By JOYCE PARK
Staff Writer
During this era, teenagers encounter advanced technologies and have many applications on their phones. If a student’s phone was taken in class, the reasoning would be most likely because they were either on these two apps: Instagram or Snapchat.
Some of the similarities between the two apps are having face filters, direct messaging, and stories. Snapchat is the “O.G.” app for filters whether they are appealing, hideous, or funny. Instagram also has filters, but are very limited, whereas Snapchat has an explore page just for more creative filters that others can make. They both have direct messaging where one is called “DM” and the other is to snap someone individually, which starts a conversation. These applications also allow people to create group chats with thirty-two people. The members in the group chats are able to see who has sent a text, picture, or a snap. Both of these apps show if the person in the group chat or direct message received and saw the notification. On Instagram, it would say “seen” when someone has viewed the chat. Snapchat has an arrow icon that is either blank or filled with blue to show that the chat has been read or left on delivered. Getting left on read or delivered is no bueno. Both platforms also have stories where one is able to post for their followers and friends to view. Instagram stories appear right on the top of the home page as they get autoplayed. The other app has the option for people to pick and choose what Story one wants to watch first. However, the users have to swipe to the left to view other people’s stories. They both only last for 24 hours.
There are many similarities between these two apps; however, there are many differences as well. The purpose of these two apps is totally incompatible. Instagram is a popular image-sharing app that is more focused on photos and videos, instead of individual chatting. It allows users to post about their lives. One is able to post about the skiing trip they went on or even a selfie because they were really feeling themselves. Instagram is more for the public, as all of your followers can see your posts and stories. Posts are permanent on someone’s feed unless they delete or archive them. One can easily search someone up and know which profile is theirs, due to the profile picture. Users can like posts and share them with the people that they follow in order for that person to see it. On the other hand, many teenagers and adults use Snapchat: an image-based messaging app that allows people to send and share photos and videos. The users on Snap can only snap people, share a photo or video on their story, or to someone directly. One can only add certain people by their username, snapcode, or quickadd. There is not a profile picture, for, Snapchat has avatars called “Bitmojis.” One can explore and discover entertaining shows on Snapchat and subscribe to them in order to be updated with new ones weekly. Snapchat has a variety of games that can be played with individuals or in group chats, as well as voice and video chatting. There are a variety of features that Instagram and Snapchat have, even with their differences.
In the end, these two popular apps are used all over the world. Which one would you prefer: Instagram or Snapchat?