"Is blogging even a thing anymore? We've all heard people say 'blogging is dead' as many times as we've heard 'content is king.' Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram have taken over as the go-to way to express ourselves online. So, you might be wondering if blogging still matters in today's digital world.

I've been blogging since 2012, and I've noticed that since around 2014, there are fewer active bloggers. But why is that? In fact, many people wonder, 'Do folks still even blog these days?'

Instagram

Instagram came on the scene in 2010 and quickly gained a million users in just two months. In less than a year, it had 10 million users. Today, it boasts over 1 billion active users and is one of the most popular social media platforms globally.

I kept hearing claims that blogging was on its way out, and terms like 'microblogging' started popping up. The debate of Blogging vs. Instagram is ongoing among digital influencers and content creators. Many folks prefer to share their lives through Instagram, posting photos for their followers instead of maintaining a traditional blog.

It seemed like long-winded content was being replaced by shorter, more image-heavy, easily digestible stuff.

When Instagram first started, it was all about sharing everyday moments—a pic of your meal or a quick snapshot with friends in a nightclub restroom. But over time, it evolved.

Instagram started being used alongside blogs. Most bloggers wanted to use it to promote their blogs, similar to how Twitter was used. However, because Instagram doesn't allow clickable links in captions, it didn't work out as well. You could say, 'the link is in the bio,' but it's just not the same as clicking a link right then and there.

Nowadays, Instagram has become a massive force, and we hear terms like Instagrammers, Influencers, and content creators more often than words like bloggers, vloggers, or YouTubers. Instagram feeds are no longer just snapshots of people's everyday lives; they're full of carefully curated images that often look like they're straight out of a magazine. I'm not saying that's a bad thing—I'm guilty of getting lost in a stunning Instagram feed myself."

URL link : https://skinnedcartree.com/2021/04/is-blogging-dead-the-rise-of-instagram-and-tiktok.html

TikTok 

"Do you know that back in early 2019, TikTok became the most downloaded app on Apple's iOS store? It seemed to pop up out of nowhere and just took over.

It's even seeped into Instagram – I swear, every other food-related post these days is all about some 'TikTok recipe' like baked oats or feta pasta. And then there's Instagram Reels, which is like a total copycat of TikTok. Oh, and don't get me started on how Instagram seems to favor accounts that use Reels. But hey, that's a rant for another time.

Getting popular on Instagram can be quite the challenge, but TikTok works in a way that lets anyone hit it big, even if you don't have a massive following."

URL link : https://skinnedcartree.com/2021/04/is-blogging-dead-the-rise-of-instagram-and-tiktok.html

Why are Instagram and TikTok so popular, and is traditional blogging losing its appeal?

Microblogging Is More User-Friendly

Signing up for Instagram and TikTok is straightforward. You can create an account and start posting without the technical hassles of dealing with servers, domains, hosting, or website setup. No need to search for website themes or customize widgets.

Simplicity of Use

All you need is a mobile phone to get started. Apps like Lightroom and VSCO cam allow you to edit photos from your phone and create an attractive Instagram feed. TikTok offers easy in-app video editing, removing the need for advanced software like Final Cut Pro or Adobe's programs.

Access to a Potentially Wider Audience

As Valentina Chirico points out, every influencer aims to expand their audience. Instagram and TikTok offer the potential to reach millions of existing users. The audience is there; you just need to get your content in front of them. In contrast, blogging often requires substantial effort to attract traffic through SEO, keyword research, email marketing, or networking before you can monetize.

Shorter Attention Spans

Traditional blogging focuses on long-form content, which is essential for Google ranking. However, this contradicts how people use social media and the internet today. Users prefer quick browsing, consuming content, and moving on. Instagram excels at displaying beautiful images, while TikTok is the go-to platform for short, entertaining videos.

Brands Favor Instagrammers and TikTok Influencers

One challenge for bloggers is that more brands want to collaborate with Instagrammers and TikTok influencers. Some opportunities require influencers to post on their blogs, Instagram, and TikTok simultaneously. Even if bloggers don't use TikTok or prioritize it, brands increasingly value this multi-platform approach.

So, Is Traditional Blogging Declining?

Many experts predict that traditional blogging may decline due to the rise of social media platforms and evolving digital trends. However, I believe that traditional blogging is far from dead. People will continue to read blogs, and there will always be plenty to write about.

The blog readership is changing, as is their content consumption pattern. Blogs now need to focus more on solving readers' problems and providing valuable information. List posts and how-to guides still perform well. Moreover, most blog traffic comes from search engines, underscoring the importance of SEO.

Blogging is now part of the broader content marketing landscape, where content is distributed across various platforms. While marketers increasingly collaborate with Instagrammers, the ability to work with them across multiple platforms, including blogs, remains advantageous.

We should also remember that Instagram and TikTok could suspend or delete accounts, whereas with a self-hosted blog, you have complete control. It's unwise to rely solely on one platform. Once you have a successful blog, website, and an email list, you don't have to worry about losing everything overnight.