The backstory behind Instagram’s update
Yesterday, Instagram (owned by Facebook) updated their app to include the ability to share 10-second videos and pictures that only last for 24 hours before disappearing. Called Instagram Stories, they’re an almost exact replica of Snapchat stories. You can add emojis, text, and limit who is able to see each story that you share. Instagram rolled this out because they have been losing lots of users to Snapchat in the last few years. (They actually tried to buy Snapchat last year for 3 billion dollars, but Snapchat rejected the deal.) The format of Snapchat (non-permanent photos and videos) is incredibly popular with teens and young adults, which advertisers are looking to attract. To Instagram, the loss of users = the loss of $$$.
The question everyone’s asking
So is Instagram the new Snapchat now? While Snapchat has fun filters, Instagram gives you the ability to share both your beautifully curated Instagram photos and your fun, off-the-cuff stories in one place. Instagram photos are in your feed, while Instagram stories are only visible when clicking on your Instagram profile picture. (See photo above.) And with 5x the amount of users that Snapchat has, Instagram gives you the ability to get more eyes on your stories.
The future of Snapchat
Only time will tell if Snapchat users are loyal enough to Snapchat to stick with the brand. Personally, while I love Snapchat, I would be ecstatic if Instagram became the default for photo and story sharing. I use Instagram much more than Snapchat, find the user interface much easier to manage, and would love to be able to streamline my social shares. At 25, I feel old on Snapchat. Also, Instagram has better built-in analytics and I have a much larger following there than I do on Snapchat. In one evening of using Instagram Stories I received more messages from followers responding back to my story posts than I do in a week of using Snapchat.
Questions of the Day: Do you use Instagram and Snapchat? Which platform do you prefer? Do you see yourself continuing to use both in the future or migrating completely over to Instagram?
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It definitely positively absolutely is the new Snapchat.
Till the next thing.
Till it is dethroned 🙂
And on and on and on. But that’s what I love about social.
This is so true! Everything is constantly growing and changing.
I happen to love it and am so glad I never got Snapchat now! 😉
I’m so glad I’m able to do both on one now!!
I’m definitely intrigued by this. I’m still pretty new to snapchat. I find it incredibly non user friendly and frustrating at times. So I would be on board to the switch over to Instagram stories.
Yes! Insta stories is MUCH more user friendly.
I used Snapchat for personal use a few years back, but then gave it up. I like the idea of it, I just had too many apps. I think it was an absolutely BRILLIANT move for Instagram to add stories. Isn’t that our job, as business owners, to provide what our consumers want? I’m all for it! 🙂
Yes! I love that I can do both on one app now!
I won’t lie, I’m both excited AND sad about the update. I really love Snapchat, but I love that I can just stick with Instagram. It’s a lot harder to connect with people on Snapchat, but it’s built-in with Instagram.
They just need to bring in some filters (or merge with Snapchat) and all will be good!
I think Insta now has filters! I love it!
I’m using both, but wouldn’t be mad about cutting down to just Insta! My last blog is about how I plan to integrate the two! ?
Yes! I’m planning on switching over to just Insta now!
I am such a non-techie, I didn’t even know Instagram was owned by FB! I know I should be active here, but it seems overwhelming.
Yeah it’s kind of crazy how all the big tech brands are buying the little tech brands. They’re making these big mega brands.
I’m using both snapchat and instagram but I use Instagram much more than Snapchat! Loved your post!
I’ve switched over almost exclusively to Instagram now. I just don’t have time to handle both!
Loved this! I am trying to figure this whole thing out too. Right now, I am liking Instagram stories because I do feel like it’s easier to use and I get more comments BUT the filters on snap chat are pretty fun. Who knows which one will win!! Right now, I’m using both!
I think I’m making the switch over to Instagram stories exclusively now. I just don’t have the time for both! haha