Two of the most popular social networking sites worldwide are Instagram and Facebook. Choosing between Instagram vs. Facebook is an ultimate question among users.
Should you choose between one of them or should you use both?
Similarities and Differences Between Instagram and Facebook
Regular users, marketers, and social media experts wonder which of the social media networks is superior to the other. You do not have to choose one of them, but you can use the positive features of each platform for your purposes.
Similarities Between Instagram and Facebook
There are common features of both platforms:
- Sharing Content
It is possible to share pictures, videos, texts, and stories on both platforms. Both Facebook and Instagram also allow adding locations.
- Interaction
You can be friends with others or follow them. In terms of interaction, there is little or no difference between Instagram vs. Facebook. Leaving comments, likes, and sharing other people’s content is possible on both platforms.
You can also send messages to others both on Instagram and Facebook.
- Number of users
Although there is a slight difference between the two, both have over 2 million users.
- Online Shopping
You can sell or buy products and services on Instagram and Facebook.
- Advertising
Both Instagram and Facebook offer advertising features for marketers.
Instagram vs. Facebook: Differences
Depending on your aim of using the platforms, there are some differences.
- Sharing content
Instagram mainly focuses on visual content like images and videos, while a greater range of formats is allowed on Facebook, like articles, links, and longer videos. Especially, link sharing is a big difference between the two, while Instagram does not allow sharing links.
- Community
While Facebook is a close-knit community consisting of friends and family, Instagram connects people who have similar interests besides people you know.
- Networking
It is another difference between Instagram vs. Facebook. Facebook is superior in terms of creating and maintaining social networks because of the options for creating and joining groups. It also gives more attention to promoting events.
- Audience structure
Facebook has a slightly larger audience, but the bigger difference is in their structure. Instagram users are younger. In contrast, Facebook has a wider range of age groups.
- Desktop vs. mobile
Instagram is a more mobile-friendly platform. Desktop sharing for Instagram is not possible, whereas Facebook is more desktop-friendly.
- Engagement rates
Engagement rates on Instagram is more on Instagram, which means that people on Instagram like, share and comment more than the users of Facebook.
Instagram vs. Facebook in Terms of Marketing
Each platform has its unique components that increase the chances of success. Using both platforms may help the business more than choosing one. So, including both platforms in a digital marketing plan would be essential. However, marketers might want to choose between the two for a more focused marketing campaign.
Choosing the platform for marketing depends on the industry, the product, and target group demographics. If the target audience is in their 20s and 30s, Instagram may be a better choice. On the other hand, if the demographics the marketer looks for consist of men and ages 25 to 44, Facebook should be the choice.
The industries may differ Instagram vs. Facebook, too. Some industries might perform better on Instagram because of the content-sharing format. While beauty, clothing, and entertainment brands might perform better on Instagram, education or real estate industries might find a better place on Facebook.
Testing both platforms and deciding which one is better for your brand and services is a good idea. Besides, a marketing mix strategy including both platforms would be more successful. Both can be used for advertising and marketing by using their distinctions and unique features.
For Personal Usage
What you seek from the platforms will determine your choice between Instagram vs. Facebook. Since Instagram is a better medium for sharing visual material, it lets users share beautiful images and videos. Younger users of Instagram also prefer stories more than feeds.
On the other hand, Facebook offers a wider range of functionality. Facebook allows users to join groups, share events, engage in conversations, and share longer videos, links, and articles. Facebook may be a better option for keeping up a more extensive social network.
FAQ
What is the Fundamental Difference Between Instagram and Facebook?
While Instagram is a visual platform, it is possible to share a diverse type of content on Facebook. Facebook enables more connection with friends and family, including through events, games, and events.
Can I Advertise my Products/Services on Both Platforms?
Yes, both Instagram and Facebook allow advertisement. You can invest in both platforms or choose Instagram vs. Facebook, according to your target group and marketing strategy.
Which One is Better for Marketing Purposes?
Any kind of business may gain followers and engagement on Instagram and Facebook. However, some are more successful than others and more suited to the platforms. When choosing between Facebook and Instagram, taking the target audience, industry type and engagement rates into account is essential.
Is Instagram or Facebook Better for Personal Usage?
The decision between the platforms depends on personal goals. If the user prefers sharing only visuals or seeks an audience who is younger, he/she can choose Instagram. If the purpose is networking, sharing articles, creating events, or joining groups, the user might prefer Facebook.