Interesting content has taken center stage in the ever-evolving world of social media. In fact, tech companies behind these technologies are purposely spending loads of cash to find ways to make users engage longer with their platforms. 

Instagram and Snapchat are two of the most popular platforms for sharing content and our lives with the world. 

In this resource, we will dive into the Snapchat vs Instagram users statistics, including user engagement patterns, worldwide user bases, active user figures, and each app’s unique features.

Key Statistics

  • Instagram has over 2.35 billion monthly active users worldwide, while Snapchat only has 654.4 million users. 
  • A large portion of Snapchat and Instagram users are aged 18-24 years old.
  • Instagram users open the app 28 times a day, a much greater number than Snapchat users opening the app 18 times a day.
  • A staggering 5 billion snaps are shared on a daily basis.
  • Over 900 million people interact with Instagram stories, three times greater than the 300 million people interacting with Snapchat stories. 
  • More people in the United States use Instagram than Snapchat.

Battle of the Users: Snapchat vs Instagram Users Statistics

Instagram's 2.35 billion global user base is significantly larger than Snapchat, with only about 654.4 million users.

1. Instagram’s 2.35 billion global user base is significantly larger than Snapchat’s 654.4 million users.

Instagram is a social media platform known for visual storytelling. It allows users to share photos, videos, and Stories to connect and express themselves. 

The platform, created by Facebook’s parent Meta, has amassed a massive user base that far surpasses Snapchat, another popular social media platform. 

With over 2.35 billion users worldwide, Instagram boasts a global reach that is nearly four times greater than Snapchat’s 654.4 million users.

(DemandSage, Data Reportal)

2. Instagram’s dominance is attributed to accessibility 

This difference in user base between the two popular platforms is likened to several factors including Instagram’s accessibility and availability. 

Instagram’s early adoption and wider availability across various mobile devices and operating systems gave it a significant head start in attracting users. 

Additionally, Instagram’s focus on high-quality visuals and its ability to connect with friends and family through shared experiences have made it a more appealing platform for a broader audience.

(DemandSage, Data Reportal)

3. Key difference between Instagram and Snapchat features

Instagram embraces curated and polished shared moments, much like creating a digital scrapbook of personal experiences that are permanently shown on one’s IG feed. 

Meanwhile, Snapchat thrives on sharing spontaneous and candid moments, capturing stories of everyday life through its Snaps that disappear within a day. 

Today, noth Snapchat and Instagram, have tailored their content strategies around the concept of temporary content that could be shared publicly, which vanishes after 24 hours. 

This limited lifespan of content appeals to users of both platforms which encourages users to share fresh and up-to-date content.

(Adobe Express)

4. The majority of Instagram and Snapchat users are aged 18-24 years old

According to recent data, Instagram’s largest user group is 18-24 years old, accounting for approximately 31% of its global user base. 

Similarly, 38% of Snapchat’s primary audience falls within the same age range. This data highlights the significant presence of young adults on these two popular social media platforms. 

Both Instagram and Snapchat are built around a foundation of visual content, with photos, videos, and Stories serving as the primary means of communication and expression. 

This emphasis on visual contents resonates strongly with young adults, who are more likely to engage with content that is aesthetically pleasing and captures their attention.

(DemandSage, Statista)

5. Instagram’s global reach is higher than Snapchat’s 654.4 million monthly active users worldwide.

Instagram has 2.35 billion monthly active users worldwide. This remarkable figure is higher than Snapchat’s 654.4 million, highlighting Instagram’s dominance in the social media space.

One of the possible factors that contributed to this success to instagram is the new and innovative features the platform offers. 

In recent years, Instagram has evolved beyond its initial offer as a photo-sharing app. It started incorporating features such as Stories, Reels, and live videos, catering to marketers and consumers worldwide. 

This diversification has attracted a broader user base, including those seeking more interactive and engaging content.

In addition, Instagram has actively engaged in marketing campaigns and partnered with influencers to reach a global audience. 

Today, there are an estimated 64 million influencer accounts on the platform.

(DemandSage, Statista)

6. Instagram users open the app an average of 28 times per day

Instagram users engage with the app more frequently, opening it an average of 28 times per day, compared to Snapchat users’ average of 18 app openings per day. 

This difference in usage patterns shows a deeper level of engagement and attachment among Instagram users.

(AutoMonkey, Hootsuite)

7. Instagram Stories has far exceeded Snapchat Stories’ engagement 

The popularity of Instagram Stories, with over 900 million users engaging daily, highlights its position as a leading platform for sharing short-lived content.

Aside from personal benefits, businesses, brands, and content creators take advantage of Stories’ reach to connect with their audience, promote their offerings, and gain valuable insights into consumer behavior.

Users can effortlessly share Stories across their News Feeds, Direct Messages, and Story highlights, expanding their reach and visibility.

(DemandSage, Hootsuite)

8. Over 5 billion snaps are uploaded and shared each day

The volume of Snaps being shared daily indicates an active user base engaged with the platform despite Instagram’s continued dominance.

Over 5 billion Snaps are shared every 24 hours, representing the platform’s reach and influence since its founding in 2011. 

(Social Shepherd)

9. 900 million users utilize Instagram Stories daily

The introduction of Stories has propelled Instagram into a thriving center for sharing everyday moments and connecting with friends. 

Today, over 900 million users engage with this feature on a daily basis. 

This content format has changed the way users interact and consume content on the platform.

At first glance, this data on Instagram Stories engagement might appear underwhelming compared to Snapchat’s 5 billion daily snaps record. 

On the other hand, if we look closely, Instagram users can post and upload a maximum of 100 stories per day, and a typical Instagram user posts more than three Stories daily.

This data hints that the total volume of Stories shared on the platform is likely to be much higher than this data suggests.

(99 Firms, EarthWeb)

10. Snapchat has lost its dominance in the United States’ social media landscape

Once a leading social media platform for short-lived content sharing, Snapchat has recorded a significant decline in its popularity in the United States, giving way to Instagram as the dominant player in this space. 

According to recent data, in the United States, 108.8 million people are actively using Snapchat. This data is lower than the 127.2 million Instagram users using the app in the region.

Instagram has successfully diversified its contents and algorithm, prioritizing content that aligns with users’ interests and creating a personalized and engaging experience that keeps users coming back for more.

(Data Reportal, Statista)

Conclusion

Instagram and Snapchat Stories have provided a captivating platform for sharing temporary moments of delight and everyday experiences.

Today, the majority of us can’t seem to end the day without sharing a Story or a Snap.

In the dynamic world of social media, Snapchat vs Instagram users statistics serve as a testament to the power of social media and the ever-changing preferences of users across diverse demographics.

Sources

DemandSageDemandSage 2Backlinko
AutoMonkey99FirmsAdobe Express
The Social ShepherdDataReportalStatista
Insider IntelligenceHootsuiteStatista 2
EarthWebStatista 3