What is the _scid cookie?
The _scid cookie is placed by Snapchat on websites that integrate the Snap Pixel or other Snap marketing/advertising tools, such as share buttons or embedded Snapchat content. It typically appears as soon as the Snap script loads on the page, if it is not blocked.
It is an HTTP cookie, usually set on the domain of the site hosting the script (first-party from the browser's perspective, but controlled by Snapchat as a third-party data processor).
What data it stores
_scid stores a unique session/visitor identifier generated by Snapchat, used to link user actions on the site to a Snapchat account or advertising context. The exact value format and length are not publicly documented in detail by Snapchat and may vary.
Data collected through this identifier is sent to Snap Inc. servers for processing related to advertising and conversion analysis.
What it is used for
For Snapchat, _scid helps correlate site visits with users on the Snapchat platform, supporting conversion measurement for Snap Ads campaigns and building retargeting audiences.
For the site owner, this cookie enables evaluation of paid Snapchat campaign performance (how many visitors from Snap ads complete a desired action) and optimization of marketing spend.
Does it require consent?
In CookieFix's classification, _scid falls under the marketing category (advertising/tracking). Since it is used for cross-site tracking and targeted advertising, it requires prior visitor consent under the GDPR (Regulation 2016/679) and the ePrivacy Directive, transposed into Romanian law via Law 506/2004.
Site owners should: disclose it explicitly in the cookie policy, include it under the „marketing” category in the consent banner, and ensure the Snap script does not load before consent is obtained.
How to block or delete _scid
A visitor can manually delete or block this cookie via browser settings (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari all allow deleting per-site cookies or blocking third-party cookies), as well as through dedicated privacy extensions.
- On the site side, a CMP such as CookieFix can automatically block the Snap Pixel script from loading until the visitor accepts the „marketing” category, preventing premature placement of the _scid cookie.
- Site owners can periodically use a cookie scanner to check whether marketing scripts fire before consent is given.
Frequently asked questions
It is not malware, but it is a tracking identifier used for targeted advertising and profiling, which is why prior consent is legally required.
The typical reported duration is about 13 months from the time it is set, after which it expires automatically.
Yes, since it is a marketing/tracking cookie, it must be included in the corresponding consent banner category and cannot be set before the visitor accepts.
You can check via your browser's developer tools (Application/Cookies tab) or through an automated cookie scan run by a CMP platform.