For years, Instagram has been adding new features in hopes of keeping up with evolving social media platforms. With TikTok taking the internet by storm, Instagram has outdone themselves once again by adding a new feature: Instagram Reels. Instagram Reels are videos up to 30 seconds long that are displayed in a layout very similar to TikTok. Reels capture the same addictive quality of TikTok by implementing endless scrolling, making hours feel like seconds. While Reels and TikTok are similar, they are not the same. Which one is better you may ask? Let’s compare and contrast:
1. Length
On TikTok, users can record videos for up to 60 seconds. On Instagram Reels, are limited to only 30 seconds. As a creator, 60 seconds allows for more content possibilities, but if you are impatient and a viewer, you might gravitate towards the guarantee of short and sweet Reels.
2. Music
Depending on what type of profile you are on, Instagram will limit you from many music options. I know business accounts have complications with accessing the music library as well as restricted uploaded audio.
3. Editing Tools, Features, and Effects
There is a much more extensive collection of filters, effects, and templates to choose from on TikTok. Instagram Reels is still much newer and may develop more options but as of right now TikTok has more features for creators.
4. Algorithm
Both platforms’ algorithms are inconclusive but there are some aspects people know for sure. On TikTok, every person has a unique “For You Page” that is exactly that: a page for you. Based on your history and data, the app shows you videos customized to your liking. There is a somewhat clear understanding of where this data comes from, unlike Instagram Reels. Reels can be accessed through one’s explore page on Instagram. There you will find a plethora of content that is targeted towards your interests but not as tailored to you compared to the FYP.
If you create videos, you probably will have a better chance of getting on the FYP compared to being “featured” on Instagram reels, but if you are featured on Instagram you will be notified.
Analytics are only accessible to creator TikTok accounts which anyone can have as long as their account is public. Right now, Instagram’s analytics features are not accessible for reels.
5. Demographic
There are a variety of ages on both platforms, but the target audience on TikTok seems to be younger compared to Instagram reels.
6. Content
TikTok has videos about everything, absolutely everything. Through this, TikTok videos do not follow an aesthetic as much as other social media. On Instagram Reels, I tend to see much more tailored “aesthetic” videos that I will also find on TikTok but on Instagram they are not sandwiched between comedic videos and storytimes.
Final Verdict:
Although I do spend hours scrolling through aesthetically pleasing Instagram Reels in hopes of finding motivation, I would say TikTok takes the cake.
- Videos can be longer
- There are more features for content creators
- It is more tailored to what I want to see
- It gives videos a better chance of exposure which is great for small businesses trying to get exposure
Follow me on TikTok @buffalochickentender & Instagram to see my Reels @poshrosenine
Instagram Reels really took the world by storm all of a sudden they gain popularity overnight and till now Instagram Reels is still going strong, all my children are on Instagram Reels they even sleep and wake on this app the owners must be making a ton of money.