Video content is gaining popularity to capture user attention and stop them from scrolling. Short vertical videos make it convenient for your followers to stay engaged from beginning to end. Approximately 89% of social media marketers boost their business with short forms of video content. Video sharing platforms such as Instagram Reels vs. TikTok are set to optimize their channels for content creators and businesses.
Short videos are a great way to build strong awareness and engage customers without wasting their time.
TikTok reels easily go viral. So what about Instagram reels? TikTok video reels help you to build trust and desirability among younger audiences. Now, the question arises: how do social media marketers choose between these two? In this blog post, we are going to compare Instagram Reels to TikTok and help you choose the right platform for your short-form video content.
What are Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels were introduced in 2020 in response to TikTok’s short-form video. When comparing Instagram Reels to TikTok, several features and functions of TikTok make the two platforms interchangeable in terms of video content. Over time, Instagram reels have gained popularity, coupled with carousel posts, stories, and long-form videos that cover all of the important information when it comes to visual content.
Most of the popular e-commerce business reels are typically used to:
- Show off products in action
- Highlight collaborators and influencers
- Hype up announcements (product launches and drops, for example)
Instagram Reels vs. TikTok: Comparing Features
The competition between Reels and TikTok appears similar because both platforms primarily promote short-form video content.
Let’s learn how both are similar and different for each network.
Reels vs. TikTok: How They’re Similar
Instagram reels and TikTok share similar features. After all, reels were a direct result of TikTok’s growing popularity. Sometimes, the same piece of content can overlap different branded accounts with different captions and hashtags.
Let’s explore how both Insta Reels and TikTok have the same features:
- Both Platforms are Centered around short-form video
IG reels vs. TikTok are the primary focus of the users for fun and learning. There is no better option to see brands flex their creativity. Product launches and recommendations are fair game, granted, whatever you post is loaded with entertainment.
- Access to a sound library.
Both applications enable users to easily add music, effects, and audio snippets to any piece of content. Access to sound libraries enables brands to create videos with loud sound, from memes and original audio to what’s on the radio.
- Filters and Visual Effects:
To make video content aesthetic, you must use visual effects and filters that make the video more engaging and allow you to put your trademark on anything you post.
- Ads
Using short-form video reels helps you to make captivating ads for product promotion. As a comparison to Instagram ads, TikTok ads are still popular and are becoming a staple of influencer marketing campaigns
- Opportunities For Accounts to Interact
In reel creation, you have a “collab” option and TikTok’s “Duet” account, which allows you to create new pieces of content together.
Reels vs. TikTok: How They’re Not the Same
There are some notable differences between TikTok Reels and Instagram Reels. Here are some of the key differences that markets need to know:
- Video Length:
Since launching, both reels have expanded the duration of their videos. TikTok video duration has increased from 15 to 60 seconds and now allows you to upload videos up to 10 minutes long. In comparison, Instagram reels also offer a 60-second video length. With the expanded length, social media algorithms promote short video content.
- Music And Sound Options:
TikTok users have a choice of various audio materials, while Instagram business accounts are not allowed to use copyrighted music. However, Instagram launched new features such as voice effects and text-to-speech.
- Audience:
Instagram and TikTok are both top-rated platforms among the younger generation. Social media demographics highlight how people use TikTok to get maximum benefits.
- Analytics
TikTok allows you to monitor overall profile analytics, including metrics such as watch time, playtime, and geolocation. Conversely, Instagram users have access only to specific reel data, such as likes, comments, reach, and saves.
- Advertising Opportunities:
Both social media apps offer new features. TikTok promotes creator-based ads and campaigns, while Instagram offers more shoppable ads via reels.
Final Words
Both TikTok’s rapid growth and the rise of reels are gaining popularity. Both platforms have tough competition in industries such as fashion and beauty. Now, businesses have a lot of opportunities to use short-form branded videos.
Suppose you are still unsure which one is best. In that case, you need to brainstorm how to strategically launch your social media campaigns to achieve your actual business goals.