TikTok vs Reels

We’ve all heard of Instagram and TikTok in the online world of social media. Instagram is known for its Reels and TikTok for its short videos. But what’s the difference between the two? Which one is best to use for your business? And the big question, which is better, Reels or TikTok?

Well, let’s answer that question today! Starting with…

Reels

Reels are a video feature on Instagram. They are short, entertaining and creative videos made by users. You can share reels with your followers on the Feed and share with a broader audience through the explore page in the middle button of the app. Reels on the Explore page have a higher chance of going viral; they offer an opportunity for anyone to become a creator.

It is easy to like, share and comment in the Reels section to your friends, with the icons being along the right side of the screen. Some reels have a “Featured label”. When your video is featured a notification will be received. Instagram specifically selects featured reels for being entertaining for the audience.

TikTok’s

TikTok is a social media platform used for creating, sharing and discovering short videos. You can film various videos lip-syncing, dancing, acting out sketches, and trending videos are very popular. Videos are generally 15 seconds long, but multiple clips can be connected for up to 60 seconds of footage. Recently, TikTok expanded the time limit to 3 minutes for longer videos recorded outside the app.

TikTok also has video editing and customisation tools. For example, you have access to a library of songs, effects, filters, and sound bites to add to videos. You can also “duet” with someone by replying to a video, creating split-screen and endless reactions.

The differences/ similarities

TikTok and Reels are similar in that they are places to post short videos to broad audiences. They have similar features. For example, TikTok has a ‘Duet’ feature, and Instagram has ‘Remix’. However, they also have differences; for instance, TikTok allows you to record for longer. Reels will enable you to record for 15, 30 or 60 seconds at a time, whereas TikTok will allow you to record for 15, 60 or 3 minutes. This is a significant difference as originally, TikTok only allowed 15-second videos. They keep up with the competition by increasing their time range and exceeding the record time limit.

The editing features on TikTok and Reels have some significant differences. Effects, filters, and themes are increasingly popular to use on TikTok instead of the smaller variety of resources on Instagram. One of the main differences between the two is the music features. Business accounts using Instagram Reels cannot use music features, they become very limited; you have to record and edit your video outside of Instagram if you want to produce a video with sound on a business account.

Everyone wants to get a larger reach! But what’s best? TikTok or Instagram? On Instagram, your video is attached to your profile; this profile has material on your Feed, Instagram shop, and highlights in your stories. Similarly, TikTok has a shop feature set up for businesses. Having your Instagram Reel reach a large audience is critical for a business owner; as directly linked to the video are your brand and name. Social media creates awareness which can lead to more business! TikTok may be better if you target a younger audience as young people primarily use the app; in 2021, 43% of users were between 18 and 24. But in saying that, the older generation is getting into TikTok now, too and many businesses. And similarly to Instagram, TikTok has a shop feature set up for businesses.

Tiktok or Instagram?

Now for the Big question TikTok or Reels?

TikTok has been known to achieve greater engagement rates as opposed to Instagram. It’s a newer platform primarily video-focused, and paired with trending music and fun duets, it’s a winning app. Looking from a business perspective, TikTok is the place to try out new ideas, experiment, and try something new without ruining your reputation or ‘look’ you may have created on other platforms. So spread your wings, dont hold back and be creative! It could work out or flop. TikTok is your experiment without risk.

Instagram Reels link to your business, your account and the customers you have gathered; it’s a massive platform itself and connected to Facebook. This is your place to post content, enjoyed by your audience, linking them directly to your profile and website with the hope of gaining new sales. Tiktok also has a store feature, but as it is still relatively new, not as many people are using or going to use it for some time; you need to build trust with the customers.

Interestingly, TikTok limits its caption characters, only allowing 500 characters instead of Instagram, allowing 2,200 characters and 30 hashtags. So if you plan to add a detailed caption to your Video, Reels is your go-to platform. Whereas if you are going for a more visual approach, TikTok or Reels will suit you equally. Your target audience will influence your decision. Generally, TikTok aims toward a younger audience, whilst Reels aims toward a middle age group.

Conclusion

So! Now we have learnt all we can about TikToks and Reels, which is better? In my personal opinion, I believe that both TikTok and Reels have their advantages and strengths. But overall? Together, they are stronger. They go hand in hand; I’m sure you are already using Instagram for business; TikTok is your time to try new things! To be creative and try something you may have thought of posting and been too nervous to try on your other platforms. Utilise both, post content on both, and expand your reach! Connect the two, creating a solid social marketing bundle!

Create worthy, entertaining, engaging content to be posted on both platforms. Then, experiment with TikTok and post the successful pieces on Instagram; it’s the strongest strategy.