It’s been almost a month since Instagram rolled out their Stories feature and it’s safe to say that many people have been using this a lot―just as much as Snapchat. Even us here in Preen started using it during our many events.
Meanwhile, it’s also undeniable that Instagram copped Snapchat’s feature. We use both apps to maximize our reach, but which one is really better?
Uploading
The two apps can take good in-app photos and videos, but Instagram seems to have better quality at times. When it comes to uploading―both taken in-app and not―it’s slower on Instagram and it doesn’t upload in original order depending on what goes up first, unlike with Snapchat.
Sure, Instagram Stories also has the option to save and upload from your camera roll, there’s still the risk of losing your content if it doesn’t post properly. Instagram doesn’t have Snapchat’s Memories option (yet) so until then, it’ll be a hassle if your media doesn’t upload during an event.
Audience reach
If you already have a headstart of, let’s say, more than 200 followers on Instagram, all of these people may potentially see your content which is good for publications, bloggers, and so on. Meanwhile, Snapchat doesn’t have that much users yet so the audience reach may be limited. Of course, it still depends on what a person is using more and whether or not they have the time and Internet connection to view your stories wherever they are.
Filters
Snapchat has probably set the bar high when they incorporated fun selfie filters. Obviously, Instagram doesn’t have that (or maybe they’re brewing something) but they do have the same sepia, black and white, and vibrant filters.
What do people think about it?
Whether it’s for work or for personal reasons, people are now showing a glimpse of their lives through Instagram Stories and Snapchat. That said, we also asked a few people―creatives, bloggers, and others―on the pros and cons of both apps, especially when putting their content out there.
Kryz Uy, blogger
“For Instagram, I find it easier to reach a bigger audience, but it has a slow loading time. For Snapchat, I love the filters! However, there’s a small audience there.”
Lex Celera, writer, Scout
“IG stories are useful when you already have a lot of followers, so it’s easier to share stuff. I think, for me, it’s more of a branding thing when it comes to IG stories because if you have a foundation on Instagram, you can share your content. But I like Snapchat more because [the content’s] there already.”
Laureen Uy, blogger
“I barely use IG Stories. I still find Snapchat more entertaining and fun to use. Based from people’s comments about it, or just my friends, they usually use IG Stories for the usual “Hi” or “I’m here at..” videos. But with Snapchat, they’re more wacky and kalog.”
Edric Dela Rosa, art director, Hinge Inquirer Publications
“The number one con is we don’t need another Snapchat. We don’t need another app [that’s similar to Snapchat.] You don’t Instagram Stories, but if you want to use it, then use it.”
Camille Co, blogger
“Although Instagram has an awesome highlighter pen and a bigger follower base, I still prefer Snapchat because I already got used to all its features―the emojis and bitmojis, the filters, the official Snapchat stories from brands, and my Snapchat community. For some reason, I just think snaps are more fun and personal.”
Romeo Moran, features editor, Scout
“Definitely, you have more audience on Instagram because all of your followers can see it. I guess it’s just deciding whether you’re going to put the same content on both or you’ll choose which particular photos you’ll post. I guess we haven’t figured that out yet. Another thing is that the IG Stories is confusing at times since it’s not showing posts chronologically.”
Lissa Kahayon, blogger
“I personally prefer using Instagram since I can view both pictures and videos from people I follow in one app. I just find that more convenient. Snapchat has more filters though so I hope Instagram can step up their filter game as well!”
Art by Dorothy Guya
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