Instagram offers two primary content formats for sharing visual media: short-form videos and ephemeral photo/video collections. One is designed for longer-lasting, discoverable content, while the other emphasizes immediacy and interaction with a close circle of followers. The first can be edited with various tools and sounds and is designed for wider reach. The second disappears after 24 hours and allows for more casual, behind-the-scenes glimpses into daily life.
Understanding the nuances of each format is crucial for effective social media strategy. The format designed for discoverability allows for building a broader audience and showcasing creative content. The ephemeral format fosters closer connections with existing followers through interactive features and time-sensitive updates. Historically, the discoverable format evolved as a response to the rise of short-form video platforms, while the ephemeral format arose from a desire for more authentic, less polished content sharing.
The following sections will delve deeper into the distinct characteristics of each, examining their features, functionalities, and optimal uses for maximizing engagement and achieving specific communication goals. The comparison will highlight the differences in editing capabilities, audience reach, content longevity, and interactive elements offered by each option.
1. Lifespan of Content
The duration for which content remains visible on Instagram fundamentally differentiates Reels from Stories. This disparity directly impacts content strategy, dictating the type of message, target audience, and desired outcome. The divergent lifespans necessitate tailored approaches to content creation and engagement metrics.
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Stories: Ephemeral Existence
Stories vanish after 24 hours unless added to highlights. This fleeting nature encourages spontaneous, less polished content. The short lifespan promotes a sense of immediacy and exclusivity, driving real-time engagement. For example, a flash sale announcement via a story leverages the time-sensitive nature to create urgency and drive immediate action. This contrasts sharply with the persistent presence of Reels.
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Reels: Enduring Visibility
Reels remain visible indefinitely, contributing to a sustained online presence. This extended lifespan allows for wider discoverability through the Explore page and hashtag searches. Evergreen content, such as tutorials or product demonstrations, benefits from the enduring nature of Reels. The potential for prolonged engagement necessitates higher production value and strategic optimization for search.
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Highlights: Extending Story Longevity
Instagram Highlights offer a feature to circumvent the 24-hour limit of Stories. By archiving Stories into thematic collections on your profile, they transform from ephemeral content into lasting resources. This extended lifespan changes the way the original Story content can be utilized, for example, tutorials or a lookbook of products. This can be a bridge in the gap between Reels and Stories.
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Impact on Content Strategy
The lifespan of content dictates the strategic approach. Stories are suited for time-sensitive promotions and behind-the-scenes glimpses, fostering a sense of immediacy. Reels, with their enduring visibility, are ideal for showcasing expertise, building brand awareness, and driving long-term engagement. The selection of one format over the other should align with specific campaign objectives and desired outcomes.
In essence, the contrast in content lifespan between Reels and Stories necessitates a nuanced understanding of audience behavior and platform algorithms. Content creators must strategically leverage each format to maximize reach, engagement, and overall impact. The choice between immediacy and longevity should be a deliberate decision, reflecting the core message and intended outcome.
2. Content Discoverability
Content discoverability on Instagram is significantly impacted by the platform’s algorithms and how each format, Reel and Story, is presented to users. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for maximizing reach and engagement. The inherent differences in how these content types are promoted dictate distinct strategies for optimization.
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Algorithm-Driven Reach
Reels are prioritized by the Instagram algorithm for users who do not already follow the content creator. The algorithm considers factors like video watch time, engagement rate, and the use of trending audio to determine which Reels to display on the Explore page and in users’ feeds. This broad exposure allows for the potential to reach a vast audience beyond one’s existing follower base. This is unlike Stories.
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Story Visibility and Follower Interaction
Stories primarily reach existing followers through their placement at the top of the app’s interface. Their visibility is largely dependent on consistent posting and engagement with followers. While Stories can utilize hashtags and location tags, these features have a more limited impact on discoverability compared to Reels. The focus remains on fostering a closer connection with those already within the user’s network.
