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Instagram's most recent video feature, Instagram Reels, resembles TikTok strikingly, enabling users to share and record music videos.
The battles between Reels vs Tiktok are rather new. Since TikTok's success spread to many ages from Gen Z, Instagram launched Reels to regain the public it lost to its opponent, who continues to gather more and more popularity.
Now that Reels has been growing for several months, Instagram has been able to design its tools and interfaces to match or display TikTok. So, What is Instagram Reels? What is TikTok? How is TikTok similar to Reels? What is the difference between IG Reels and TikTok? Do Instagram Reels become a real TikTok rival?
All your questions are answered below.
Are you looking for more Instagram Reels and TikTok information? See all of our guides:
The results showed that the new Instagram feature is definitely excited and exploited by its broad audience. The average views totaled +1.19 million on TikTok, while +1.2 million on Instagram Reels. We also saw an enormous difference in views for many people with the results at a 144% view rate for Instagram Reels and 24% for TikTok.
The results showed that the new Instagram feature is definitely excited and exploited by its broad audience. The average views totaled +1.19 million on TikTok, while +1.2 million on Instagram Reels. We also saw an enormous difference in views for many people with the results at a 144% view rate for Instagram Reels and 24% for TikTok.
Average Views on TikTok and Instagram Reels
Average Views on TikTok and Instagram Reels
Average Likes on TikTok and Instagram Reels
Average Likes on TikTok and Instagram Reels
Average Comments on TikTok and Instagram Reels
Average Comments on TikTok and Instagram Reels
How similar are TikTok and Reels?
How similar are TikTok and Reels?
TikTok and Reels offer tools for making and sharing short videos between 15 and 60 seconds. You scroll up and down the videos, like a feed, and don't touch or swipe side by side as users on other platforms are more used to them. Video creators have several tools available for editing videos: mostly filters and the ability to search for video sounds. Users are strongly encouraged to interact in "response" or "duet" videos (users can duplicate videos and add themselves alongside).
TikTok and Reels offer tools for making and sharing short videos between 15 and 60 seconds. You scroll up and down the videos, like a feed, and don't touch or swipe side by side as users on other platforms are more used to them. Video creators have several tools available for editing videos: mostly filters and the ability to search for video sounds. Users are strongly encouraged to interact in "response" or "duet" videos (users can duplicate videos and add themselves alongside).
With the users of TikTok so involved in the application, it is one of the most effective media to target authentic, original, and compelling content. Instagram, by contrast, currently retains details of the use of Reels under wraps, so it is difficult to draw certain specific parallels. 20 of the 30 NBA teams however use Reels, and those with an average commitment rate of 22% higher than their stories. Averages of seven million views per reel from high-end fashion brand Louis Vuitton. Instagram is truly promoting Reels, by enhancing their reach to potentially reticent adopters.
With the users of TikTok so involved in the application, it is one of the most effective media to target authentic, original, and compelling content. Instagram, by contrast, currently retains details of the use of Reels under wraps, so it is difficult to draw certain specific parallels. 20 of the 30 NBA teams however use Reels, and those with an average commitment rate of 22% higher than their stories. Averages of seven million views per reel from high-end fashion brand Louis Vuitton. Instagram is truly promoting Reels, by enhancing their reach to potentially reticent adopters.
What is the difference between IG Reels and TikTok?
What is the difference between IG Reels and TikTok?
TikTok and Instagram Reels are not just fun apps, they can become a great acquisition channel for your company..
TikTok and Instagram Reels are not just fun apps, they can become a great acquisition channel for your company..
Below you can find some of the main differences and opinions about both social media.
Below you can find some of the main differences and opinions about both social media.
Video Length
Video Length
Users can save videos up to 60 seconds on TikTok and users can save videos up to 30 seconds on Instagram Reels.
Users can save videos up to 60 seconds on TikTok and users can save videos up to 30 seconds on Instagram Reels.
Although the difference is a simple 30 seconds, it was quickly pointed out by users.
Although the difference is a simple 30 seconds, it was quickly pointed out by users.
The max 30-seconds on Instagram Reels might feel short depending on the content you post. Along with longer content, you can still be creative on Reels while working better with TikTok time signals.
The max 30-seconds on Instagram Reels might feel short depending on the content you post. Along with longer content, you can still be creative on Reels while working better with TikTok time signals.
Given that Instagram Reels remains at the beginning, we predict that a longer video option will be developed in the future.
Given that Instagram Reels remains at the beginning, we predict that a longer video option will be developed in the future.
