In 2020, Tiktok was named the most downloaded app of the year globally, taking the shine off the Facebook-owned apps that dominated the top 5 chart since 2018 – Instagram and Messenger inclusive.
As of September 6, 2021 TikTok remained in the top spot as the most downloaded social application, with Instagram and Snapchat trailing behind.
However, dating back to Q4 of 2020, Instagram spotted number 4 on the chart of most used social media platforms, accounting for an impressive 73.1% of Nigeria’s approximately 28 million social media users by Statista data. TikTok took the 9th place, snatching only about 31.9% of market share.
Reels Vs TikTok is an ongoing ‘battle’ that has seen Instagram make ‘spirited’ efforts to take back some of its lapsed audience (Gen X, Y, Z) from TikTok.
One arguable reason TikTok is leading is largely due to the prevalence of trends such as the recent #CrateChallenge and other exciting challenges and features that helped to retain the users.
Can Reels match the aggressiveness of its supposed rival?
Discover the differences between Reels and TikTok and be the judge.
#1. VIDEO LENGTH
One of the differences between Instagram Reels and TikTok is the length of video. On Reels, users were only able to record up to 30-second videos until Instagram expanded it to 1 minute, whereas Tiktok allowed for only 60 seconds but has now increased its video length to 3 minutes as the rivalry between the two heats up.
#2. FILTERS AND EFFECTS
Although Instagram has capacity to add more filters and effects to its gallery, TikTok offers far more options of comic effects and filters in its drive to entertain and retain its teeming users. Apart from these, the app does not offer just vanity metrics but has features that provide opportunities for brand-user interactions.
#3. ALGORITHM
Instagram Reels algorithm is not known – the result is a flood of content – related and unrelated being served to all users. On the other hand, Tiktok like Opera News ‘For You” page, contents on ‘For You’ is tailored to specific users according to their app activities – engagements and interactions.
#4. DEMOGRAPHICS
According to data provided by Statista, as of January 2021, 33.1% of Instagram users were between the ages of 25 – 34 years of age while 22.8% were between 18 and 24 years.
A common demography to the two however is the audience of both social apps are predominantly female.
#5. ANALYTICS
TikTok has an audience analytics dashboard for Pro account users. With the analytics tool creators can gain insights into follower count and content performance at a glance.
However for Reels, the only analytics provided are vanity metrics – likes, comments and shares which are rather basic.
These two short-video sharing social apps have their merits and downsides – it is up to you to judge which you think works best for you and your business. Many people would rather have the two installed on their phones to serve different purposes, albeit not entirely different needs.
