A few weeks ago Instagram launched “Stories,” a feature which greatly resembles one of Snapchat’s most notable assets. While Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom can’t deny the similarities, he argues the new addition to the photo sharing app saying, “They deserve all the credit. This isn’t about who invented something. This is about a format, and about how you take it to a network and put your own spin on it.”
However, I’ll have to agree to disagree. When the new feature first debuted, many of my own followers saw it as a channel to advertise their Snapchat usernames. It had me confused. From the beginning, Instagram users seemed to disregard the convenience of the feature to instead vocalize their preference for the original stories app.
Within the past few weeks, the amount of Instagram stories dwindled. The only users who seem to take advantage of the feature are brands, such as the sports leagues, fashion companies, entertainment news channels, and more. For brands, Instagram stories is ideal because it offers them an additional outlet to advertise their product.
Instagram stories did not put their “own spin on it.” Snapchat offers face filters and geotags that change regularly. It offers users a unique interactive experience every time they use the app. However, Instagram stories only offers filters and different drawing utensil options.
While Instagram’s concept of adding stories could’ve been extremely effective since it offers one stop shopping for photos and 24-hour stories, it doesn’t.
“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is common expression. Snapchat is like smartphone user’s old trick, and it seems like users just like it a whole lot more.
This blog post was written by PRowl Assistant Firm Director Clarissa Ford.
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