Audio Options
Audio Options
The musical feature of the platforms is one of the major differences. Many company accounts are currently unable to reach the Instagram music option on Instagram Reels.
The musical feature of the platforms is one of the major differences. Many company accounts are currently unable to reach the Instagram music option on Instagram Reels.
This means you get your own audio or movie created and edited outside of Instagram whether you have a company account where you choose to upload a Reel of songs.
This means you get your own audio or movie created and edited outside of Instagram whether you have a company account where you choose to upload a Reel of songs.
Instagram has yet to comment on the company accounts that will soon be able to access the music function.
Instagram has yet to comment on the company accounts that will soon be able to access the music function.
Image credit: itsjustnife on Instagram and ampwrld on TikTok
So TikTok can be the standout pick if you're going to use music to create your videos. Users of TikTok have access to TikTok's entire sound library — a great deal on the sound network.
So TikTok can be the standout pick if you're going to use music to create your videos. Users of TikTok have access to TikTok's entire sound library — a great deal on the sound network.
Though users of Instagram can also generate videos using audio from others, it is not as common as TikTok.
Though users of Instagram can also generate videos using audio from others, it is not as common as TikTok.
Anything else? If you save a TikTok to your camera roll, whether your own or another, the video saves with the provided music and watermark.
Anything else? If you save a TikTok to your camera roll, whether your own or another, the video saves with the provided music and watermark.
However, on Instagram, the video doesn't save with a soundtrack or a watermark if you save a Reel on your camera roll (you can't save other users, only yours).
However, on Instagram, the video doesn't save with a soundtrack or a watermark if you save a Reel on your camera roll (you can't save other users, only yours).
Tools and features for Video Editing
Tools and features for Video Editing
Trends of TikTok are often derived from certain video effects. Reels have filters used only in Instagram Stories and have a little effect than TikTok. Specific effects are sometimes necessary for users attempting to keep up with trends. One of the most useful features for some of TikTok is the touch-up button which gives your face a gentle effect.
Trends of TikTok are often derived from certain video effects. Reels have filters used only in Instagram Stories and have a little effect than TikTok. Specific effects are sometimes necessary for users attempting to keep up with trends. One of the most useful features for some of TikTok is the touch-up button which gives your face a gentle effect.
The equivalent of Reels is not as powerful but offers filters with better features. The downside is that the filters and the effects are not separated on the reels, but they are under the same umbrella, meaning that the video's final look is not as versatile.
The equivalent of Reels is not as powerful but offers filters with better features. The downside is that the filters and the effects are not separated on the reels, but they are under the same umbrella, meaning that the video's final look is not as versatile.
Image credit: Instagram and TikTok
TikTok can sometimes save videos to your camera roll, which could be disabled for creative people. However, videos are saved with a watermark and at the end, the user is credited and the content is in some way protected. There is still no option to save a Reel, so it is likely more secure, in line with the original business model of Instagram. Instagram always dealt with image and presentation, so Reels has the advantage that a video thumbnail can be selected from the camera roll, whereas TikTok requires a video framework.
TikTok can sometimes save videos to your camera roll, which could be disabled for creative people. However, videos are saved with a watermark and at the end, the user is credited and the content is in some way protected. There is still no option to save a Reel, so it is likely more secure, in line with the original business model of Instagram. Instagram always dealt with image and presentation, so Reels has the advantage that a video thumbnail can be selected from the camera roll, whereas TikTok requires a video framework.
Algorithm
Algorithm
The algorithm of TikTok was a question mark for some time until TikTok let us get secret finally. The "For you" page of the Instagram Reels Explore page (FYP) is a melting pot of content that can be very much adapted to your interests.
The algorithm of TikTok was a question mark for some time until TikTok let us get secret finally. The "For you" page of the Instagram Reels Explore page (FYP) is a melting pot of content that can be very much adapted to your interests.
According to TikTok: “The system recommends content by ranking videos based on a combination of factors — starting from interests you express as a new user and adjusting for things you indicate you’re not interested in, too”.
According to TikTok: “The system recommends content by ranking videos based on a combination of factors — starting from interests you express as a new user and adjusting for things you indicate you’re not interested in, too”.
These are factors such as:
These are factors such as:
- User interactions: like your liking or sharing videos, accounts that you follow, comments, and content that you create.
- Video information – details such as subtitles, sounds, and hashtags may be included.
- Settings for device and account: just like your preferred language, country, and device type.
And this does not stop there. It does not stop there.
And this does not stop there. It does not stop there.
Each of these factors is individually weighed by the TikTok recommendation system "For You," which means that every page is entirely unique for a user.
