Considering that these two platforms have only been

around a few years, compared to over a decade for Facebook and Twitter, those are impressive usage numbers. Facebook even purchased Instagram in 2012, deemed a wise buy as the newer platform outperformed Facebook with 20 percent more growth the following year. Originally designed as mobile platforms for messaging,

Instagram and Snapchat have quickly developed interesting ways for brands and businesses to engage users. Both Snapchat and Instagram take messaging a bit further, focusing on visuals in ways that are challenging Facebook and Twitter. With their growing user bases of young and engaged

digital teens, Snapchat and Instagram attract businesses that focus on this demographic. And both are making it easier for small businesses to create great content and generate a return on the investment in time and resources.

So, what are the key features of Instagram and Snapchat? Let’s break it down.

Snapchat

Primarily a visual messaging service, using Snaps

Reaches 41 percent of 18 to 32 in the U.S.

Can add location-based geofilter, a graphic that the user places on a photo

Images and videos last 24 hours, then disappear

Metrics must be inferred (upticks in website visits), but you can track Views and Screenshots in the app

Offers paid options for businesses

Instagram

Primarily a photo-sharing service

36 percent of U.S. users are 13 to 29 (57 million)

Can hashtag photos and search for hashtags in the Explore feature; allows geotagging (adding latitude and longitude) to photos

Can share and edit videos of up to 60 seconds in length

Can track metrics and engagement using Insights

Offers paid options for businesses

Best Way to Spend $$

On-Demand Geofilters: $5 and up, easy to design, schedule, and purchase at snapchat.com/on-demand

Promoted Posts:

you set the budget, targets (by interests, location), and timeframe in app similar to Facebook sponsored posts

Minneapolis/St Paul

ISI EDGE WINTER 2016

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