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Explore Page Placement
Reels have a dedicated tab on the Explore page, increasing their visibility to a wide range of users with varied interests. This placement provides a significant advantage for content creators seeking to expand their reach beyond their immediate network. Stories lack a direct presence on the Explore page, restricting their potential for broader discoverability.
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Hashtag and Audio Integration
Reels leverage hashtags and trending audio to enhance discoverability. Strategic use of relevant hashtags allows Reels to appear in search results and on hashtag pages. Similarly, utilizing trending audio can boost visibility as users often browse content associated with popular sounds. While Stories can incorporate hashtags, their ephemeral nature limits the long-term impact of this feature. Audio integration is also less prominent in Stories, further restricting their discoverability.
The disparity in content discoverability between Reels and Stories necessitates a strategic approach. Content creators seeking broad exposure and new audience acquisition should prioritize Reels. Conversely, those focused on nurturing existing relationships and fostering closer engagement with their followers should leverage Stories. The choice should align with specific objectives and the desired audience reach.
3. Editing Capabilities
Editing capabilities constitute a fundamental component differentiating Reels from Stories on Instagram, directly influencing the potential complexity, visual appeal, and overall narrative that can be conveyed. The editing tools available within each format dictate the level of customization and sophistication achievable, subsequently affecting the suitability of each for diverse content objectives. Limited editing options restrict the creative potential, while extensive tools require greater technical proficiency but offer increased creative freedom.
Reels provide a more robust suite of editing features, including multi-clip editing, advanced audio controls, effects, transitions, and text overlays. These capabilities facilitate the creation of polished, engaging short-form videos suitable for showcasing products, tutorials, or creative performances. For instance, a makeup brand might utilize Reel’s multi-clip editing to demonstrate a step-by-step makeup application, incorporating text overlays for product names and transitions for a seamless viewing experience. Stories, on the other hand, offer simpler editing tools focused on real-time content creation and immediate engagement. Features include filters, stickers, text overlays, and drawing tools, designed for spontaneous updates and interactive communication. A restaurant might use Stories to share a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the kitchen, utilizing a quick filter and text overlay to announce a daily special.
The contrast in editing capabilities directly influences content creation strategies. Reels are often pre-planned and meticulously edited to achieve a high level of visual polish and engagement, targeting a broader audience. Stories prioritize authenticity and immediacy, encouraging unfiltered content that fosters closer connections with existing followers. Understanding these distinctions enables content creators to strategically leverage each format to maximize impact and achieve specific communication goals. The choice depends on available resources, technical skills, and the desired balance between polish and authenticity.
4. Interactive Features
Interactive features are integral components of the user experience on Instagram, significantly differentiating Reels and Stories and influencing audience engagement. The availability and type of interactive elements directly impact how users consume and respond to content, shaping communication strategies and overall effectiveness.
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Polls and Quizzes (Stories)
Stories offer interactive polls and quizzes, enabling direct audience participation and immediate feedback. Brands can leverage these features to gather opinions, test knowledge, or generate interest in products and services. For example, a clothing retailer may use a poll to gauge customer preference for different product designs, gaining valuable insights in real-time. Reels lack direct poll and quiz capabilities, limiting opportunities for this type of immediate interaction.
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Question Stickers (Stories)
Question stickers allow users to solicit questions from their audience, fostering open communication and addressing specific inquiries. This feature is particularly effective for Q&A sessions, product demonstrations, and expert consultations. A fitness coach might use question stickers to answer follower inquiries about workout routines or nutritional advice. Reels do not offer a native question sticker feature, limiting their ability to facilitate open-ended discussions.
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Interactive Stickers (Stories)
Stories incorporate a variety of interactive stickers, including countdown timers, emoji sliders, and chat stickers, each designed to promote unique forms of engagement. Countdown timers create anticipation for upcoming events, while emoji sliders gauge sentiment or opinion. Chat stickers encourage direct messaging and facilitate personal connections. These stickers enhance the interactive potential of Stories. The interactive stickers are specifically tailored to drive further communication between the content creator and its audience.
