Is TikTok the new Instagram? There are currently many changes in the Instagram app. The highly prominent Instagram shopping feature and Instagram’s recent update that the platform is “no longer just a photo-sharing app ,” illustrates the competitive pressures from Instagram. The competitive pressure from TikTok has recently forced Instagram to change: Instagram Reels!
Instagram Reels And TikToks
TikTok is a social platform specifically designed for short, interactive video content. Aside from the short-lived popularity of Vine and Musical.ly, which evolved into today’s TikTok, TikTok could be considered the inventor of this short content format.
Reels were released by Instagram shortly after TikTok gained popularity.
Much like Instagram introduced Stories to fight Snapchat, the addition of Reels is an attempt by Instagram to undercut the novelty and rapid growth of TikTok. This is especially important because TikTok has built a strong position with a significant target group for Facebook and Instagram: people under 25.
It remains to be seen if Instagram will succeed in capturing a younger audience with the enthusiasm they feel for TikTok.
Differences: Instagram Reels vs. TikTok
All in all, Reels and TikTok have a lot in common in format. But there are also some crucial differences that you should be aware of.
Content Style
Some would argue that Instagram is a platform for more polished and better-produced content. Of course, this expectation also carries over to reels. On the other hand, TikTok offers a more raw, spontaneous range.
This can be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on your company’s resources for video production. Don’t let that stop you from experimenting. But in general, Instagram Reels are expected to show the intricacies of production.
In-App Editing Functions
A critical difference that users point out is the in-app editing features. TikTok offers more editing options and the ability to rearrange clips to create a finished video.
Also, you can add voiceover effects in TikTok, which is not possible in Reels. Voiceover videos have become a widely used form of storytelling on TikTok.
Filter
TikTok trends are often created by specific video effects, such as B. Filters. And TikTok does a great job when it comes to customizing your videos.
The Reels equivalent isn’t quite as extensive, but it also offers filters. Unfortunately, Reels filters and effects are not separate, meaning you can only choose one. So the appearance of your finished video might be less versatile than your usual TikTok.
One final significant difference is that you must select an effect or filter before filming a reel. TikTok allows you to apply filters and products after recording a video.
Music Selection And Licensing
Instagram business accounts only have access to the Reels library of royalty-free music for copyright reasons. But you can also upload your sounds. This can limit creativity a bit.
A clear advantage of TikTok is that the entire music library is accessible to everyone on the platform. And that shows in the trends taking hold on the forum.
Limits On Description & Comments
Reels description is limited to 2,200 characters. TikTok caps descriptions at 100 characters.
Of course, that’s less room to get a message across, so TikTok videos need to carry the weight to sell the point.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing; it requires a different approach. Similar to using Twitter and LinkedIn – similar systems, Twitter demands brevity due to the short character limit.
The options for commenting are also limited on TikTok. You’re lucky if you can fit three sentences into one comment. So if you’re trying to get lengthy feedback or create a community where educational discussions are essential, Reels might be a better route.
Advertisement: Instagram Reels vs. TikTok
What about paid advertising on both channels?
Advertising On TikTok
Aside from working directly with influencers on the platform, there are many ways for brands to advertise on TikTok. Until now, TikTok has been very exclusive with its advertising options, only allowing well-known brands to take advantage.
The cost of advertising on TikTok has dropped significantly since 2020, and the advertising platform has enabled several default advertising features, including DMA targeting.
The 5 Most Common TikTok Ad Types:
- Brand takeover ads
- Top view ads
- In-Feed Ads
- Hashtag Challenges
- brand effects
Still, some advertisers have expressed their frustration with TikTok:
Some complaint about the limited ability to scale campaigns. This means that a campaign starts very promising and then quickly degrades. There have also been complaints about TikTok’s unhelpful customer support, billing issues, and ad account suspensions with no explanation.
Advertising With Instagram Reels
Instagram’s advertising platform, on the other hand, is, of course, operated by Facebook. This is probably the most effective advertising platform ever. So, with Reels ads, you have incredible targeting options. Advertising in Instagram Reels is relatively new.
Reels ads are full-screen and vertical, similar to the ads in Instagram Stories. They appear between each reel. As with regular Reels content, ads will loop and can be up to 30 seconds long. Users can comment, like, view, save and share Reels ads. Reels ads may appear in the most popular locations to access Reels content, e.g., B. the Reels tab, Reels in Explore, and Reels in your feed.
Is TikTok Better Than Instagram?
Which is better depends on why you want to use the platforms.
Would you like to advertise your company? What is your target audience? Are people in your target group under 35 years old? Is your target audience looking for informal content or entertainment?
These and other questions are essential when you decide to advertise on one of the channels.
TikTok content is mainly created by creative people and consists of life hacks, trends, and people just having fun. Entertainment is key.
Reels are a bit more sophisticated, more used by brands, and are just a complement to other Instagram features.
Overall, both options can be used well for marketing your business. The determining factor in your decision on where to invest your time and resources depends mainly on what you envisage. As a result, your product and your target market.
Why Reels?
Instagram Reels is a great way to reach your audience where they’re already spending time, especially if you have an excellent overall Instagram presence.
Success can be more effortless because Reels is simply a feature built into the Instagram engine. Not only will your existing audience see your Reels, but they can also engage with your other content across Stories, Feed Posts, IGTV, and Shopping.
This creates an engaging experience and keeps customers connected to your brand.
Why Tiktok?
TikTok is a little bit different. Since this is a new platform, you have to start from scratch to build a presence.
And unlike Instagram Reels, TikTok isn’t part of a more extensive set of features designed to attract and keep customers’ attention.
While this may seem like a significant disadvantage, it doesn’t have to be viewed negatively. TikTok is thriving! It’s like the early days of Instagram when organic reach was exceptional, and the newness of the platform wowed the community.
Impressing the users and the algorithm on Instagram is very difficult compared to TikTok.
There’s just less content in the feeds on TikTok. That means there’s less competition for users’ attention.
Due to the newness of TikTok and the number of users, the algorithm is much friendlier when it comes to pushing content to non-followers.
Also Read: Instagram In B2B: 3 Reasons To Make The Platform A Business Thing
