Today, do you get a better conversion rate on Instagram or on Snapchat?

This article has been written by our Instagram expert who will tell you what are the most efficient strategies in your niche

What's your average conversion rate per 1,000 impressions on Instagram compared to Snapchat right now?

Instagram delivers 1-2% average conversion rates for ads, with exceptional campaigns reaching 3% or higher, while Snapchat typically achieves around 1% conversion rates.

Instagram's link click-through rate sits at 1.19%, significantly outperforming Snapchat's 0.46-0.94% click-through rate range. The platform benefits from mature advertising infrastructure and integrated shopping features that streamline the conversion process.

Cost-wise, Instagram maintains competitive CPMs ranging from $2.50-$10.81, while Snapchat's CPMs have risen to $3.03-$10.47 with an average of $8.39 in June 2025. Instagram's average cost-per-click remains low at $0.01-$0.25, making it more accessible for budget-conscious campaigns.

Snapchat's conversion challenges stem from its less saturated but rapidly evolving ad ecosystem. While CPMs have increased 27.6% year-over-year, making campaigns more expensive, some brands report 20-30% lower customer acquisition costs in specific regions.

For direct response campaigns prioritizing immediate conversions, Instagram's proven infrastructure typically delivers superior results per thousand impressions.

What's the typical engagement rate on both platforms in 2025, broken down by niche and account size?

Instagram engagement rates vary dramatically by account size, with nano-influencers (1-10k followers) achieving 2.19-3.45%, while macro-influencers (100k+) see 0.86-1.93%.

Account Size	Instagram Rate	Niche Performance	Snapchat Comparison
1-10k followers	2.19-3.45%	Higher education: 2.43%	High AR engagement (75% daily)
10-50k followers	1.81-3.12%	Sports: 1.57%	Strong Spotlight engagement
50-100k followers	1.24%	Travel: 1.22%	Gen Z dominated interaction
100k+ followers	0.86-1.93%	Beauty: 1.26%	Platform-wide high engagement
Fashion niche	0.99%	Fashion declining	Strong with youth trends
Food niche	0.63%	Food struggling	Visual content performs well
Health niche	0.40%	Health lowest performing	Wellness content gains traction

Snapchat doesn't publish traditional engagement rate metrics, but 75% of users engage with AR lenses daily, and 60% of daily active users view Stories regularly.

Instagram's overall engagement has declined 28% year-over-year, now averaging 0.50% platform-wide. Smaller creators maintain higher engagement rates, with the inverse relationship between follower count and engagement rate remaining consistent.

Higher education content performs exceptionally well on Instagram at 2.43%, while health and wellness content struggles at just 0.40% engagement rates.

What's the average number of likes and comments per post on Instagram vs Snapchat Spotlight or Stories, for creators under 10k, 50k, and 100k followers?

Instagram creators see predictable engagement patterns with nano-influencers (0-10k) averaging 111 likes and 21 comments per post.

Micro-influencers (10-50k followers) typically receive 428 likes and 30 comments per post, while mid-tier creators (50-100k) average 1,310 likes and 44 comments. The like-to-follower ratio decreases as account size grows: 8-10% for accounts under 5k, 5-7% for 5k-100k accounts, and 3-4% for accounts over 100k followers.

Snapchat operates differently since it doesn't display public like counts on most content. Spotlight and Stories measure engagement through views and replies rather than traditional metrics. For monetization eligibility, creators need 50k+ followers and consistent posting schedules.

Snapchat Spotlight videos from creators with 50k+ followers can generate substantial views and revenue through the Creator Fund, but direct comparison with Instagram's like/comment metrics isn't possible due to different engagement measurement systems.

If you're struggling to identify what content works in your niche, we can help you figure it out.

How does the conversion funnel look on Instagram versus Snapchat—from reach to click-through to actual sales or leads?

Instagram's conversion funnel follows a structured path: Reach (Feed, Reels, Stories) → Engagement (likes, comments, shares, saves) → Click-through (link in bio, story swipe-up, product tags) → Conversion (shop, affiliate, lead form, direct messages) → Loyalty/Advocacy.

Instagram Shopping and affiliate features create seamless transitions from content discovery to purchase. Product tags, Instagram Shops, and integrated checkout reduce friction points that traditionally caused conversion drop-off.

Snapchat's funnel emphasizes immersive experiences: Reach (Discover, Spotlight, Stories, AR Lenses) → Engagement (views, shares, replies, AR interactions) → Swipe-up/click (links, product tags, app installs) → Conversion (purchase, lead, app download) → Loyalty.

Snapchat's conversion strength lies in AR commerce and native ad formats that feel less intrusive. The platform's younger audience responds well to interactive elements and ephemeral content that creates urgency.

Instagram typically shows higher conversion rates at each funnel stage due to mature e-commerce integration, while Snapchat excels at creating memorable brand experiences that drive future purchase intent.

