Social media use has become a part of almost every modern life. Snapchat and Instagram are two of the most popular online places to connect with others. Both have different benefits that make them appealing to different groups of users.
While Instagram mainly focuses on graphic material, Snapchat focuses on fleeting content. We hope this information makes it easier for you to decide between Snapchat Vs Instagram.
Snapchat vs Instagram: Overview
Snapchat was launched in 2011 and quickly became popular among teenagers and young adults. The app’s main feature is the ability to send and receive photos and videos that disappear after a set period. Snapchat also has other features, such as filters, lenses, and filters, which allow users to add fun and creative elements to their snaps.
On the other hand, Instagram was launched in 2010 and was acquired by Facebook in 2012. Instagram primarily focuses on visual content, including photos, videos, and stories. The platform has several features, such as filters, stickers, and hashtags, that allow users to express themselves creatively.
| Snapchat | |
| 2.35 Billion+ Active Users | 525 Million+ Active Users |
| Focused on Reels, Images, Stories, and Videos | Focused on unfiltered SnapsRaw, Stories |
| Powerful targeting for feed, stories, and boost posts. | Powerful targeted snap advertisements, geo-filters, and lenses. |
Snapchat vs Instagram: Audience
Snapchat and Instagram have different audiences, which can help you decide which platform to use based on your target audience.
Snapchat’s audience comprises teenagers and young adults, with 78% of American 18-24-year-olds using the app. The platform’s user base is also evenly split between men and women.
According to the most recent data, the United States of America has the most users, with 170 million individuals using the photo-sharing app each month. Regarding market share, the United States is home to 17% of Instagram’s 1 billion monthly active accounts and 46.2% of the world’s smartphone users. The platform’s audience is also split evenly between men and women, with a higher percentage of users in the 25-34 age range.
Snapchat vs Instagram: Features
Snapchat and Instagram have unique features that make them popular among their respective audiences.
Snapchat’s main feature is the ability to send ephemeral content that disappears after a set period. The platform also has filters, lenses, and filters that allow users to add creative elements to their snaps. Snapchat also has a feature called Snap Map, enabling users to see their friends’ locations on a map.
Instagram’s primary feature is visual content, including photos, videos, and stories. The platform also has filters, stickers, and hashtags that allow users to express themselves creatively. Instagram also has a feature called Reels, which allows users to create short-form videos similar to TikTok.
Snapchat vs Instagram: Business Use
Snapchat and Instagram are popular among businesses but have different strengths and weaknesses.
Snapchat is popular among businesses that target a younger audience. The platform’s ephemeral content is perfect for creating urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out) among its users. Snapchat also has sponsored lenses and filters, which allow businesses to promote their brand fun and creatively.
On the other hand, Instagram is popular among businesses that focus on visual content. The platform’s algorithm also makes it easier for businesses to reach their target audience through hashtags and targeted ads. Instagram also has a Shopping feature, which allows businesses to sell their products directly on the platform.
Snapchat vs Instagram: Which One Should You Use?
Choosing between Snapchat and Instagram can be difficult, especially for businesses. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
Audience: If your target audience is primarily teenagers and young adults, Snapchat may be the better option. Instagram may be a better option if your target audience is more diverse.
Content: Instagram may be better if your business focuses on visual content. If you want to create urgency and FOMO among your audience, Snapchat’s ephemeral content may be the better option.
Features: If you want to create short-form videos similar to TikTok, Instagram’s Reels feature may be the better option. If you want to add fun and creative elements to your content, Snapchat’s filters and lenses may be the better option.
Advertising: Instagram may be the better option if you want to reach your target audience through targeted ads and hashtags. If you want to promote your brand in a fun and creative way, Snapchat’s sponsored lenses and filters may be the better option.
Ultimately, the decision between Snapchat and Instagram will depend on your specific goals and target audience. Both platforms have unique features that can benefit your business, and it may be worth considering using both platforms to reach a wider audience.
Snapchat vs Instagram: Pros and Cons
To help you make an informed decision, here are the pros and cons of using Snapchat and Instagram:
| Snapchat Pros | Snapchat Cons |
| Ephemeral content creates urgency and FOMO | Smaller user base compared to Instagram |
| Fun and creative filters and lenses | Limited analytics for businesses |
| Popular among teenagers and young adults | Challenging to reach older audiences |
| Instagram Pros | Instagram Cons |
| More extensive user base compared to Snapchat | Algorithm changes can affect engagement |
| More diverse audience | Limited organic reach for businesses |
| Visual content and filters are popular among users | Stories disappear after 24 hours, unlike Snapchat’s unlimited Stories feature |
| Targeted ads and hashtags make it easier to reach your target audience |
Conclusion
Choosing between Snapchat and Instagram will depend on your specific goals and target audience. Snapchat’s ephemeral content, fun filters, and lenses may be better suited for businesses targeting teenagers and young adults. In contrast, Instagram’s visual content and targeted ads may better suit businesses targeting a more diverse audience.
Both platforms have unique features that can benefit your business, and it may be worth considering using both platforms to reach a wider audience. Ultimately, creating engaging content that resonates with your audience is the key to success on either platform.
Instagram is better for influencers and marketers due to its extensive user base. Snapchat is better for private social media with entertaining filters.
Further Read:
- How To View Private Instagram Profiles
- Best Instagram Hashtag Generator Tools
- How to fix Snapchat when it doesn’t work on an iPhone
- 3 Ways to View Instagram Stories Anonymously
- How To Fix “Can’t React To Messages With Emojis On Instagram”
- How to Fix Snapchat Device Ban (Android and iPhone)
FAQs
Q. Who uses Instagram the most?
A. Users between 25 and 34 make up most of Instagram’s user base. Female Instagram users are more engaged than their male counterparts.
Q. How many users does Snapchat have?
A. The number of people using Snapchat will rise to 525.7 million worldwide in 2023, up from 493.9 million in 2022.
Q. Why is Snapchat better than other social media?
A. Violence against women and other forms of harassment, bullying, hate speech, impersonation, threats, criminal behavior, and other harms are strictly forbidden on Snapchat. Snapchat will never reveal who reported an account to the person who reported it. The Trust and Safety Team of Snapchat investigates all concerns.
Q. Which is the best platform for influencers between Snapchat and Instagram?
A. If you want to grow your following and survive within the influencer culture, it is abundantly clear that Instagram is the primary medium. Instagram ought to be your primary emphasis because of its options and possibilities.
