Hello Guys! Hope you all are doing well and enjoying your virtual social life to the fullest with all the trending Social media platforms you have an account on. Today I am here with a very interesting topic to discuss with you, Snapchat vs Instagram: Which one is Ruling the World of Social Media? This article will be a comparative analysis of two of the most popular Social media platforms- Snapchat and Instagram. And if you are excited to know about the topic, read this article until the very end.
Snapchat and Instagram are platforms that don’t need any prior introduction. Because their names are enough to fill your boring and dull-sounding day with the excitement of snapstreak, reels, filters, and whatnot. These two apps have become so much a part of our lives that it has become impossible for most of us to think of our lives without them.
When two platforms gain so much popularity and give tough competition to each other, it becomes inevitable to ask a question like which of them is the best. So, guys, without further ado, let’s jump into the article and discuss at length Snapchat vs Instagram: Which One is Ruling the World of Social Media? Let’s begin, then.
In This Article
Snapchat vs Instagram: A Brief Introduction
As I stated earlier, Snapchat and Instagram are the two social media platforms that don’t need any introduction. But it would be better to talk about some of the highlighting features that describe the essence of these platforms before I start to compare them.
What is Instagram?
Instagram, as described by the company itself, “is a free photo and video sharing app available on iPhone and Android. People can upload photos or videos to our service and share them with their followers or with a select group of friends. They can also view, comment, and like posts shared by their friends on Instagram. Anyone 13 and older can create an account by registering an email address and selecting a username.”
This platform has built a reputation like none other. It is used by people of all age groups, unlike Snapchat, whether commoners or celebrities, elites or non-elites. We live in an age where people know us by our Instagram page instead of our ID. Our Instagram account has turned into our social identity. Instagram fever has gone so far that people today use it as a verb. Ask them what they are doing. The answer will be they are Instagramming.
The number of users on Instagram is so astonishing that it is impossible to believe there was a time when a thing like Instagram didn’t exist. Today every other brand, business, organization, celebrity, professional, and even your pet has an Instagram account of its own. Instagram has turned itself into a virtual world of its own. And it even gave birth to an industry of its own type called Instagram Influencers, so it would not be wrong if I say Instagram is a world of opportunity.
What is Snapchat?
Snapchat, as described by the company, ‘is a technology company that believes the camera presents the greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate.‘
They describe their mission: “We contribute to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together. It’s the easiest and fastest way to communicate the full range of human emotions with your friends without pressure to be popular, pretty, or perfect.
Talking about Snap’s camera, they say it “supports real friendships through visual communication, self-expression, and storytelling. Moving forward, our camera will play a transformative role in how people experience the world around them, combining what they see in the real world with all that’s available to them in the digital world.“
And this is exactly what Snapchat makes its users feel while using the app. The volatile nature of Snapchat communication is something that allows its users to be as natural as possible. With a feature like disappearing messages, users are free to talk about anything they wish to communicate. The unique idea of conversing through Snap as a way of Storytell is also a great success.
Also, Read Why Snapchat is Toxic? You Need to Know
Snapchat vs Instagram: Comparison
I have told you about the highlighting features of Snapchat and Instagram; now it’s time to compare the two.
So here is a comparison of Snapchat vs Instagram to know which is ruling the world of Social media. Below I have mentioned certain features common to both platforms, and I have also mentioned a few dissimilarities under the differences section.
Snapchat vs Instagram: Stories
Here are the similarities and differences which the Stories feature on Snapchat and Instagram share.
Similarities
- Both Snapchat and Instagram have a feature called Stories, which can be used to post temporary content that lasts 24 hours and will automatically get deleted afterward.
- Both platforms offer you the liberty of choosing the audience for your Story, which means you can post both public and personal stories.
Differences
- Instagram Stories are placed at the top of your home page, whereas Snapchat Stories are placed in a separate tab designed for Stories.
- Snap stories give you a glimpse of what is inside, but Instagram doesn’t show a glimpse. Instead, you get to see their profile picture inside the story circle.
- The main difference is you can’t Screenshot or Screen record Snap Stories, whereas you can capture the Screenshot of Instagram Stories.
- You can keep your stories intact on your Instagram profile as ‘highlights,’ which Snapchat doesn’t allow you to do.
Also, Read Are Snapchat Stories Public: A Wrapped Conundrum Decoded in 2023
Snapchat vs Instagram: Direct Message
Here are the similarities and differences which the Chats feature on Snapchat and Instagram share.
Similarity
- Both platforms allow you to chat with your friends.
- You can use text messages, posts, photos, and videos, GIPHY to converse on both Instagram and Snapchat.
- You can send voice messages.
- Both have options for Call and Video Calls.
Difference
- You don’t have cameos on Instagram, whereas you have Cameos on Snapchat to converse with each other.
- Snapchat has a disappearing messages feature which Instagram doesn’t have, but there is a substitute for it called Vanish mode.
- You can’t screenshot chat on Snapchat, but there is no such thing on Instagram.
Also, Read How To Turn Off Vanish Mode On Instagram on iOS and Android?
Snapchat vs Instagram: Post
Here are the similarities and differences which a post on Snapchat and Instagram share.
Similarities
1. Both posts allow you to share the temporary post.
2. Both allow Story and Snap or photo sharing.
3. You can apply multiple filters to your post on both platforms.
4. You have Filters and lenses available on both platforms.
5. Both Snapchat and Instagram have video-sharing features- Reels and Spotlight.
Difference
1. Instagram has a feature called Notes to share text posts that Snapchat doesn’t.
2. Instagram allows users to share a permanent post which Snapchat doesn’t allow you to do.
Also, Read Want to Make a Snapchat Filter? Try These 3 Easy Methods
Snapchat and Instagram: Verification Process
Snapchat and Instagram have this policy of distinguishing verified personalities by adding a verification mark to their profile. The only difference is that on Instagram, you find the verified blue tick; on Snapchat, you find the yellow star, which represents a Snap Star- someone whose account is verified on Snapchat.
