How to master Snapchat Facebook and Instagram Stories

Remember the good old days when updating your Snapchat Story was all you had to do to let people know what was happening in your life?

You know what? BARELY, tbh.

Snapchat Stories were a blast, but it wasn’t long before the battle of the social media platforms intensified and things got ugly. Instagram copied Snapchat, Facebook copied Instagram copying Snapchat, and as a result we’re left with utter chaos in the form of THREE Stories to worry about managing.

With so many options it can be stressful deciding exactly which Story you should be updating when. So to help you easily manage your personal brand, we’ve complied a comprehensive guide to social media Story usage.

While there are no ~official~ rules for what to post on each platform, there is always an unspoken social media etiquette that should be followed for the good of mankind.

From sharing Starbucks cups and late night, drunken Domino's orders to posting workout tutorials and flawless selfies, with this guide the ~months old~ question of "Snapchat, Instagram, or Facebook Stories?" will soon be a thing of the past.

Of the three Stories, Facebook's is the most formal, considering it will likely reach the largest audience — your thousands of Facebook friends. Therefore, it should be used sparingly. With that in mind, Facebook is often used to show the world how fulfilled you are with life. So if you've got something big to share, channel your inner Zuckerberg and go for it.

When it makes sense to utilize Facebook Stories:

When you’re just dying to rant about politics. (Everyone knows politics are for FB.)
When you want to brag about you how great your children or grandchildren are, which will simultaneously serve as a glorious humblebrag about yourself.
If you feel like taking a risk but you're not quite ready to go full on "FB live."
If you're an "old" and Facebook is your only form of social media, therefore you think FB Stories are ~the coolest~.
When you get the urge to make your own food tutorial video. It's no secret FB users love watching videos of hands assembling meals, so why not make your own?
When you have "exciting personal news" you can finally share on social media like an engagement or new job. Make a FB status and post to your Story because come on, you want the world to know.
If you are a tech reporter and want to keep reminding everyone you are a tech reporter.
When you absolutely, without a doubt want be noticed. In case you haven't heard, no one uses FB Stories, so trust us, your Story WILL be seen by everyone including family, friends, acquaintances, frenemies, and that dude who cut in front of you in the water fountain back in middle school.
If you are a friend or relative of Mark Zuckerberg, because otherwise he may exile you.
If you are Mark Zuckerberg.

Instagram Stories are no joke and should be the most carefully curated of the three. Instagram is where you let your creativity shine, where you become a professional photographer and own your true social media aesthetic. If you think you can handle it and want to make an entrance, your first Instagram Story will alert your followers you're jumping on the "Stories" bandwagon with a notification. So no pressure or anything...

When it makes sense to utilize Instagram Stories:

When you're in full-on celebration mode. Toasting some champagne? High-fiving your BFF? Use the mesmerizing Boomerang feature to make your followers feel like they're right there with you.
When you want to share some visually stunning food pics. Don't shy away from giving everyone burger FOMO. Slap a filter on there and post it.
If you want to let everyone know you're drinking coffee, you should post on Instagram. However, only photographs of coffee in an actual mug from a small, local coffee shop are allowed here.
If you want people to know EXACTLY where you are. Unlike Snapchat's geofilters, Instagram's location tags let you choose from a list of much more specific locations so you can let people know the restaurant you're in instead of simply the city.
When you want to share epic scenery. Skyscrapers, sunsets, a day at the beach? Those are for Instagram Stories, people.
If you want to post a picture of your cat.
Books. Books. Instagram is for pictures of books.
If you want to get artsy. Instagram offers exciting features like ~LIT~ glowing text and fun stickers that let you take your posts to the next level.
When you want to appeal to a varied audience. Instagram privacy is more relaxed than Facebook for many people, so odds are if your account is public, you've got some followers you don't know personally who are huge fans of your personal brand.

Snapchat is the chillest Story out there, dudes. Your friends on Snapchat are most likely your friends IRL, so there's not as much pressure to impress them with fancy shots. Snapchat is also the OG Story, so if it's your primary platform you're clearly very loyal.

When it makes sense to utilize Snapchat Stories:

If you're posting concert videos.
When you want everyone to know you've been to Starbucks.
When you're having that sort of day where you would like to be seen but only if you have a gorgeous filter masking your actual appearance, are wearing dog ears, or have a cute AF voice.
When you want to let your Bitmoji to do the talking.
If you're about to go on a rant that pertains to your personal life.
If you just feel the need to post a shameless selfie.
If you want people to know you're doing impressive things like packing, cooking, or baking.
If you'd like to share a photo of a humorous license plate with your pals.
When you want to show off your dog.
If you're in the mood to post pictures of your late-night munchies that don't look worthy enough to be on Instagram.
If you're looking to document the process of getting your hair styled or perfecting your beauty routine. (All eyes on you, John Mayer.)
When you want to show off your OOTD with a middle school dance style mirror pic.

If you've reached the end of this post you now have the knowledge necessary to become less terrible at sharing your life on social media. Now, go forth, be brave, and share your stories.