Instagram vs Facebook: Which platform for which purpose ?
- Catherine Villemaire
- Sep 9, 2024
- 4 min read
In the world of social networking, Instagram and Facebook dominate the landscape. But did you know that the way you post on each platform can dramatically affect your online success?
In this blog, I explain how to maximize your impact based on posting schedules and give you tips on how to create the best Reels possible. Whether you're an entrepreneur, influencer or simply looking for greater visibility, this article is for you!
Which platform to choose and why?
Instagram is visual, fast-paced and often used by a younger audience. If you sell visually appealing products (like fashion, travel or food), it's your playground.
Facebook, on the other hand, is more comprehensive: it favors discussions, blog posts and longer-form content. It's ideal for sharing news and feature articles, and for reaching a wider, more diverse audience.
When to post on Instagram and Facebook?
Timing is crucial if you want your posts to be seen by as many people as possible. Here are the recommended slots to maximize your engagement on each platform:
Instagram:
Best times: Between 9am and 11am, and after 5pm (when users are on break or leaving work).
Most effective days: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Tip: Avoid posting in the middle of the night; Instagram's audience is often inactive during these times.
Facebook:
Best times: 12pm to 3pm, and 7pm (especially during lunch breaks and evenings).
Most effective days: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Tip: Video posts perform well in the evening, when users are more relaxed and more inclined to consume longer-form content.
Hashtags : How to use them effectively ?
Hashtags are a powerful engine on social networks, especially on Instagram. Here are a few rules for making the most of them:
On Instagram :
Use between 7 and 10 hashtags per post to maximize reach.
Mix popular hashtags (#Fashion, #Food) with niche hashtags (#FashionEthics, #VegetarianRecipes) to reach both a large and a targeted audience.
Examples: #InstaDaily, #Love, #OOTD, but also #YourBrand.
On Facebook :
Limit the use of hashtags to 1 or 2 per post to avoid overloading your audience.
Give preference to very specific hashtags linked to your sector or campaign (#MarketingTips, #HealthyRecipes).
Optimize your content for each platform
Your approach should vary from platform to platform.
On Instagram, focus on high-quality visuals and short but engaging captions.
On Facebook, focus on long articles, videos and open discussions to captivate your audience.
Stories: The essential tool for maintaining daily engagement
Stories are another key element for keeping in touch with your audience informally and quickly. They appear at the top of feeds and last just 24 hours, making them perfect for sharing spontaneous content, real-time updates, or special announcements.
Why Stories are so powerful ?
Stories humanize your brand by showing “behind-the-scenes” moments, product launches, or simply glimpses of your daily life. They create a sense of urgency, prompting users to act quickly so they don't miss out on your ephemeral content.
Real-time engagement: thanks to interactive stickers (polls, quizzes, questions), you can directly engage your followers and better understand their expectations.
Constant visibility: Stories let you stay constantly present in your audience's minds, without overwhelming their news feed with classic publications.
Tips for creating engaging Stories:
Tell a story: Stories, as the name suggests, should be used to tell a compelling story. Use multiple segments to guide your audience through a journey, like teasing a new product.
Use interactive elements: Integrate stickers, polls, questions or countdowns to encourage your followers to interact.
Be authentic and spontaneous: Stories allow more freedom. Don't hesitate to show the human, imperfect side of your brand.
Link to products or pages: If you have more than 10,000 followers on Instagram, you can insert Swipe-Up links to redirect directly to your store, a blog post or a specific page.
When to post Stories ?
As Stories are only available for 24 hours, it's advisable to publish them regularly throughout the day to maximize their visibility :
Instagram: Post your Stories in the morning to kick-start your followers' day, then continue to publish them at key times, such as early afternoon (12pm to 2pm) and evening (6pm to 9pm).
Facebook: Stories work well in the early evening, especially on weekends (Thursday and Friday), when users are more relaxed and inclined to browse more informally.
Reels: Your secret for explosive visibility!
Reels have become a must-have for capturing your audience's attention. Inspired by the popular TikTok format, Reels are short, dynamic and entertaining videos that can dramatically boost your visibility.
Why use Reels ?
Instagram and Facebook algorithms strongly favor Reels, placing them at the top of News Feeds and in Instagram's Explore tab. This engaging format is perfect for:
Increasing your organic reach: Reels are shown to a wider audience than your followers, which can attract new followers.
Showcasing products or services: A well-designed Reel can show the essence of what you offer in a few seconds, in a dynamic and engaging way.
Add a touch of creativity: Visual effects, sounds and music can make your brand more memorable.
Tips on how to create effective Reels:
Grab attention from the very first seconds: The beginning of your video needs to be punchy. Think quick scenes or catchy phrases.
Be authentic: Users love spontaneous content. Don't strive for perfection, but rather for connection.
Use subtitles: Many people watch videos without sound, so subtitles can make your Reels more accessible and engaging.
Post regularly: Regularity is key. Posting Reels several times a week can help increase your engagement and favor the algorithm.
Best times to post Reels
Reels, like classic posts, require strategic scheduling. Here are some specific tips to maximize their impact:
Instagram: Post your Reels in the early evening, around 6pm to 9pm, when users are more inclined to scroll through their feed.
Facebook: Reels work well in the morning and early evening, from 7am to 9am and 7pm to 10pm, when users are taking breaks or are at home.
Master your social networks with a well-thought-out strategy
Whether you're active on Instagram, Facebook, or both, each platform offers unique opportunities to reach and engage your audience.
By understanding the specifics of each network - whether through classic posts, Reels, Stories, or even optimal times - you can maximize your visibility and grow your community dramatically. What are you waiting for?
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