Each of these factors is individually weighed by the TikTok recommendation system "For You," which means that every page is entirely unique for a user.
As for the algorithm Instagram Reels, it's not as clear as TikTok has yet been.
As for the algorithm Instagram Reels, it's not as clear as TikTok has yet been.
It's not clear if your content is based on location, interest, who you're following, or the content that you are interacting with on the Instagram Reels Explorer page.
It's not clear if your content is based on location, interest, who you're following, or the content that you are interacting with on the Instagram Reels Explorer page.
There is also a video feature in Instagram Reels.
There is also a video feature in Instagram Reels.
According to Instagram “If your Reel is featured in Explore, you’ll receive a notification. Featured reels are a selection of public reels chosen by Instagram to help you discover original content we hope will entertain and inspire you.”
According to Instagram “If your Reel is featured in Explore, you’ll receive a notification. Featured reels are a selection of public reels chosen by Instagram to help you discover original content we hope will entertain and inspire you.”
As with TikTok, we want to keep posting on Instagram reels consistently because the more you post, the more likely your content will appear on the Explorer page.
As with TikTok, we want to keep posting on Instagram reels consistently because the more you post, the more likely your content will appear on the Explorer page.
And, what's different from TikTok about getting viral on Instagram Reels? As TikTok is viral, Instagram Reels is already connected to your Instagram account.
And, what's different from TikTok about getting viral on Instagram Reels? As TikTok is viral, Instagram Reels is already connected to your Instagram account.
You probably have an Instagram Shop, story highlights and a feed full of content, and many more if you use Instagram for your company or brand. You are opening your profile to thousands of potential customers when your Instagram Reel is viral.
You probably have an Instagram Shop, story highlights and a feed full of content, and many more if you use Instagram for your company or brand. You are opening your profile to thousands of potential customers when your Instagram Reel is viral.
Paid Advertising
Paid Advertising
TikTok contains both advertising and content sponsored. Content sponsored by bigger companies is usually offered and therefore there is more to help influencers to grow than businesses. TikTok announces are customized for feeds, but Reels does not have advertising as a big advantage for its audience.
TikTok contains both advertising and content sponsored. Content sponsored by bigger companies is usually offered and therefore there is more to help influencers to grow than businesses. TikTok announces are customized for feeds, but Reels does not have advertising as a big advantage for its audience.
There is still an option for influencers to add a tag to a message that lets the public know that the content is sponsored. That's a lot more user-friendly and probably made possible in other areas on Instagram because of the advertising capabilities.
There is still an option for influencers to add a tag to a message that lets the public know that the content is sponsored. That's a lot more user-friendly and probably made possible in other areas on Instagram because of the advertising capabilities.
> Looking for more ways to increase your appearance on Instagram? Register for our free workshop to get your first 10K followers of Instagram!
Image credit: Instagram
As a way of making it easy for creators to disclose when created branded content, increase transparency and make it easier for designers and brands to create, share and amplify branded content, Instagram has recently introduced new branded content tags for Instagram reels.
As a way of making it easy for creators to disclose when created branded content, increase transparency and make it easier for designers and brands to create, share and amplify branded content, Instagram has recently introduced new branded content tags for Instagram reels.
Analytics
Analytics
You have access to all analytics from TikTok if you have a TikTok Pro account.
You have access to all analytics from TikTok if you have a TikTok Pro account.
You can target the right audiences and really understand what they want with an integrated audience and content analysis of TikTok.
You can target the right audiences and really understand what they want with an integrated audience and content analysis of TikTok.
And, even better? In fact, you can see if your video was trendy and where the particular source of traffic came from.
And, even better? In fact, you can see if your video was trendy and where the particular source of traffic came from.
TikTok shows you the sounds that your followers heard so that you can decide what sound to use next.
TikTok shows you the sounds that your followers heard so that you can decide what sound to use next.
Currently, Instagram Reels has no insights. Users can only view the number of views, likes, and commentaries right now.
Currently, Instagram Reels has no insights. Users can only view the number of views, likes, and commentaries right now.
It seems that Reels is still to be part of most user's daily activity on the platform based on user reviews and general sentiment. In 2018, when Instagram introduced its YouTube competition, IGTV, we experienced a similar lack of enthusiasm. In the 18 months since the launch, just 7 million Instagram users plus 1 billion downloaded the standalone IGTV app. Since its 2018 worldwide launch, TikTok has grown rapidly since October 2020, with an accumulation of more than 689 million MAUs.