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Remix and Collaboration (Reels)
Reels offer features like “Remix,” allowing users to create content alongside or in response to existing Reels, promoting collaborative creativity. This fosters a sense of community and encourages user-generated content. This can be a key difference between the intended purpose for Reels or Stories. Brands and influencers can initiate trends, challenges, or duets, leveraging user participation to amplify their message and extend their reach. Stories lack Remix functionality, focusing instead on individual content creation and ephemeral sharing.
In summary, the distinct interactive features of Reels and Stories cater to different engagement styles. Stories prioritize direct audience participation and personal communication, while Reels foster collaborative creativity and broader user-generated content. Understanding these differences enables content creators to strategically leverage each format to achieve specific engagement objectives, enhancing overall communication effectiveness.
5. Intended Audience
The intended audience is a critical determinant in selecting between Reels and Stories. The demographic characteristics, content preferences, and platform usage patterns of the target audience significantly influence the optimal content format for achieving desired communication outcomes. Strategic content delivery necessitates a thorough understanding of audience segmentation.
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Demographic Targeting
Reels often attract a younger demographic drawn to trending audio, challenges, and fast-paced visual content. Stories, conversely, may resonate with a broader age range seeking behind-the-scenes glimpses and interactive experiences. For example, a brand targeting Gen Z might prioritize Reels to leverage trending content formats, while a business seeking to engage with existing customers across multiple age groups could focus on Stories to share updates and promotions. Effective targeting necessitates aligning content format with audience demographics.
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Content Preference Alignment
Understanding audience content preferences is paramount. If the target audience values polished, highly-produced content, Reels offer greater flexibility in achieving the desired aesthetic. If authenticity and spontaneity are prioritized, Stories provide a more suitable medium. Consider a travel agency: Reels can showcase professionally edited destination highlights, while Stories can offer candid travel tips and real-time updates from trips. The selection depends on the audience’s content expectations.
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Platform Usage Patterns
Analyzing how the target audience engages with Instagram is essential. If the audience primarily consumes content through the Explore page, Reels offer a greater potential for discoverability. If the audience predominantly interacts with followed accounts via the main feed, Stories provide direct access to existing followers. A food blogger might use Reels to reach new audiences interested in culinary content through the Explore page, while relying on Stories to share daily recipes and engage with loyal followers. This highlights the impact of usage patterns.
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Engagement Objectives
The desired engagement outcomes dictate content format selection. If the primary goal is to expand reach and generate brand awareness, Reels offer greater potential for viral content. If the objective is to foster closer relationships and drive direct interaction, Stories provide more immediate engagement opportunities. A non-profit organization might use Reels to create awareness about its mission and reach new supporters, while utilizing Stories to provide updates on fundraising progress and engage with existing donors. Strategy must align with objectives.
The intended audience acts as a guiding principle when discerning between Reels and Stories. Aligning content format with demographic characteristics, content preferences, platform usage patterns, and engagement objectives is crucial for maximizing communication effectiveness. By carefully considering the target audience, content creators can strategically leverage each format to achieve desired outcomes, fostering meaningful connections and driving impactful results.
6. Content Format
The structural characteristics of content significantly contribute to differentiating Reels from Stories on Instagram. These inherent formats influence creation, consumption, and the types of narratives that can be effectively conveyed. Format considerations are central to any content strategy.
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Video Length and Duration
Reels support videos up to 90 seconds in length, enabling more elaborate storytelling and complex demonstrations. Stories are limited to 15-second segments, promoting brevity and immediate updates. A cooking channel might use a Reel to showcase an entire recipe preparation, while a Story would be better suited for a quick tip. The disparity in duration shapes content strategy.
