Snapchat vs Instagram: Which Social Media App is Better?

Among all the leading names in social media apps, Snapchat and Instagram are very commonly heard. From content creation to conversations with friends, both communication apps have established a stronghold in the global market. In this blog, we are discussing Snapchat vs Instagram and their position against each other from the perspective of users. We will talk about different elements like features, pros, and cons of both platforms to identify which one takes the lead. So, if you are interested in this war between Instagram versus Snapchat, stick with us until the end of this blog.

Introduction- Snapchat or Instagram

For those who are not much familiar with both of these platforms, let’s go through a short introduction and background of the apps.

What is Snapchat used for?

Snapchat is a secure messaging application that cares about user privacy and protection more than any other alternatives. It allows users to upload stories for their contacts to see. Moreover, during text messaging, each screenshot taken by any participant in the conversation informs others by showing them an alert about the screenshot taken. Thus, the app is quite good from a privacy and safety perspective.     

The American app was initially founded in September 2011 by its original creators, Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown. Snapchat is now known for its AR stickers and filters that have become one of the huge reasons why users from all over the world find Snapchat fascinating. By July 2021, Snapchat witnessed 23% of the annual user growth on the platform. 

What is Instagram?

Instagram is one of the most popular social media sites currently existing which focuses on giving users a platform where they can share pictures and creative videos. Recently, Instagram has also entered into the reel-making market where users can create Reels up to 30 seconds long and share them on their Instagram profile. With proper social media strategy, these Reels have a good scope of growing the outreach of the user.

Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger founded this photo and video sharing platform on October 6, 2010. Since then, it has seen many modifications in its UI and logos. Facebook acquired Instagram in 2012 for 1 billion USD. On the app, you will find hundreds of filters, freedom to upload stories and posts, Reels, IGTV videos, and messenger among other features. 

Which is better Snapchat or Instagram for privacy?

Privacy is a concern that bothers most parents, especially when the number of teenagers getting onboard on social media apps is increasing rapidly. Thus, it is crucial to think about the question- which is better Snapchat or Instagram in offering privacy? Now, Snapchat features have something just designed to protect the privacy of the user. Whenever a picture or even text is shared, and if any screenshot of the inbox has been taken, it alerts receivers for the same. 

Moreover, the major difference between Snapchat vs Instagram Stories is that users also receive alerts from Snapchat if a screenshot of their private story ideas has been taken by any of the contacts. These contacts will have a specific symbol in the form of “Arrows crossing each other” if they capture the screenshot of a story that you had uploaded.  

Instagram, for privacy, allows you to send images and videos that users can play only once. Moreover, you can also share images and videos by turning on the “Vanish Mode”. The Vanish Mode makes messages disappear as soon as you close the chat. Moreover, you can also choose a few people to add to the list of your Close Friends on Instagram so that you can share stories that are only visible to them. Moreover, Instagram also allows you to restrict profiles and to select people so that they can not see your stories. Now, the question- which is safer, Snapchat or Instagram, can be confidently answered that Snapchat is much more secure and private for texting. 

Which social media app has the larger user network?

Well, to answer the question- what is more popular Snapchat or Instagram, we will have to go through a few statistics. Snapchat vs Instagram 2021 statistics show that both are beloved by a huge number of people globally. Thus, current statistics might see a drastic difference in the future. But, let’s have a look at a few current Snapchat vs Instagram 2021 statistics to know where both secret chat apps stand?

According to a report by Statista, the number of Snapchat’s daily active users has boosted. As of the third quarter of 2021, Snapchat had 306 million daily active users globally. On the other hand, according to Most used social media apps statistics, Instagram, which is also a huge social media platform, had 1.3 billion monthly active users by October 2021 the social media site has a great reputation in the comparison between Snapchat and Instagram. So, to answer the question- which is more popular, Snapchat or Instagram, Instagram is definitely a winner.

Snapchat vs Instagram which is better for influencers?

Well, if you are a content creator and planning to grow your outreach to a huge number of people, Instagram is undoubtedly the best option. However, there are features like My Public Profile on Snapchat that can be used to grow the outreach on Snapchat to more users. Snapchat also has a feature called Spotlight which lets you grow your followers and make money by using concepts of affiliate marketing. But for the comparison at this segment for the Snapchat vs Instagram differences, Instagram definitely takes the cup. Instagram is easy to grow and has a much higher probability of reaching way more audience compared to Snapchat. This Snapchat vs Instagram difference also makes Instagram the best tool for businesses trying to grow virtually.

Conclusion- is Instagram better than Snapchat?

Well, after reviewing facts of Snapchat vs Instagram thoroughly, it is quite easy to say that Instagram has a higher position in the market. Also, it is useful for more purposes compared to the Snapchat app. Thus, answering the question, why is Instagram better than Snapchat, is quite easy.

Instagram can work as a messenger app, a social media platform, a platform for businesses, and much more. But for Snapchat, there are limitations that it has to come over first to become more user-friendly for users. There are many similarities in both apps as well. For instance, Snapchat vs Instagram filters are almost the same. Thus, both apps are amazing if you are skeptical about the Snapchat vs Instagram filters.

So, that is all for the Snapchat vs Instagram 2021 review. Now, if you have a smartphone app as well and you want to get your app reviewed, you can contact MobileAppDaily experts for the same. A review by MobileAppDaily can be beneficial for your app from a marketing perspective.

By Manish

Content Strategist at MobileAppDaily

With a mixture of literature, cinema, and photography, Manish is mostly traveling. When he is not, he is probably writing another tech news for you!