Instagram Reels vs. TikTok: Adjusting your Social Media Strategy to an Ever-Changing Industry

If you’ve been keeping up with the news, then you are aware of the short-form video “rat race” that was kicked into high gear ever since talks of banning TikTok began in the U.S.TikTok, a video sharing social network owned by ByteDance, has revolutionized the social media landscape with over 2.3 billion downloads. Advertising powerhouses like Apple, HBO, and others flocked to the social network to connect with the newest generation of buyers, Generation Z.However, as the Beijing based app raised more and more security concerns and talk of the application’s ban in the United States got serious, many companies started to pull their ad spend.As what appears to be the downfall of TikTok in the U.S., comes the rise of Facebook’s newest feature, Instagram Reels.Instagram Reels is Facebook’s own in-app version of TikTok. Launching last November in Brazil, Instagram Reel’s is now available in over 50 countries around the globe, including the U.S. It’s clear to see that the social media landscape is ever-evolving, but keeping up with the industry, from a brand perspective, isn’t always so simple.

We decided to break down the latest changes in short-form video networks to help you adjust your social media strategy.

‍What Makes Instagram Reels Different from TikTok?

‍We're glad you asked!First, Instagram Reels is integrated into the Instagram application. You and your customers will not have to download a separate platform in order to create or view content. Because of the integration, your short-form videos will live on your normal business or personal profile, similar to IGTV videos.Second, Instagram Reels can be a maximum of 15 seconds for the time being; whereas, TikTok videos can be up to 60 seconds. Surprisingly, these 45 seconds do make a difference in the content produced.To get a feeling for what other content is being created, head over to the Explore Page. Instagram’s Explore page for Reels functions very similarly to TikTok's For You Page. This is great news for brands who liked the large potential reach that TikTok provided.

But Is It Working for Brands? ‍

Another great question!Brands like Netflix, Asos, Sephora, and Louis Vuitton have already started to see the effects of using Instagram’s Reels feature. In fact, many brands are seeing the same (if not more) engagement on the Reels than their other content. Similar to TikTok, many brands and users are loving the native nature of the content.When it comes to creating content for Reels, many brands have utilized their successes from TikTok by reposting the short-form videos. In addition, Instagram’s huge influencer base makes for a unique way to collaborate with some of the biggest influencers in your industry.

As of right now, brands do not have the capability to boost or advertise their Reels on the explore page. This gives brands some time to perfect the content and boost organic engagement.We know it can be hard to keep up with the fast-paced, ever-changing social media landscape. By partnering with Tribu Creative, you will no longer have to juggle your social media marketing plan with a quickly evolving industry. We keep up to date on the latest trends in social media while constantly looking for ways to effectively apply them and grow your online presence.Ready to advance your social media strategy?Contact us