Social media offers new features almost every year. Since TikTok launched in 2016, the app has gained popularity over time, and its breakthrough came in 2020. By 2021, TikTok emerged as the leading social media app with over one billion users every month.
Never heard of TikTok? Well, it’s a popular social media app that allows users to create and share short – and now up to 10 minute – videos as of February 28th, 2022. TikTok’s expansion to allow up to 10-minute videos comes less than a year after it raised the maximum length of videos to three minutes in July 2021. The app is widely used by the younger generation compared to other social media apps.
On the other hand, you might have heard of the other video sharing option from Instagram: Reels. It’s an Instagram feature launched in 2020 that allows users to create and share similar short videos.
The two are similar in that they allow users to record videos, both set to music, but they also have their differences. Ready to find out which will work best for you?
TikTok vs. IG Reels
Although the two display some similarities, various factors differentiate them. Here are a few:
Video Length
With TikTok, you have the option to record 15-second, 30-second, and now up to 10-minute videos PLUS a 3-minute interval option, while Instagram Reels only lets you create 15-second, 30-second, or 60-second recordings. The time difference is short, but in the business world, it means a lot. For example, some content creators like to make the most out of the extra time, so they might prefer TikTok over Reels.
Video Editing
Although Tiktok and Reels may seem similar, TikTok has several filter capabilities, where users can choose from different templates, effects, and filters. On the other hand, video editing effects are limited for Instagram. Users can only choose from the effects library before filming a video.
The various editing features present in TikTok allow better quality content, while Reels has the same appearance as those in Instagram stories.
Even though Reels has limited options, the available features are more polished and professional. Therefore, if your video content is more professional than funny, Reels might be the place for you.
Music Options
Another core difference between the two platforms is the music options. On TikTok, users can access music libraries, making it a go-to for content whose sound matters. But if you create a video through Reels and want to add music to it, you have to create audio, edit, and post it yourself.
Which One Suits Your Brand?
Both Reels and TikTok make good platforms for business marketing. However, TikTok takes the lead with its exceptional features. Therefore, most businesses will want to use TikTok to advance their brand. However, it’s also important to consider your audience and where they spend their time. So, if your business has a broad audience on Instagram, Reels may be the best platform for expanding your brand.
Don’t be afraid to take advantage of both platform options for your video marketing; they can both do wonders in your favor. Depending on the business or personal brand, utilizing both to bounce content off each other can be an interesting strategy that may lead to many benefits.
Best Practices
Reels
- Avoid posting recycled TikTok videos to Reels.
- Avoid posting low-resolution content.
- Do not upload content with borders around it.
- Adding closed captioning which has been a big initiative now on Reels for the hearing impaired community.
- Do not upload content with text covering the majority of the image.
TikTok
- Get creative with it! Take advantage of the options available.
- Avoid repurposed content.
- Adding closed captioning which has been a big initiative now on TikTok for the hearing impaired community.
- Be sure to give your videos check-ups frequently.
Need help figuring out if Reels or TikTok are better for your brand? Or maybe you need help creating a social media strategy for your business. No matter your situation, our team can help! Reach out to our experts at Zero Gravity Marketing today!
