Post or Story?
In recent years, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. It has changed the way we communicate and interact with each other. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter have revolutionized the way we share information, ideas, and experiences with each other. One of the most popular features of social media platforms is the ability to post stories and posts. While they may seem similar, there are some key differences between posting social media stories and posts.
What are Social Media Stories?
Social media stories are short-lived content that appears at the top of your social media app's screen. These stories are usually available for 24 hours before they disappear. Social media stories are generally composed of photos, videos, or a combination of both and can be edited with filters, text, and stickers. They are a great way to share quick updates or behind-the-scenes moments of your day with your followers.
What are Social Media Posts?
Social media posts, on the other hand, are more permanent than stories. They are generally composed of text, photos, or videos and appear on your profile or feed. Posts can be shared with your followers or the public, depending on your privacy settings. They are a great way to share longer-form content, such as articles, blog posts, or important announcements.
Key Differences between Stories and Posts
Duration: The most significant difference between stories and posts is the duration. Stories are temporary and disappear after 24 hours, while posts are permanent and remain on your profile or feed.
Format: Stories are generally composed of photos and videos, while posts can contain text, photos, and videos, making them more versatile.
Engagement: Stories tend to encourage more engagement than posts. Social media platforms often prioritize stories in their algorithms, making them more visible to followers. Additionally, stories are more interactive, with features like polls, questions, and quizzes.
Audience: Stories are generally seen by a smaller audience than posts. They are only visible at the top of the app for 24 hours, while posts remain on your profile or feed indefinitely.
Purpose: Stories are ideal for sharing spontaneous moments or updates, while posts are better suited for more thoughtful, longer-form content.
Our suggestion
Now that you know the main differences between stories and posts, here is our suggestion for using them for your business. When it comes to social media marketing, it comes down to strategy. When new viewers visit your page, you want them to learn about who your business is and what it has to offer and educate them on your overall brand (who you are as a business). We suggest using stories in your daily messages to your audience. This gives you more freedom to be yourself, with a little less of a critical eye, while sharing your message to your current followers. We'd suggest using posts more strategically to give your audience and new viewers the right mix of material to show off your fun side, your social side, your business highlights, and more. Consider strategically planning posts using a Social Media Content Planner at the beginning of each month. Utilizing platforms such as Buffer, Hootsuite, and Social Sprout can be a great way to do this.
Conclusion
Both social media stories and posts have their place in social media marketing. Stories are great for sharing spontaneous moments and quick updates, while posts are better suited for more thoughtful, long-form content. Understanding the key differences between the two can help you create more effective social media content and engage your audience more effectively.