Instagram and Snapchat – Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Two Leading Platforms
Two names that pop up when talking about leading social media platforms are Instagram and Snapchat. Both these platforms have millions of users from all around the globe. Apart from being popular social media platforms, both Instagram and Snapchat are powerful tools for marketing that most businesses use to promote their products and services. They share many similarities, right from their core aim to the “Stories” feature.
However, both the social media giants have their own set of pros and cons. This article will provide an insight into what both the platforms are and their respective advantages and disadvantages.
What is Snapchat?
Snapchat is a messaging application that allows users to share stories for their friends and contacts to see. The app is very secure and offers many features that elevate the security quotient. For instance, if anyone takes a screenshot of someone’s messages or pictures, an alert is shown to the person about the activity. This makes Snapchat exceptional when it comes to privacy and security features.
The application is available on all major platforms, including iOS and Android. Even though there is no official application for Mac users, there are multiple ways following which macOS users can access Snapchat on their Macs. To find out all about it, click here. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Snapchat:
Advantages of Snapchat:
- It Allows Experiencing Products in a Better Way
Almost all social media platforms allow users to connect with brands and see what the brand has to offer. In this case, Snapchat jumps a step ahead of others by providing users with a simpler and more informative environment. Compared to other social media giants like Facebook and Twitter, Snapchat offers a more interactive feel to users. This quality makes building lasting relationships between consumers and brands very easy.
- Its Geofilters Enhance the User’s Experience
Snapchat’s Geofilters cover or mark a specific geographical area called geofence. Anyone present within a particular geofence can use the geofilter. With the help of a geofilter, users can overlay a design on top of a picture or video. This makes the user experience very fun. Moreover, according to Forbes, there are numerous ways in which companies can use Geofilters for marketing.
Disadvantages of Snapchat:
- The Analytical Angle Still Needs More Work
Snapchat does not offer detailed insights about how successfully a content piece or campaign is performing. The only possible way to interact with viewers who could be potential customers is by viewing the number of views that content has received and how many times it has been screenshotted.
- Content Can Only Be Viewed in The Vertical Orientation
People who are used to watching content in landscape orientation may feel that the content on Snapchat is unnatural due to its portrait orientation. This feature of the applications spoils the experience of users who are not used to watching vertical clips and videos.
What is Instagram?
Instagram is an uber-famous social media platform with over 1.3 billion active users globally. The platform allows users to share stories, photos, videos, and reels (short-format videos).
For businesses, Instagram is a potent tool for marketing their products and services. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the glittery platform:
Advantages of Instagram:
- It Offers an Amazing Interface
Instagram’s interface is designed in an aesthetic way that makes users want to continue using the app. The app is immaculate and organized, even though there is a ton of visual content. Furthermore, the platform allows you to create and organize your profile neatly and efficiently. One of the main reasons people prefer using Instagram over any other photo-sharing platform is because of its appearance.
- It Offers Tons of Effective Features
Apart from the regular photo-sharing features, Instagram also offers users numerous functionalities. For instance, you can share videos and do live streams with your friends.
Disadvantages of Instagram:
- There are Too Many Advertisements
Even though Instagram is a free platform where anyone can showcase their brand and its offerings, there are too many advertisements that make users feel overwhelmed. After every three or four posts of the people you follow, you will find an advertisement. This is a significant drawback of the glamorous app.
- It is Very Easy To Get Addicted to the Platform
Instagram’s algorithm is designed in such a way that it makes the users keep coming back for more content. People who want approval and validation spend their time uploading content, whereas those who do not want a thumbs-up from others spend their time browsing through other users’ content. Thus, Instagram is a very addictive platform.
Final words
Both Instagram and Snapchat are globally-acclaimed social media platforms with a solid base of users. They are excellent tools for staying socially updated and marketing brands.
However, both of them have their strengths and shortcomings.
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