What is the difference between Instagram Reels and TikTok?

At the beginning of 2020, TikTok exploded in popularity. Indeed, during lockdown, the network offered a steady stream of short, entertaining, and personalized videos according to the tastes of each user.

TikTok first established itself among Generation Z, then expanded to more varied age groups. In response to this phenomenon and to counter competition, Instagram launched its Reels in August 2020.

We can therefore legitimately ask ourselves what is What's the difference between TikTok and Reels?

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TikTok, Reels... definitions

Before we get into this debate, let's start with Resume the basics and understand how each platform works.

What is a TikTok?

TikTok is an application that allows you to share videos that are up to 3 minutes in length. Content creators can leverage the platform's vast catalog of audios, music, filters, and effects to create TikToks. These short videos are assimilated to “snack content”, that is to say to content that can be consumed instantly. Users can find any What type of format and video content on the platform, whether it's song playback, tutorials, reviews, same, challenges...

What is a Reel?

Reels are a feature built into Instagram. Users don't need to download a new app to take advantage of it. They were launched for compete with TikTok.

Reels allow Instagram users to create videos up to 60 seconds in length that can be made with music or custom sound and to which filters and effects are applied. Reels can be shared on the Explore feed using the right hashtags, but also on the news feed, the dedicated Reels tab and Instagram Stories.

The Reels are one simple creative content format to be set up. If you're having trouble coming up with ideas for Instagram posts, all you need to do is follow one of the many Instagram trends that emerged with Reels. In addition, this new format is being promoted a lot by Instagram and can help creators grow by engaging new audiences.

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TikTok vs Reels: The comparison

Now that you know what Instagram Reels and TikTok are, it's time to compare the two to find out which network is best at exploiting this short video format.

1. Reels vs TikTok: Views and engagement

Statistics from the launch of the Reels revealed that Instagram's short video content is working. In fact, 61% of TikTok users said they used Reels and spent more time on Instagram because the features are similar. (Based on Tommy Walters, the company's research director Whistle, specializing in social media content).

In addition, on average, both platforms have about the same number of views on videos, 1.2 million for Reels and 1.92 million for TikTok. However, with an average of over 200,000 likes and 2,000 comments for TikTok, compared to 100,000 likes and 800 comments for Reels, TikTok generates the most engagement.

2. Reels vs TikTok: Video content

Both Reels and TikTok started with 15-second videos beforeextend the duration of their content. At the time of writing, TikTok is offering its users videos of 3 minutes, compared to one minute for the Reels. Recently, TikTok also added a scrolling feature to some of its videos, allowing users to skip parts of a TikTok.

In addition, The style of video content differs on each platform. On Instagram, the tone is smoother and the videos are of a more professional quality. TikTok lends itself to more spontaneous and authentic content.

3. Reels vs TikTok: The audio

TikTok has a large library of sounds, which includes trendy music, among others. Users can also create their own sounds. In fact, these sounds often become new trends and have helped independent artists find their way onto the charts. The music and audio trends on TikTok are one of fastest ways to gain virality.

While the Reels have a wide range of audios,Most are imported from TikTok. Indeed, since Instagram is not a music platform, but a platform for sharing original works by artists, it is subject to stricter copyright restrictions.

4. Reels vs TikTok: In-app editing

TikTok offers a wide range of editing options. Many TikTok trends stem from specific video effects. That's why the platform recently launched a new TikTok Effect Studio that gives users the tools they need to create their own augmented reality effects.

Instagram only offers users filters that are used in Instagram Stories. Additionally, in Reels, users can only choose one filter per video, while on TikTok, it is possible to use multiple filters in the same video.

TikTok also offers greater editing capabilities than Reels, including the possibility of creating a voiceover.

5. Reels vs TikTok: The analyses

Instagram has a Algorithm quite difficult to understand. We still don't know how the Reels algorithm works. It's likely that using the platform's most popular hashtags can help creators get noticed.

The main appeal of TikTok is that it's easy to create a viral video, because all videos have a chance to appear on the “For You” page thanks to its algorithm. TikTok also offers in-depth analytics to its creators and brands to help them understand their audience and the most appropriate way to target them.

6. Reels vs TikTok: The commercial

Besides partnering with influencers on TikTok, there are other ways for brands to make publicity on the platform. The most common is advertising in the “For You” feed but the platform offers various advertising features such as:

• Brand Take Over
• Top View
• Hashtag Challenge
• Sponsored effects

Instagram advertising is powered by Facebook. Reels ads are displayed in full screen and appear in the Reels tab, on the Explore page, and natively in the feed.

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Conclusion: will Instagram Reels replace TikTok?

The format ofInstragram Reels is very similar to TikToks. : they are both short video formats that include endless scrolling and an adapted algorithm. Since Instagram's demographics are also very similar to TikTok's, both are fierce competitors.

However, while Reels have been shown to improve Instagram's growth, TikTok has remained the most downloaded app for over a year. While Reels are very popular with Instagram users, they won't instinctively connect to Instagram to watch short videos. Also, TikTok remains the leader in its field and Instagram in its field.