Also, Read Why Is Everyone On Instagram Verified Suddenly in Aug 2022
Snapchat and Instagram: Ads
Both Snapchat and Instagram have robust ad managers that target feed posts, stories, geo-filters, snap ads, and lenses and help in boosting a particular post’s ads on these platforms.
According to sources, Instagram charges $2 per click on ads, and Snapchat charges $2.95 per click. This clearly shows that advertisement and promotion of products on Instagram are comparatively cheaper than on Snapchat. This thing also makes Instagram a more obvious choice for businesses to promote their product and services than Snapchat.
Also, Read Are Snapchat Ads Worth It in 2023: An ROI Evaluation
Snapchat vs Instagram: Which is Safer?
Okay! Snapchat vs Instagram, which one is Safer? Well, both platforms provide privacy features that can be used to protect your account from any external threat. Depending on your choice, you can allow people you want to be friends with.
But one thing that makes Snapchat safer than Instagram is that you get notified when someone takes a screenshot of your Snap, chat, or Stories. Instagram doesn’t send such notifications when someone screenshots your post. For chatting, vanish mode is there, but again, if someone takes a screenshot of it, it doesn’t matter if there is a vanish mode.
So you can say Snapchat is safer than Instagram. But again, once a screenshot is taken, you have no control over it. The only thing you can control is the choice of sharing content that can be used against you.
Also, Read Two Factor Authentication on Snapchat: A Simple Guide for Snapchat Security in 2023
Snapchat vs Instagram: Which is Better?
The answer to this question depends on many factors- which age group you belong to, what you are actually looking for on a platform, etc. If you are a teenager, the app you swear by is obviously Snapchat. Because there are many features that are so appealing, especially to young teenagers, like disappearing messages, Bitmoji, Cameos, and filters.
And if you are a young adult and given a choice between Snapchat and Instagram, you will most probably choose Instagram. The reason is the more permanent nature of posts which can be visited again and again.
But one thing you all agree with is that Instagram is one platform that has it all. It would not be wrong to say Instagram can be Snapchat, but Snapchat cannot be Instagram. Over a period of time, Instagram has offered so many features that it slowly and steadily became an all-in-one app. But Snapchat, on the other hand, remained true to its initial identity as a platform that helps people live in the moment. And this volatile nature of the platform vibes well with the young-spirited energy of teenagers more than adults. This is the reason why Instagram has more Celebs and well know personalities than Snapchat.
I personally prefer Instagram over Snapchat. But that doesn’t mean I don’t use Snapchat. I just like Instagram more as it helps me share posts that I can visit over and over again. And Instagram is a virtual album for me to which I can go back anytime to feel the nostalgia.
Also, Read How to Flip the Camera on Snapchat in 2023 [Solved]
Snapchat vs. Instagram: Which One is Better For Businesses?
If I talk in terms of Business, I feel Instagram is way ahead of Snapchat in this aspect, with features specifically designed to promote your Business, like a Business account. These accounts come with great handy features, which are great for social media marketing.
When it comes to stories, they also play a crucial role in promoting your good and services. And it makes it easier for the advertising team to reach the target audience in a more organic way than ever before.
Prompts like Ask me anything and techniques like Give Away are doing great for many businesses. And your Instagram business account is more like a virtual store where users can get the price of any article just by tapping on it.
But Snapchat doesn’t have these advantages, so I believe Instagram is better than Snapchat for Businesses. And another disadvantage on Snapchat is that you can target only a particular age group, whereas Instagram has a wider scope for target audiences of different age groups.
Also, Read Snapchat Premium Prices & How to Get It for Free in 2023?
What is the Difference Between Snapchat and Instagram?
After all the above discussion, it is pretty much clear that over a period of time, Snapchat and Instagram have developed certain similarities in features. However, the core difference in the working of these two platforms is still there. Both have adopted an approach of changing with time and added many features to make their platform more fulfilling for their users.
But the key difference that remains is that Snapchat is a platform that aims at promoting conversation between people through a way of storytelling and by sharing instant happenings. On the other hand, Instagram is one platform that encourages image sharing more than individual chat, though it has now added the option of chatting also.
Snapchat vs Instagram: Features
Snapchat | ||
Nature of Post | Permanent as well as Temporary | Temporary |
Type of Post | Stories, Video posts, Photo Post, Reels, Notes | Snaps and Stories |
Chat options | Text messages, share- posts images, video | Text and Snaps |
Type of Messages | Normal messages can be deleted at any time. Vanish Mode is also available | Disappearing messages |
Filters and Lenses | Available | Available |
Owned By | Meta | Snap Inc. |
Audience | 1.28 Billion monthly active users | 464.8 Million daily Active users |
Screenshot Alert | No Alert | Alert Available |
Analytics | Free analytics tools | Paid analytics tools |
Games | Not Available | Available |
Wrapping Up
With this, I came to the end of this blog, and I hope now you know about all the aspects of Snapchat vs Instagram: Which is Ruling the World of Social Media? I hope you find this comparison interesting and insightful. And yeah! You can always comment in the comments section below for any doubt related to the topic.
So, guys, that’s it for today. Take Care! And keep visiting our website, Path of Ex, for more interesting topics related to Social media, Gaming, and Technology. Till then, Bye! Bye!