Instagram Reels vs TikTok: What's the difference?
For the past year TikTok has been the leading video sharing social network, however, Instagram has wanted in on the action, recently launching Instagram Reels; a new video format on the platform.
But what’s the difference between the two platforms and how you can use Instagram Reels to grow your brand? Find out here.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Reels allows users to film and edit short videos with audio and music soundtracks, and scroll through a feed of other clips, very similar to TikTok. Instagram has recently started launching it in different countries, the latest being the US; with the fear of TikTok being banned, Reels is looking to be the replacement.
Reels videos are limited to 15 seconds, while TikTok extended its video length to a minute earlier this year.
Vishal Shah, Instagram’s Head of Product, explains that Reels will be different from TikTok, giving users a more built-out augmented reality platform inside of Instagram, a place consumers love and have been using for years.
WILL REELS REPLACE TIKTOK?
With TikTok potentially being banned in the US, there's a massive opportunity for Reels to overtake TikTok in popularity. TikTok influencers are big in the US, meaning if they started using Reels, people could follow them to the platform.
@Kenasha
However, Instagram could be late to the party as since the launch of TikTok in 2016 a range of other short film platforms, Triller, Byte, Likee, Dubsmash, Roposo and Mitron, have been released trying to get in on the hype.
Although it seems hard to imagine a different platform ever replacing TikTok, Instagram already has masses using the app, more than TikTok, allowing Reels to potentially become the next big thing.
Other argues that it being integrated within Instagram could work against Reels.
@jsstansel
Similarly to TikTok, Reels offer businesses and individuals t the opportunity to produce creative, moving content. However, it needs to be produced in the right way to be engaging and capture your audience/followers.
@_SMCollective
Instagram also has a reputation for copying ideas from other platforms and bringing them to its own; for example, introducing Instagram Stories after its success on Snapchat. With Instagram Stories more popular than Snapchat Stories, could the same happen to TikTok?
HOW TO USE REELS
Reels can be found when clicking on the camera icon in the top left corner of your screen on the Instagram app; the same way you would access Stories or Lives. Once you’ve selected Reels a handful of creative editing tools will appear; audio, effects, filming speed and a timer and countdown.
@wolfandbadger
Reels can be recorded in a series of clips, all at once or videos uploaded from your camera roll. To record, hold down the capture button and you’ll see a progress indicator at the top of the screen as you record.
Once your Reel is filmed, it’s time to share it. You will get a chance to add a caption, hashtags and change the cover image before it goes live. You can choose for it to be shared on your feed for your followers or to the explore page where it can be seen and discovered by the wider Instagram community.
After you share your Reel, it will live in a separate tab on your profile, allowing people to easily find the others you’ve shared. If you share the Reel to your feed, then it will also appear in your grid, but you have the option to remove it.
@wolfandmoonshop
USING REELS TO GROW YOUR BRAND
Short-form, creative video content is rising in popularity and with Instagram rolling out Reels, why not introduce your brand to the platform too? As Reels is new, there is currently less competition and more time for trial and error. Find out what works well on the platform, master the 15 second time limit and study your analytics.
The best TikTok creators gained followers from producing original, authentic content, and the same needs to be done in Reels. Try sharing your brand story and making a short film out of it.
And don’t be afraid to show what you are good at. Consumers love seeing how products are made and the time and effort that goes into the making process.
Many people also turn to social media to look for inspiration, so styling or ‘how-to’ videos are also ideal content to share on your Reels.
@sighh.studio
Another way to increase your brand visibility through Reels is to tap into what is currently trending. Whether it’s a challenge, song or hashtag, it can help you be seen and gain awareness.
The key is to find out where your core audience (s) are, dedicate your time and effort to that platform (s) and create a consistent and engaging strategy. And don’t forget to have fun with it!
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