Which platform drives more revenue per user: Instagram (via Stories, posts, affiliate links, Shops) or Snapchat (via Spotlight, links, AR lenses)?

Instagram generates significantly higher average revenue per user (ARPU) through its integrated commerce ecosystem, with brands reporting 45% increases in direct sales from shoppable posts.

Instagram influencers earn approximately $1,311 per photo post and $2,784 per Story on average. The platform's mature affiliate program, Instagram Shops with direct checkout, and seamless payment integration create multiple revenue streams within a single ecosystem.

Snapchat's global ARPU stands at $2.96 per user per quarter, with North American users generating $8.43 quarterly. Revenue comes primarily from ad revenue sharing through Spotlight and Stories, AR commerce experiences, and affiliate links embedded in content.

Instagram's revenue advantage stems from its broader demographic reach and established e-commerce infrastructure. Users across age groups make purchases directly through the platform, while Snapchat's revenue concentrates among younger demographics with different spending patterns.

However, Snapchat's AR commerce and immersive advertising formats show growing potential, particularly for brands targeting Gen Z consumers who prefer interactive shopping experiences over traditional e-commerce.

Where do users spend more time on average per day in 2025—Instagram Feed, Reels, Stories, or Snapchat Stories, Spotlight, Chat?

Instagram users spend 33.1 minutes daily on average, with Gen Z users averaging 53 minutes per day, while Snapchat users spend approximately 30 minutes daily on the platform.

Within Instagram, users dedicate roughly half their time to watching Reels, with the remaining time split between Feed browsing, Stories viewing, and direct messaging. The shift toward video consumption has dramatically changed user behavior patterns since 2024.

Snapchat users distribute their time among Stories (60% of daily active users view daily), Spotlight video content, and Chat features. The platform's emphasis on ephemeral content and real-time communication drives frequent but shorter engagement sessions throughout the day.

Instagram's longer session times correlate with its content discovery algorithms and endless scroll design, while Snapchat's shorter sessions reflect its focus on quick, personal communication and content consumption.

Gen Z users show the highest engagement levels on both platforms, spending significantly more time than average users, making them crucial for brand reach and monetization strategies.

How has performance changed in 2025 for both platforms—have CPMs, CTRs, and ROAS improved or dropped compared to 2024?

Instagram CPMs have remained relatively stable with slight increases of 1% year-over-year in early 2024, while engagement rates have declined 28% year-over-year, creating challenges for organic reach.

Snapchat has experienced significant cost inflation with CPMs rising 27.6% year-over-year, making it considerably more expensive for advertisers. This dramatic increase reflects growing advertiser demand but reduced inventory growth.

Organic reach continues declining on both platforms, with Instagram organic reach per post now averaging 7.6%, down 18% year-over-year. Paid advertising becomes increasingly necessary for meaningful reach and engagement.

Return on ad spend (ROAS) varies by campaign type and audience targeting. Instagram typically delivers higher ROAS for direct response campaigns, while Snapchat shows strength in brand awareness and engagement campaigns among younger demographics.

Not sure why your posts aren't converting? Let us take a look for you.

What are the forecasts for organic and paid reach efficiency in 2026 on each platform, especially for small vs large creators?

Organic reach will continue declining on both platforms through 2026, with Instagram's current 7.6% organic reach per post expected to drop further as the platform prioritizes paid content promotion.

Small creators (nano and micro-influencers) will maintain higher organic reach efficiency compared to large accounts. Instagram's algorithm increasingly favors authentic engagement over follower count, benefiting creators with 1-50k followers.

Paid reach efficiency is expected to become more expensive as CPMs rise due to inventory constraints and increased competition. Brands will need larger advertising budgets to achieve the same reach levels achieved in 2024-2025.

Large creators face diminishing returns on organic content, making them more dependent on paid promotion and brand partnerships. The creator economy will likely shift toward smaller, more engaged audiences rather than massive follower counts.

Both platforms will continue developing creator monetization tools to retain top talent, but the days of purely organic viral reach are essentially over for most content types.

How many bots or fake accounts affect engagement and traffic quality on Instagram versus Snapchat today?

Instagram harbors an estimated 95 million fake or bot accounts, representing approximately 9.5% of its user base and costing marketers $1.3 billion annually in wasted advertising spend.

These fake accounts significantly impact engagement metrics and traffic quality, creating inflated engagement rates that don't translate to real business results. Bot activity particularly affects hashtag performance and influencer marketing campaigns.

Snapchat faces fewer bot-related issues due to its emphasis on ephemeral content and real-time verification systems. The platform's focus on camera-first content and friend-to-friend sharing makes it more difficult for bots to operate effectively.

Instagram's bot problem affects conversion tracking accuracy and campaign performance measurement. Brands must invest in third-party verification tools to identify authentic engagement and avoid partnerships with inflated accounts.