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Aspect Ratio and Visual Presentation
Both Reels and Stories utilize a vertical (9:16) aspect ratio, optimized for mobile viewing. However, Reels are displayed in a dedicated feed, often alongside other curated content, encouraging exploration. Stories appear in a temporary bar at the top of the app, prioritizing updates from followed accounts. A photographer could leverage Reels to present a polished portfolio, while Stories could share behind-the-scenes perspectives. Placement affects visual impact.
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Text and Graphic Overlays
Reels readily accommodate extensive text and graphic overlays, facilitating detailed annotations and branding opportunities. Stories provide simpler overlay options, emphasizing immediacy and user-generated content. A marketing firm may utilize Reels to create visually appealing infographics, while Stories would be used for quick announcements. The complexity of overlays impacts communication.
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Audio Integration and Music
Reels heavily integrate licensed music and audio trends, encouraging participation in viral challenges and creative expression. Stories allow for basic audio integration, supporting voiceovers and background music. A dance instructor might create a Reel to promote a new class using a trending song, while a Story could feature student testimonials. Audio integration influences virality.
These varied content formats shape user engagement and platform utilization. Recognizing the strengths of each format enables creators to tailor their content effectively, maximizing impact and achieving specific communication goals. The differences in duration, presentation, overlays, and audio determine the optimal use case for each.
7. Purpose of Use
The intended application of Instagram content dictates the selection between Reels and Stories. The objective of the content, be it brand awareness, direct sales, community engagement, or informative broadcasting, should align with the strengths of each format. Purpose drives strategic selection.
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Brand Awareness and Reach Expansion
Reels are designed for discoverability through algorithm-driven placement on the Explore page and through hashtag searches. Their enduring visibility contributes to long-term brand awareness. For example, a new business launching a Reel demonstrating its unique product can reach a broad audience outside its existing follower base, amplifying its brand presence. Stories, primarily visible to followers, are less effective for initial awareness campaigns.
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Direct Sales and Lead Generation
Stories facilitate immediate calls to action through swipe-up links (for eligible accounts) and interactive stickers. Limited-time promotions or flash sales are effectively communicated through Stories due to their ephemeral nature, creating a sense of urgency and driving immediate conversions. A retailer announcing a 24-hour sale via a Story can directly link to the product page, facilitating quick purchases. Reels, while capable of generating interest, lack the direct conversion features of Stories.
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Community Engagement and Relationship Building
Stories excel at fostering closer connections with existing followers through interactive polls, Q&A sessions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. These features encourage direct communication and build a sense of community. A creator using Stories to solicit questions from their audience and provide personalized responses strengthens follower loyalty. Reels, geared towards broader reach, are less conducive to direct, personal interaction.
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Informative Broadcasting and Content Distribution
Both Reels and Stories can disseminate informative content, but their strengths lie in different areas. Reels are suitable for delivering concise, visually engaging tutorials or explainers that can be repeatedly viewed. Stories can provide real-time updates or breaking news. A news outlet using Reels to summarize complex events in short, digestible videos capitalizes on visual engagement, while Stories deliver instant news updates. The depth of information influences format choice.
The overarching “Purpose of Use” significantly influences content selection. Each serves a distinct role in marketing and communication strategies. Aligning the objective with the formats inherent strengths maximizes effectiveness. Considerations based on the objective of content influence selection.
8. Call to Action
The effectiveness of a call to action (CTA) is intrinsically linked to the content format chosen on Instagram, specifically whether a Reel or Story is utilized. Each format offers unique capabilities and limitations in directing user behavior, shaping the persuasive potential of the CTA. The selection of one format over the other directly influences the likelihood of a user completing the desired action.
