Let's Copy Snapchat Stories

When Snapchat gained initial traction with ephemeral messages, the media saw it as a way for teenagers to message each other without leaving any traces behind. Then, it gained more and more traction to the point the company went public a couple weeks ago. The feature that lifted them to where they are now was Snapchat Stories. Stories are pictures/videos that last 24 hours and can be viewed by anyone who follows that user. It created a network of content creators and followers, that could not have existed without it.

The teams at Facebook took note and copied the Snapchat feature. First, it was added to Instagram (also called Stories). Then, it was added to Facebook (originally named Stories). Then, it was added to WhatsApp (calling it Status). Most recently, it was added to Facebook Messenger (cleverly named Messenger Day). In case you forgot, Facebook owns Instagram and WhatsApp.

Though, Snapchat hasn't been completely copied by Facebook. Snapchat added the tap left/right to go back/forward stories convention after Instagram (can't give Instagram all the credit for that one as Kindle has had that for a while).

What I wonder is if the various Facebook product teams collaborate for similar features, particularly with Stories/Stories/Status/Day. None of the versions of the feature are vastly different, so duplicating efforts would be inefficient. I would be surprised if Stories/Status/Day were completely built by different teams.

It will be interesting how users that have two or more of these apps will use these Story features. For me and others that I have spoken to, Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp, all have different usages and the platforms may not be suitable for using stories with all their contacts on those platforms. Snapchat's advantage in Stories is that their users expect followers to view their stories and users go to the app to primarily view stories.

Facebook's advantage is that they can introduce/test features (built once) on various platforms. But will the various Story features confuse users? Could it slow growth by pushing it out on so many platforms at one time? Or will Facebook possibly integrate all the Stories/Status/Day together in some fashion? Will users reduce their compartmentalization of applications eventually?