What’s the Difference between Instagram Reels and TikTok?

Not sure whether you should be using TikTok or Instagram Reels for your business? We will break down the 7 differences in this blog post and give you some tips on how to use both platforms.

What are Instagram Reels and TikToks?

Both platforms allow users to share short-form videos of just a few seconds up to 3 minutes on TikTok thanks to their new update! In addition, both platforms give their users the option to use in-app features including filters and music to increase the creatively, but also to help maximise their reach.

1. Audience Age

Depending who your target audience is depends on which platform better suits your business. TikTok has a much younger audience than Instagram, but this may change as TikTok grows and starts to appeal to the older age range. If you’re looking to market to Gen Z and beyond, TikTok is the perfect platform for you to use to market your business! If you’re looking to target Gen Z couples we have a guide on the best way to find them here.

2. Video Duration
Both platforms require videos to be short-form, Reels are limited to 60 seconds whereas TikToks can be up to 3 minutes long! Reels are very short, so they are perfect for simple tutorials, short messages making them easier for the user to remember the content.

3. Purpose
Instagram was created as a space for artist and creators to share original content that would advance their influence and brand whereas TikTok was created as a form of entertainment and a place for people to connect with their viewers casually, not formally!

4. Sound Libraries
Trending tracks on TikTok eventually gets put on Instagram too so everyone can use them across both platforms. But Instagram business accounts are very limited due to tighter copyright restrictions, to get around this you can set yourself as a creator or entrepreneur to access more music and then hide this in your profile so you can use the trending tracks!

5. Engagement Rates
Engagement is very important and it’s why we spend a lot of time creating content, so people engage with it! Engagement is higher on TikTok but brand accounts may have more success on Instagram as they will have a better chance of more users seeing their content because of Instagram’s algorithm boosts new features like Reels to encourage users to interact!

6. Editing Features
On TikTok, filters are very popular, and users can pick from several effects, templates, and filters On Instagram the video effects are more limited, and they can only be used before you film each video clip. On TikTok you can also use voice effects and voiceover tools, but on Instagram users can only record a voiceover on the actual reel, you can’t add any special effects to the audio!

7. Algorithm
Something we never know a lot about and we are always guessing, but TikTok finally let us all in on their secret. The TikTok “For You” Page (FYP) is very customised to your interests you express as a new user whereas, Instagram Reels Explore Page is full of content about everything. TikTok put content on their “For You” page based on user interactions, video information and device and account settings like your language preference. But we don’t know a lot about the Instagram Reel Algorithm yet, it’s a top secret that we can’t wait to hear more about!

Charlotte’s Top Tip

Create your Reel or TikTok to a trending track, this will help it reach more people. Remember to boost your video content with hashtags too!