Stories offer direct and immediate CTAs through features such as swipe-up links (available to verified accounts or those with a substantial follower count), sticker links, polls, and question prompts. A limited-time promotion, for instance, can leverage the expiring nature of a Story in conjunction with a swipe-up link to drive immediate sales. In contrast, Reels present a challenge in implementing direct CTAs. While text overlays and voiceovers can encourage specific actions, the absence of clickable links within the Reel itself necessitates alternative strategies, such as directing viewers to a link in the profile bio. This indirect approach can reduce conversion rates compared to the seamless integration available within Stories. Many utilize a verbal and text overlay to visit the link in bio for more information within the Reel.
In summary, the format significantly affects the implementation and impact of a CTA. Stories offer a direct and immediate avenue for prompting user action, while Reels rely on indirect methods that may require additional effort from the viewer. Understanding these nuances is essential for optimizing marketing strategies and maximizing conversion rates on the Instagram platform. This will also drive how a creator crafts both visual and verbal components to the CTA.
9. Algorithmic Weighting
Algorithmic weighting significantly influences the visibility and reach of Reels and Stories on Instagram. The platform’s algorithm prioritizes content based on numerous factors, and these factors vary between the two formats, resulting in differing levels of exposure. Reels, designed for broader discovery, receive preferential weighting for users who are not already followers. Factors such as watch time, engagement rate (likes, comments, shares), and the use of trending audio contribute to a Reel’s algorithmic score, increasing its likelihood of appearing on the Explore page. Stories, conversely, are weighted towards existing follower engagement, with factors like view completion rate and interactive sticker responses influencing their placement within the story feed at the top of the app. A Reel featuring a popular dance trend and generating high engagement is more likely to be shown to a wide audience, while a Story with low completion rates may be demoted in the feed, illustrating the disparate impact of algorithmic weighting.
The practical implication of this algorithmic difference is substantial for content creators and businesses. Optimizing content for each format requires a distinct approach. For Reels, a focus on trending topics, high-quality production, and compelling visuals is essential to maximize algorithmic visibility. For Stories, building a strong connection with existing followers through interactive elements and consistent posting becomes paramount. A brand seeking to expand its reach might prioritize Reels with strategic hashtag usage, while a creator aiming to nurture existing relationships would focus on engaging Story content. Ignoring these algorithmic differences can lead to suboptimal content performance and wasted resources. For instance, posting a low-resolution, poorly edited video as a Reel would likely result in low engagement and minimal reach, regardless of the content’s intrinsic value.
In summary, algorithmic weighting represents a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of the distinction between Reels and Stories. It determines the reach and effectiveness of each format and necessitates a tailored content strategy. Understanding how the algorithm evaluates and promotes content is essential for maximizing visibility, engagement, and overall impact on the Instagram platform. Challenges remain in keeping pace with the algorithm’s constant evolution, requiring continuous adaptation and experimentation. Recognizing the importance of algorithmic weighting is, therefore, paramount for content creators seeking success on Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the fundamental differences between Instagram Reels and Stories, aiming to clarify their respective features and optimal applications.
Question 1: Is the lifespan of content the sole differentiating factor between Reels and Stories?
While content lifespan is a primary distinction, other factors such as algorithmic prioritization, editing capabilities, and available interactive features also significantly contribute to their distinct characteristics. Content lifespan dictates overall marketing strategies.
Question 2: How does the Instagram algorithm treat Reels versus Stories regarding content discoverability?
The algorithm prioritizes Reels for users beyond an existing follower base, favoring engagement metrics and trending audio. Stories are predominantly shown to existing followers, with algorithmic weighting based on engagement within that network.
Question 3: Are the editing tools available for Reels inherently superior to those offered for Stories?
Reels provide a more robust suite of editing features, including multi-clip editing and advanced audio controls, which allows for higher production value. Stories offer simpler, real-time editing options optimized for quick updates and immediate interaction.
Question 4: What interactive features are exclusive to Stories, and how do they impact user engagement?
Stories uniquely offer interactive polls, quizzes, and question stickers. These features directly facilitate audience participation and immediate feedback, fostering stronger community engagement compared to Reels.
