TikTok Vs Instagram Reels? Things you need to know

Reels versus TikTok is a fascinating and relatively new concept. Instagram has grown in popularity as TikTok appeal has spread beyond Gen Z to people of all ages. Instagram has introduced Reels to try to win back the attention they lost from their rival which is expanding its reach.

Instagram Reels, the newest video feature, is very similar to TikTok in that users can share and record videos matched to music. The parallels pose the issue of whether there is a distinction between Instagram Reels and TikTok.

And the answer is Yes!

How do you ask? We’ll get to that in a moment.

Both of these platforms are being utilized by almost every?advertising agency?as part of their?social media marketing services?and it’s a no-brainer why. Now that Reels have been thriving for a while, Instagram had the opportunity to improve its features and interface to beat or surpass TikTok. Are they close? Or is it simply an exact replica of the original concept? What about if TikTok implemented any changes to compete with this new rival?

There are several questions that must be answered. But before that, let’s do a background check.

The War of the Video Apps – The History

With TikTok’s growing appeal, Instagram launched Instagram Reels, a new tool for users to create 15 to 30-second videos synced to music. While this video function is new to Instagram, it is not new to the social media world! People are trying to distinguish Reels from TikTok as they both have similar explore pages as well as video editing interfaces and general concepts. Both Instagram and TikTok have advantages and disadvantages; whatever platform you select depends on your audience, brand, and marketing objectives. TikTok might be the right platform to use should you wish to draw the Gen Z audience.?Instagram Reels is a great starting point in order to enhance the effectiveness of your Instagram strategy and grow your followers. Although both platforms are employed by virtually every?advertising agency?around the globe, you could still have some ideas on your mind. Are you not sure whether you should utilize Instagram Reels and TikTok to promote your business or brand? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the main differences to help you choose. What exactly is the difference between Instagram Reels and TikTok? Let’s jump into it right away.

Reels vs TikTok: Video Length

Although TikTok as well as Reels are built upon the same foundation and have a 30-second limit, the 30-second limitation on Reels makes it a different foundation. It restricts users to short, straightforward messages and how-tos, whereas TikTok’s 60-second limit allows for mini-series that span many episodes. This is an important strategy for increasing interaction and account visits. A one-minute video is already a little amount of time to concentrate on a creative concept, but it provides just enough freedom to improvise and explore. Since Instagram Reels is still in its initial stages we expect that a longer option for videos will be added in the near future.

Reels vs TikTok: Video Editing

While the editing tools for Reels and TikTok may appear to be identical, they are not. Filters are quite popular on TikTok, where users can select from a variety of effects, themes, and filters. On Instagram, video effects are more limited – users could only choose from the Instagram Effects database before filming each video clip. TikTok’s trends are frequently influenced by unique video effects. Reels only include the Instagram Stories filters and do not have as extensive effects as TikTok. Specific effects are sometimes required for users who are attempting to stay up with trends. For some, the touch-up button, which softens your face, is one of TikTok’s most prominent features. The Reels counterpart is not nearly as strong, but it does have filters with improved touch-up tools. The disadvantage is that filters and effects are not segregated on Reels; they are combined, which implies you can only select one and so have less diversity in the final appearance of your clip. TikTok’s audio effects and dubbing features are also entertaining editing options. Instagram users could record a voiceover on Instagram Reels, however, they cannot apply any extra elements to the audio. TikTok’s Duet, Reaction, and Stitch functionalities are another significant distinction between the platform’s video features. These tools are a great method for brands and organizations to communicate and engage with consumers in their community (while also expanding their reach!). There are currently no Duet or Stitch options on Instagram Reels; instead, users can film their own videos or upload content from their galleries.

If you want to know which app is worth your time in aspects of editing,?click here.

Reels vs TikTok: Music Options

TikTok’s music library isn’t just for popular music. Users are constantly creating new sounds and are occasionally highlighted in emerging trends. It has also resulted in bringing early recognition for independent musicians. On the other hand, many company accounts on Instagram Reels are currently unable to use Instagram’s music function. If you have a business account and want to publish a Reel with music, you must make your own audio or film and edit it outside of Instagram. So, if you want to utilize music in your videos, TikTok might just be the best option for you.

Reels vs TikTok: Algorithm

TikTok’s algorithm was a secret for a long time until TikTok finally uncovered the reality. Unlike the Instagram Reels Explore Page, the TikTok “For You” Page (FYP) is highly customized to your interests. According to TikTok, “the algorithm recommends material by rating videos based on a variety of characteristics — beginning with preferences you identify as a new user and adjusting for topics you signal you’re not interested in, too.” It’s unclear whether the content you see on the Instagram Reels Explore page is influenced by your location, preferences, who you follow, or what you interact with.

There is also a “Featured” video section on Instagram Reels.

There are no further details on why or how Instagram selects highlighted content. However, if your Reel is featured, there’s a good possibility your video (and profile) may become viral!

Reels vs TikTok: Paid Advertising

While TikTok advertisements aren’t as popular for small companies as they are on other platforms, the network does provide paid advertising choices. In-Feed Ads, Brand Takeovers, TopView, Branded Hashtag Challenges, and Branded Effects are currently available on TikTok. Brands and corporations cannot currently run paid advertising on Instagram Reels, but they can collaborate with artists and influencers to produce sponsored content. Instagram has added new sponsored content tags to Instagram Reels in order to guarantee creators openly declare when they’re generating branded material, promote transparency, and make it better for creators and companies to develop, distribute, and promote sponsored content.

Reels vs TikTok: Demographics

While both networks provide the same sort of material, the TikTok population appears to be younger than Instagram Reels. Furthermore, while both networks allow you to be as creative as you want, TikTok is more “anti-aesthetic.” On Reels, brands, organizations, and influencers are more choosy and distribute more on-brand and visually appealing material. That isn’t always the scenario on TikTok, where users aren’t as concerned about their feed looking a certain way. Instagram Reels could help you target a millennial audience while also sharing videos that match your Instagram style. And, if you want to participate in viral trends and target a younger Gen Z audience, TikTok may be a better option.

Reels vs TikTok: Analytics

If you have a TikTok Pro Account, you can view all of TikTok’s insights. You can approach the relevant demographics and truly grasp what they’re keen in with TikTok’s built-in audience and content metrics. And what’s even better? You can see when (and if) your video was trending, as well as the individual visitor sources. As of now, there are no insights for Instagram Reels. Users can currently only see the number of views, likes, and comments.

Summing It All Up

Both platforms can be useful depending on your preference. If you’re still not sure which one to use, we recommend trying both! It doesn’t hurt to test your content on both platforms and see which performs better.

Or better yet, if your brand is based in Dubai, you can acquire the services of advertising companies in Dubai such as Mystic Advertising to assist you with brand strategies and demographic trends to help you advance on both platforms.

What is your take on the whole TikTok vs Reels war? Let us know in the comment section.

And if you want to know how you can use GIFs and Memes in your TikTok and Reels to help market your brand, you can check out this blog below.

Tips on using GIFs and Memes in Marketing Campaigns.