Instagram vs Twitter – Where To Go When?

A few years back, Twitter, now known as “X,” reigned supreme in social media. Marketers were all over this popular platform, eager to showcase their content to millions of users. Twitter is still popular today but no longer the undisputed leader it once was. A key player in this shift? Instagram is the most engaging app in the social media landscape. The ongoing Instagram vs Twitter debate is nothing short of fascinating. We’re witnessing a noticeable change as marketers and big brands gradually shift their focus from Twitter to Instagram. Right now, Instagram is the hotspot for consumers. But does this mean it’s time to abandon Twitter?

Not quite. Whether it’s Twitter’s rapid-fire updates or Instagram’s notable feature of auto-playing videos, each platform has unique strengths to consider. 

Let’s explore which is better for business and artists and the differences and similarities between the platforms. By the end of this blog, you can make an informed decision regarding which is better. 

Instagram vs Twitter – Which Is Better?

There’s no definitive answer to the question, “Instagram vs Twitter, which is better?” Both Instagram and Twitter have their unique strengths. Instagram is a visual powerhouse, perfect for engaging content and storytelling. Twitter excels in quick, real-time interactions and staying on top of trends. If you’re looking for the right platform, it depends on your goals and who you’re trying to reach. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all in social media marketing. It’s all about finding the right fit for your business.

The Most Active Users of X (Twitter)?

Twitter has 31 million daily users in the U.S. alone. By January 8, 2021, Donald Trump, the ex-president of the USA, had a whopping 88 million followers there. Speaking of users, about 24% of American adults are on this platform. It’s pretty evenly split between men and women, too.

Now, here’s something interesting about the age groups. The platform is a hit among the younger crowd. For instance, 45% of those aged 18 to 24 use it. But as the age increases, the usage dips slightly. 

It’s 33% for the 25-29-year-olds, 27% for those aged 30-49, and 19% for those between 50-64 years. College grads are more likely to be on it than high school students. Moreover, it’s more popular among the well-off and city dwellers.

Talking about the business side, the company’s IPO in November 2013 was a blockbuster. It hit a $25 billion valuation right off the bat. In 2021, its revenue was $5.1 billion, up 36.6% from the previous year. Most came from ads and promoted tweets, with a slice from data licensing.

The latest news – Elon Musk purchased the company for $44 billion on October 27, 2022. In April 2023, Musk rebranded the platform from Twitter to X.

Who Uses Instagram?

Instagram seems to be a hit with the younger crowd. The majority of the users are 18 to 24 years of age.

But as people get older, they’re not as hooked to the photo-sharing platform. In the 25 to 29 age bracket, the number drops to 54%. And it keeps decreasing, as only 40% of those aged 30 to 49 use it. 

Interestingly, Meta says that a billion users are active on Facebook monthly. But Instagram? It’s buzzing with 500 million daily users. It is most common among college students living in urban areas and a bit more on the affluent side.

Back in 2012, Facebook made a bold move. They bought Instagram for $1 billion. People were initially skeptical because Instagram was only two years old then and wasn’t making profits. But things took a turn. By 2018, Bloomberg analysts figured Instagram was worth a massive $100 billion, with revenues over $10 billion.

The best part is that Instagram, being an app, helped Meta transition from web browsers to dominating mobile devices.

Instagram vs Twitter for Business – Which Works Best? 

Most people wonder which is the best platform, Instagram vs Twitter, for business. Both platforms use hashtags, but they’re quite different when you break them down.

So, which one should you choose? The right answer is that both are fantastic in their way. But the more detailed response depends on your needs, target audience, and industry. Let’s compare the two.

Instagram for Business 

It’s all about visuals here. You can try many new and awesome filters and tricks. Sharing pictures isn’t just fun; it’s a powerful way to promote your business globally. Hashtags work wonders here, just like on Twitter.

Filters make your photos pop, drawing more eyes to your content. In addition, Instagram Live lets you chat in real-time with followers, offering 100% engagement.

Customer engagement on Instagram is ten times higher than on Facebook. There are more ad options, too. You can place ads in Stories, which appear as users scroll through their feeds.

Twitter (X) for Business 

Now, let’s talk about Twitter. It’s not the giant it once was, partly due to Instagram’s rise, but it still has its perks.

Twitter is great for socializing and promoting your business or ideas. It’s all about quick, snappy updates. A single post can go viral, giving you massive exposure.

