So Instagram decided to drop a bomb on us with the addition of stories. It feels as though Instagram is trying to slowly take over the social media world and this is the first step. But I wouldn’t be too sure that Snapchat will just crawl away into a hole and slowly vanish like MySpace. Here’s why: Snapchat is a $20 billion dollar company. Okay...let me say that again. Snapchat is a $20 BILLION dollar company. I doubt that it will get knocked off its game because Instagram decided to pull a Melania Trump.
On top of that, there are many reasons why Snapchat just can’t be replaced. Like many people, I love the filters. The ugly, but funny distorted ones, the pretty pink and gold crowns, the face swaps, and of course the dog filter that made it’s way to the Facebook and Instagram accounts of many. Now I know this is Instagram’s first go and this new addition, but where are the filters? Currently, you can only zoom in and write in your own handwriting. It just doesn’t have the same effect.
Furthermore, this new feature is mostly being used by celebrities or people with a huge following no apparent reason. You know the people that just post a ton of selfies and have, “aspiring (something)” in their bio. Regular, everyday people aren't uploading as much because we are all so used to Snapchat and it would be super annoying to have to post something on Snapchat and the redo it for your insta-story. It forces people to choose and 9/10 they are choosing Snapchat.
Lastly, There is something every personal about Snapchat. People tend to be more selective with what they post on Instagram. It’s a collage of your best or favorite pictures of you, your friends, your brand etc. It’s more about putting your best foot forward because sometimes a lot of people you don’t know are following you and you want to look good. The beauty of Snapchat is that you are more likely to know all the people you add and it captures all of the funny in between moments. It’s more carefree. No one cares as much because a funny video of you lip syncing to Mariah Carey with an ugly filter disappears within 24 hours. When unexpected things happen it’s usually captured on Snapchat and shared with those people because you want them to enjoy that moment too.
When the update happened, many used it as an opportunity to add some people to their Snapchat by posting on their insta-story. There are way too many people I follow for me to be able to keep up with all of their insta-stories. Instagram isn’t as much of a “friendship” between two people like Snapchat is. On Instagram, you follow certain people and certain people follow you. Unless you are a celebrity you probably have to add someone and wait for them to add you before you guys can exchange snaps. At the end of the day, Snapchat is a unique social media platform and it is here to stay.