Question 5: Does the choice between Reels and Stories influence call to action effectiveness?
Yes. Stories allow for direct CTAs via swipe-up links (where available) and interactive stickers, enabling immediate user action. Reels rely on less direct approaches, potentially reducing conversion rates.
Question 6: If the primary goal is brand awareness, should focus be placed solely on Reels?
While Reels offer a greater potential for reaching new audiences and expanding brand awareness, Stories remain valuable for nurturing existing relationships and driving direct sales within an established community. A balanced strategy is optimal.
The preceding questions highlight that the selection between Reels and Stories is not a binary choice but a strategic decision informed by specific objectives and audience considerations. A comprehensive understanding of each format’s strengths is crucial for maximizing their individual potential.
The next section will explore effective strategies for integrating both formats into a cohesive Instagram marketing campaign, highlighting synergistic opportunities and potential pitfalls.
Optimizing Instagram Strategy
Strategic allocation of resources to Instagram Reels and Stories demands careful consideration of distinct platform functionalities and algorithmic nuances. Effective implementation hinges on aligning content format with overarching marketing objectives.
Tip 1: Delineate Clear Objectives for Each Format. Distinguish between awareness-driven campaigns, which benefit from the broad reach of Reels, and engagement-focused initiatives, which thrive within the interactive sphere of Stories. For example, product launches may utilize Reels to showcase features to a new audience while leveraging Stories for exclusive Q&A sessions with existing customers.
Tip 2: Optimize Content for Algorithmic Visibility. Recognize that Reels are prioritized for users beyond the follower base, emphasizing trending audio and high engagement. Stories are weighted toward engagement with existing followers, rewarding consistent posting and interactive elements.
Tip 3: Tailor Editing to Platform Strengths. Utilize Reels for polished, high-production-value content. Stories should be optimized for authentic, spontaneous updates leveraging simpler editing tools. A polished demo reel can catch the eye while a quick story showing the team working behind the scenes creates trust.
Tip 4: Leverage Exclusive Interactive Features. Employ Stories’ interactive polls, quizzes, and question stickers to cultivate direct audience participation. Reels can capitalize on remixing features to foster collaborative creativity and user-generated content.
Tip 5: Strategically Integrate Calls to Action. Understand that Stories provide direct conversion opportunities through swipe-up or sticker links, directing immediate sales. Reels require indirect CTAs, directing users to profile bios or external websites.
Tip 6: A/B Test Content to Refine Strategy. Continuously experiment with different content formats, posting times, and interactive elements to determine what resonates best with target audiences on each platform. Rigorous A/B testing provides data-driven insights to optimize performance.
Tip 7: Analyze Performance Metrics to Refine Approach. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as reach, engagement rate, and conversions for both Reels and Stories. Use this data to inform future content creation and optimize campaign strategies. Regular performance analysis ensures effective resource allocation.
Prioritizing a nuanced understanding of platform mechanics, distinct target audiences, and aligning efforts to specific marketing goals enables optimum content distribution. By knowing where effort is going, the time invested in both platforms pays off.
The following concluding remarks will solidify the key takeaways and underscore the significance of adapting strategy according to Instagrams evolving landscape.
Conclusion
The foregoing analysis clarifies the distinct characteristics of the difference between reel and story on Instagram. Each format serves a unique purpose, defined by algorithmic weighting, interactive capabilities, and content longevity. Reels offer expansive reach and visibility to new audiences, while Stories foster closer engagement with existing followers. Their optimized applications diverge significantly, creating different routes and touchpoints.
Effective utilization of Instagram necessitates a comprehensive understanding of these fundamental differences. Strategic deployment of Reels and Stories, informed by clear objectives and audience considerations, is paramount for maximizing marketing efficacy. As Instagram continues to evolve, continuous adaptation and informed experimentation remain critical for achieving sustained success on the platform, and the core distinctions between these two content types continue to drive digital strategies.
