Key Differences Between Instagram Reels and TikTok
Maria-Mirabela Ganta
Online Marketing Expert at Socialinsider | ?? Host The Life of a Social Media Manager
As a social media professional interested in making the most of your social video marketing, you might struggle to choose between Instagram Reels and TikTok.?
Wondering which channel is right for you?
You'll find the answer in this article!
To take the best of both worlds, you must understand what differentiates Instagram Reels from TikToks.
Video Length
The first and probably most critical distinguishing feature is video length.
While TikTok started with 15-second clips, the platform gradually increased to 10 minutes.?
On the other hand, the maximum length of Instagram Reels is currently 90 seconds, up from 60 seconds as of April 2022.
Editing
TikTok and Instagram provide native tools for recording and editing videos inside the apps. However, their capabilities differ a lot.
Instagram's editing tools include:
? the draw tool
? speed controller
? transitions
? AR effects?
? filters
? stickers
? audio libraries
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? video trimming
? effects
On the other hand, TikTok has features like GIPHY in Green Screen, one-tap visual enhancement, and effects for voice recording and original audio.
Choose one of these two platforms depending on what you want to create.
Style
Instagram is all about aesthetics.
To gain traction with Reels, creators should produce polished content that captures the audience's attention with an appealing image in the first place.?
On the other hand, On TikTok, it doesn’t matter how your account is structured or if you have a nice-looking cover image. TikTok is more about trends and less about aesthetics.?
Audience?
TikTok audience is predominant Gen Z audience. Statista states that 25% of TikTok users are between 10 and 19 years old.
Meanwhile, the largest age group on Instagram is represented by audiences aged between 25 and 34. (31.7%).
Music
In terms of audio options, TikTok wins over Instagram.?
?Instagram’s audio library isn’t as extensive as TikTok’s, and the best part is that TikTok offers a wide range of audio options and doesn’t impose as many copyright restrictions.
Maybe you are asking yourself, why do I get more views on Instagram Reels than on TikTok?
Instagram likely promotes Reels to wider audiences than TikTok does, especially if you already have a following on Instagram.?
TikTok tailors its recommendations to users’ interests, and Instagram Reels reach less granular audience segments.
My advice for a business entering video marketing is to take the best of both worlds – jumping up on TikTok trends, creating engaging videos, and distributing them across TikTok and Instagram.