Why We Like Instagram Stories

An explanation of why we like Instagram Stories a lot better than Snapchat

“Hey, are you on Snapchat?” This is a question I’ve fielded more times than I can count over the past year. And the answer is, no, HSS is not on Snapchat. And there are no plans to start a Snapchat channel for HSS.

So why aren’t we on Snapchat?

For a few reasons.

First of all, it’s just one more thing that we would have to do. And, to be completely honest, between the website – which we will never stop putting time into – our Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest, there’s simply not enough time in the day to devote to yet another social channel.

We prefer to focus on what we do best and to make sure we’re producing that product at a continuously high level.

Second, Snapchat just isn’t us. Beyond its salacious reputation – maybe that’s changed since its first introduction? – it seems to appeal to a younger demographic. And we know that demographic is not the typical HSS reader.

Third, the general way we’ve seen it used – oversharing and an insecure cry for attention and approval from the anonymous masses – really grates on us. It’s the kind of narcissism that should be a signal to “fans” and followers that what people are doing is all about them and not about you. And what’s the value proposition in that for you as a follower other than to make you jealous?

Here at HSS, we’re all about providing value for you, our readers, and not fluffing our own feathers for the sake of fluffing them. But we’re pretty sure you know that already.

However, we are using Instagram Stories…

…which might seem hypocritical given that it’s very obviously Instagram’s answer to Snapchat. But you know what? We really like Instagram Stories. And here’s why.

First and foremost, IG Stories is a part of Instagram. No need for a completely different channel. You could argue that Instagram Stories still requires more time, effort and extra work, which might not be completely untrue. But when the app you already use is open and there’s not a huge learning curve – or need to build a new audience from zero – it makes it a whole lot easier.

Second, along those same lines, we like that we’re able to provide our existing Instagram audience a different, if not more immediate, view of HSS. Our feed is highly curated – there’s a reason we call it as the HSS art gallery – and we like the immediacy and personality we can present through Instagram Stories to complement our imagery and your understanding of who we are.

Could video kill the Instagram star?

Oh, absolutely. While we certainly hope through Instagram Stories to deepen the existing connection we have with our followers, there is a definite possibility that seeing “behind the curtain” can have quite the opposite effect. I like to use the following analogy.

I like listening to pop radio, but I truly hate watching videos these days because I don’t like the image I’ve created in my head around the song to be ruined by an awful, tasteless piece of visual trash. This has happened to me way too many times.

And versions of that have already happened to me several times with Instagram Stories. Like, wow, some people whose photos I really liked also happen to be particularly obnoxious, insufferable, into themselves and annoying. It’s a serious letdown and has the unfortunate effect of me losing a ton, if not all, respect for them.

At HSS, we do not wish to let you down like that.

So how do we plan to use Instagram Stories?

As with any new platform – or extension of an existing platform – our usage of it may evolve over time. But as of this writing, here are the ways we plan to use Instagram Stories.

1. To give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what we do and how we do it.

2. To show you a different – and maybe sometimes a somewhat fun – look at the content we publish here on the site. You may have seen this yesterday. Or perhaps today…

3. To provide a backstage pass and exclusive access to events we attend.

4. To give you the opportunity to ask anything via The Sunday Q & A.

5. To present a measured dose of daily life.

Regarding the last point, I’m going to impose the same logic as the favorite line of many a mom, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”. So in the case of Instagram Stories, if we don’t have anything interesting to share, we won’t share anything at all. I think that’ll keep all of us much happier.

So that’s how we plan to use Instagram Stories, but as you’ll recall, HSS is about you. And now it’s your turn to chime in.

What would you like to see from HSS on Instagram Stories?

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style