Instagram’s newest video feature, Reels, is remarkably similar to TikTok in that both allow users to share and record videos to music.
Given their apparent parallels, one might wonder what sets Instagram Reels apart from TikTok.
To put it simply, yes. We’ll be discussing the top seven distinctions, ranging from user demographics and photo editing features to the reasons why some business accounts are barred from listening to music on Instagram.
In contrast to TikTok, Instagram does not allow for highlight reels.
- Playtime of a Video
- Commercial Music Packages
- Equipment and Functions for Video Editing
- Algorithm
- Funded Online Promotions and Merchandising
- Information on Audiences and Material
- Analytics
Instagram Highlights vs. TikTok: Who Wins the Video App Showdown?
Due to TikTok’s meteoric rise in popularity, Instagram has introduced a new feature called Instagram Reels, which allows users to create 15- to 30-second long music videos.
Instagram has recently added a video feature, but this isn’t a first for social media in general.
Reasons why Reels is often compared to TikTok include its strikingly similar explore pages, video editing interfaces, and general concept.
Length of the Video
TikTok allows for 60 seconds of video recording time, while Instagram Reels only allows for 30 seconds.
Users were quick to point out the discrepancy, despite the fact that it was only 30 seconds.
The 30-second limit on Instagram Reels may seem too short, depending on the type of content you typically share. Creative options remain on Reels, even if longer content may be better suited to TikTok’s timestamp.
Choices in Business Account Music Playback
The ability to listen to music is a significant feature that differentiates the various systems. Many business profiles on Instagram Reels currently can’t use the app’s music feature.
You’ll need to record and edit your own audio or video outside of Instagram if you want to use a Reel to promote your business.
Regarding when Instagram business profiles will be able to use the music feature, the company has been silent.
As a result, TikTok might be the best option if you want to add music to your videos.
Users on TikTok have access to the entire TikTok Sound library, which is incredibly important on a platform where audio quality is prioritised.
Consider the fad of making Original Sound videos for TikTok that can be remixed by other users.
This fad is exciting and interesting videos can go viral.
Tools and Features for Video Editing
The video editing platforms Reels and TikTok have somewhat similar user interfaces, but their features are actually quite different from one another.
Users love TikTok because of the many available filters, effects, and templates.
On Instagram, users can only apply filters from the Instagram Effects library to their videos before shooting them.
TikTok also features a number of entertaining audio editing options, such as a voice synthesiser and a voiceover recorder.
TikTok’s Duet, Reaction, and Stitch features also set themselves apart from the platform’s other video creation tools.
Formulation of an Algorithm
We didn’t know how TikTok’s algorithm worked for a while, but the company eventually broke its silence. Unlike Instagram’s Reels Explore Page, TikTok’s “For You” Page (FYP) is tailored specifically to your preferences.
TikTok claims that “the system recommends content by ranking videos based on a combination of factors,” including a user’s stated preferences (both positive and negative) and their use of the app.
The following are examples of such considerations:
Videos you like or share, accounts you decide to follow, comments you make, and original content you create are all examples of user interactions.
Captions, audio tracks, and hashtags are all examples of data that could be associated with a video.
Your account preferences and device settings, including language, country, and device type.
Fifthly, Online Shopping with Paid Ads
Although paid advertising on TikTok isn’t as widely used by small businesses as it is on other platforms, it is an option.
In-Feed Ads, Brand Takeovers, TopView, Branded Hashtag Challenges, and Branded Effects are just some of the ad formats currently available on TikTok.
Although businesses can’t yet launch paid ads on Instagram Reels, they can collaborate with content creators and influencers to develop branded content.
By introducing new branded content tags for Instagram Reels, Instagram hopes to ensure creators clearly disclose when they are creating branded content, increase transparency, and make it easier for creators.
Factor #6: Audiences and Material
It’s worth noting that while both TikTok and Instagram Reels feature similar content, the target audience for the former appears to be significantly younger.
TikTok is more “anti-aesthetic,” but both platforms give you the freedom to express yourself however you like.
On Reels, brands, businesses, and influencers are more discerning, only sharing high-quality, aesthetically pleasing content that fits with their brand’s voice and aesthetic.
On TikTok, however, users aren’t as concerned with maintaining a particular appearance for their feed.
Analysis, Number Seven
When you upgrade to a TikTok Pro Account, you gain access to all of the platform’s data and insights.
Audience and content analytics are already integrated into TikTok, allowing you to reach your ideal viewers and learn more about their interests.
Moreover, even better! When and where your video received its share of views can be examined in detail.
You can see which Sounds your followers listened to on TikTok, which can help you choose your next Sound to use.
We apologise, but Instagram Reels does not yet have any analytics available. All that users can see at the moment is the total number of views, likes, and comments.
Concluding Remarks
This concludes the discussion. Here are the seven most noticeable variations between Instagram Reels and TikTok.
Try both if you can’t decide which one to use! It’s not a bad idea to see how your content does on both platforms before committing to one.
Try posting the same video to all of your social media accounts at once and watch the reactions.