It seems that Reels is still to be part of most user's daily activity on the platform based on user reviews and general sentiment. In 2018, when Instagram introduced its YouTube competition, IGTV, we experienced a similar lack of enthusiasm. In the 18 months since the launch, just 7 million Instagram users plus 1 billion downloaded the standalone IGTV app. Since its 2018 worldwide launch, TikTok has grown rapidly since October 2020, with an accumulation of more than 689 million MAUs.
The slow response in Instagram has led to the domination of social entertainment and video by TikTok. And we all know that social media is a zero-sum industry more and more. Metrics of Instagram have already been flatlining for total single visitors and average monthly time. The Content Catalog of TikTok continues to grow with the For You Page (FYP) becoming a breeding ground for unique creative expressions. TikTok has been converted into a catalyst for the activation of cultural conversations.
The slow response in Instagram has led to the domination of social entertainment and video by TikTok. And we all know that social media is a zero-sum industry more and more. Metrics of Instagram have already been flatlining for total single visitors and average monthly time. The Content Catalog of TikTok continues to grow with the For You Page (FYP) becoming a breeding ground for unique creative expressions. TikTok has been converted into a catalyst for the activation of cultural conversations.
The most important thing Instagram failed to do — and it had to remedy — is that content, not distribution or technology is its biggest problem. The creators of TikTok do not consider Reels as a legitimate platform for content, and the average user of Instagram does not post TikTok-like Reels because of its social graph input. The lack of content that is good and relevant leads to suboptimal FYP experiences for new users that increase churn.
The most important thing Instagram failed to do — and it had to remedy — is that content, not distribution or technology is its biggest problem. The creators of TikTok do not consider Reels as a legitimate platform for content, and the average user of Instagram does not post TikTok-like Reels because of its social graph input. The lack of content that is good and relevant leads to suboptimal FYP experiences for new users that increase churn.
The present FYP is full of old TikToks, videos, or irrelevant UGCs with little vision.. Eventually, the Reels algorithm will be up to TikTok, but without solid, attractive, and original content, Reels is only a redepositing platform for TikTok videos. Highly engaging content — and communities in a subculture that create and respond to them — is what keeps users on the platform.
The present FYP is full of old TikToks, videos, or irrelevant UGCs with little vision.. Eventually, the Reels algorithm will be up to TikTok, but without solid, attractive, and original content, Reels is only a redepositing platform for TikTok videos. Highly engaging content — and communities in a subculture that create and respond to them — is what keeps users on the platform.
> What the best brands are doing to drive revenue from influencer marketing?
Conclusion: Instagram Reels or TikTok?
Conclusion: Instagram Reels or TikTok?
Even with the Elite engineering team of Instagram working to promote the algorithm and influencers' backs, Reels will not share the success of Stories if he does not understand how to acquire the average user. Instagram needs to explore various solutions if TikTok is truly the most perceived threat. The Reels tab is a time-poor tab — stories and feeds mostly work for Instagram and because the Reels tab is not the default tab, users have more work to switch feeds. Instagram can run tests on superusers who spend more time navigating Reels and check if it is effective to default from infeed to Reels.
Even with the Elite engineering team of Instagram working to promote the algorithm and influencers' backs, Reels will not share the success of Stories if he does not understand how to acquire the average user. Instagram needs to explore various solutions if TikTok is truly the most perceived threat. The Reels tab is a time-poor tab — stories and feeds mostly work for Instagram and because the Reels tab is not the default tab, users have more work to switch feeds. Instagram can run tests on superusers who spend more time navigating Reels and check if it is effective to default from infeed to Reels.
Instagram must deal with its algorithm and distribution, along with its content problem. Reels must increase its content meme-ability, unlock touchpoints and set new paths to make a more seamless creative process and seduce new users by taking out a page from the musical.ly playbook and sticking to the carrot of social investment. Reels must take stricter measures to upgrade their creative instruments to reduce the friction they can. If Reels can solve its content issue, Instagram may become a successful social product in this content format.
Instagram must deal with its algorithm and distribution, along with its content problem. Reels must increase its content meme-ability, unlock touchpoints and set new paths to make a more seamless creative process and seduce new users by taking out a page from the musical.ly playbook and sticking to the carrot of social investment. Reels must take stricter measures to upgrade their creative instruments to reduce the friction they can. If Reels can solve its content issue, Instagram may become a successful social product in this content format.
Don't worry about extending all formats and using them for your benefit. You really will rebuild yourself enough that your company or personal identity can be immensely beneficial.
Don't worry about extending all formats and using them for your benefit. You really will rebuild yourself enough that your company or personal identity can be immensely beneficial.
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