Snapchat's stricter content controls and verification processes result in higher-quality engagement metrics, though precise fake account estimates aren't publicly available. The platform's design inherently discourages bot activity compared to Instagram's more open engagement system.

What types of content formats convert best on Instagram (Reels, Stories, Carousels) vs Snapchat (Spotlight, AR lenses, Story ads)?

Instagram Reels achieve the highest reach and engagement with 1.23% average engagement rates, making them ideal for discovery and viral growth potential.

Platform	Format	Conversion Strength	Best Use Case
Instagram	Reels	Highest reach (1.23% engagement)	Discovery and viral content
Instagram	Stories	Direct response and affiliate links	Product promotion and urgency
Instagram	Carousels	Highest save rates and engagement	Educational and detailed content
Instagram	Feed Posts	Strong for brand building	Community engagement
Snapchat	Spotlight	Viral reach and monetization	Entertainment and trending content
Snapchat	AR Lenses	75%+ daily user engagement	Brand experiences and interaction
Snapchat	Story Ads	E-commerce conversions	Product showcases and sales

Instagram Stories excel at direct response campaigns with product tags and swipe-up links, while Carousels achieve the highest save rates for educational content. Stories create urgency through ephemeral nature and direct call-to-action capabilities.

Snapchat AR Lenses achieve exceptional engagement with 75% of users interacting daily, making them powerful for brand recall and immersive experiences. Spotlight videos offer monetization opportunities and viral potential among younger audiences.

Dynamic Product Ads and Story Ads on Snapchat show strong e-commerce conversion rates, particularly for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products targeting Gen Z consumers.

Which audience types (age, gender, country) perform significantly better on one platform than the other?

Instagram dominates among users aged 18-34 with a 52% female user base, while Snapchat concentrates heavily on 18-24 year-olds (37.8% of users) with nearly equal gender distribution.

Geographic performance varies significantly: Instagram leads in India, the United States, and Brazil, while Snapchat shows strength in the United States, India, and France. The platforms serve different market segments within these countries.

Female audiences engage more actively with Instagram content, particularly in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle niches. Male audiences show stronger engagement on Snapchat, especially with gaming, sports, and entertainment content.

Gen Z users (18-24) demonstrate higher conversion rates and engagement on Snapchat due to the platform's mobile-first design and AR features. Millennials (25-34) prefer Instagram's more polished content and shopping integration.

If you feel like your content isn't getting enough engagement, we can help improve that.

How should someone choose between Instagram and Snapchat depending on their business type, product price, and target audience behavior?

Instagram works best for lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and direct-to-consumer brands targeting audiences aged 18-34 with higher-priced products and established purchasing behaviors.

Choose Instagram when selling products over $50, targeting broad demographics, emphasizing visual storytelling, and requiring integrated shopping features. The platform excels for businesses needing detailed product showcases and affiliate marketing capabilities.

Snapchat suits youth-focused, entertainment, gaming, fast fashion, and local businesses with lower to mid-priced products. The platform works well for impulse purchases and mobile-first experiences targeting users under 25.

Select Snapchat for products under $100, trend-driven content, AR experiences, and quick conversion cycles. The platform's ephemeral nature creates urgency that drives immediate action among younger consumers.

Consider your content creation capabilities: Instagram requires high-quality visuals and consistent posting, while Snapchat favors authentic, spontaneous content and interactive elements. Both platforms now require paid promotion for significant reach, but organic success patterns differ substantially.

Conclusion

Sources

1. Sprout Social - Instagram Statistics
2. Cropink - Instagram Advertising Cost
3. Gupta Media - Instagram Ads Cost
4. Gupta Media - Snapchat Ads Cost
5. Sprout Social - Instagram Engagement Rate
6. PopularPays - Instagram Engagement Rate 2025
7. Measure Studio - Snapchat Statistics
8. Sprout Social - Snapchat Statistics
9. Thunderbit - Snapchat Statistics
10. Cropink - Time Spent on Instagram

Who is the author of this content?

NAPOLIFY

A team specialized in data-driven growth strategies for social media

We offer data-driven, battle-tested approach to growing online profiles, especially on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Unlike traditional agencies or consultants who often recycle generic advice, we go on the field and we keep analyzing real-world social content—breaking down hundreds of viral posts to identify what formats, hooks, and strategies actually drive engagement, conversions, and growth. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our website.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At Napolify, we analyze social media trends and viral content every day. Our team doesn't just observe from a distance—we're actively studying platform-specific patterns, breaking down viral posts, and maintaining a constantly updated database of trends, tactics, and strategies. This hands-on approach allows us to understand what actually drives engagement and growth.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through analyzing hundreds of viral posts and real-world performance data. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources and case studies from major brands.

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or performance metrics were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.