On Twitter, trending topics can put your business in the spotlight globally. The platform’s conversion tracking lets you see which tweets and campaigns work best. Twitter is perfect for real-time customer interaction, addressing questions and concerns on the fly.

Ultimately, both platforms mainly attract the 18-29 age group. Post-50, the user base dwindles. If you’re targeting a younger demographic, either platform is a solid choice. For older audiences, you might want to consider Facebook.

Instagram vs Twitter for Artists – Which Is the Better Platform? 

As an artist diving into social media marketing, you might feel excitement and anxiety. You want to connect with art enthusiasts and customers across different platforms, each offering unique opportunities.

Are you wondering which is best, Instagram vs. Twitter, for artists? 

Remember, you don’t need to conquer every social media platform to be successful. Some are more suited to your art business than others. Let’s explore what Twitter and Instagram specifically offer for artists.

What Does Twitter (X) Have To Offer for Artists?

Twitter excels when you want to post frequently and engage directly with followers. Here, you can share photos, videos, and links to your artwork. Hashtags boost your visibility, and lists help organize your feed. 

But be aware that the fast pace of Twitter can easily bury your posts in the sea of tweets. It’s not always the best fit for introverted artists.

What Does Instagram Have To Offer for Artists?

Instagram is often the ideal platform for artists. It’s a visually-driven network where art enthusiasts discover new works. As an artist, you can upload from your phone, use hashtags for discovery, and add captions for context. 

The limitation? If you have under 10,000 followers, your bio is the only spot for a link. So, it’s important to use that space wisely. Learn how to put a link in your Instagram bio and point more people in the right direction.

Both Twitter and Instagram have unique benefits for artists. Twitter is great for frequent updates and engaging with your audience. At the same time, Instagram is the top choice for visual storytelling and reaching art lovers. Select the platform that aligns with your style and where your audience hangs out. It’s all about connecting authentically and showcasing your art in the best light.

What Is the Difference?

Twitter and Instagram both are very popular among netizens. However, the user experience and type of audience vary on both platforms. Let’s dive into what sets these two platforms apart.

Ownership

For 16 years, Twitter was under the care of its parent, Jack Dorsey. He’s also the guy behind Square and Bluesky. But in October 2022, Elon Musk’s X Corp took over. Instagram, on the other hand, is part of Meta Platforms. They’ve been running it since 2012, alongside big platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp.

Content

Twitter is all about tweets. These are short, microblog-style posts. You can add photos, videos, GIFs, or polls, but there’s a character limit. Comparatively, Instagram is a visual feast. It’s all about pictures and videos with captions. You can’t just post text; it needs a visual, like a photo or a colored background.

User Experience

The user experience is also quite different. Twitter’s layout, whether on mobile or desktop, is text-focused. To see photos and videos, you usually click to expand them. Instagram puts visuals front and center. Captions are there, but you have to tap to read them fully. This design choice highlights Instagram’s emphasis on photo and video carousels.

Active Users

As of early 2023, Twitter had around 450 million monthly active users. Instagram had a whopping 1.35 billion. That’s nearly three times more than Twitter!

Media Support

Twitter lets you post up to four photos per tweet, each under 5 MB. You can upload GIFs, JPEGs, and PNGs. There’s a restriction for videos at 512 MB each, with a limit of four per tweet. Instagram, meanwhile, allows for larger videos, up to 3.6 GB and under an hour long.

Photos can be up to 30 MB each, and you can post up to 10 in a single go. But remember, all photos in a post must share the same aspect ratio.

So, there you have it. Twitter and Instagram, each with a unique flair, cater to different preferences and needs. Whether you’re into quick, text-based updates or visual storytelling, one of these platforms is likely to be your go-to.

Grow Your Instagram Presence With PathSocial 

Comparing Twitter and Instagram is like comparing apples to oranges. How do we pick a winner when one is about opinions and the other about visuals?

So, when it comes to Instagram vs. Twitter, Instagram takes the crown for being the more stable platform for artists. However, to become a successful content creator, weighing the choices is important.

Do you need help in growing your Instagram influence? Team up with Path Social for a standout Instagram experience! Our smart AI-targeting algorithm will make you stand out amongst a sea of creators. With our expert team, expect real, engaged followers to flock to your page.

If you are looking for e-commerce apps to boost your Instagram sales, we’ve got you covered with cutting-edge e-commerce apps. Join hands with Path Social to start growing and gaining Instagram followers today!