mode preserves originals. Undo/rename log available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I rename Snapchat files by date?

Snapchat exports use generic filenames like IMG_0001.jpg that don't tell you when photos were taken. Renaming files with capture dates makes them searchable, sortable, and easy to organize even outside photo gallery apps.

What naming format do you use?

We use standard date-based naming like '2023-08-15_143210_IMG_0001.jpg' (Year-Month-Day_Time_OriginalName). This ensures files sort correctly by date in any folder view. You can also customize the format.

Can I keep the original filenames?

Yes. You can choose to prepend dates to existing names, replace names entirely, or create copies with new names while keeping originals unchanged.

Will renamed files still work in gallery apps?

Absolutely. Renaming doesn't affect the file content or EXIF data. Gallery apps will still read all metadata properly, and the date-based names make file management even easier.

Can I undo the renaming?

If you choose the backup option, original files are preserved. You can also enable our rename log feature which creates a mapping file to reverse the changes if needed.

How many files can you rename at once?

Unlimited. We've tested with libraries containing over 100,000 files. The app processes files in batches and handles duplicates intelligently.

Ready to Organize Your Files?

Download our free desktop app and rename thousands of Snapchat files by date in seconds. Make your memories searchable and organized.

Get Started Free