We’ve spoken to you before about why your brand should use TikTok, but then a new kid jumped on the block. Earlier this year, Instagram launched Reels - an add on extremely similar to the short-form video platform TikTok. But what are the differences? And which one should you be using? We investigated further...

Reels is IG’s answer to the short-form video style that has completely taken over 2020. It offers a suite of creative tools to create 15-second videos and edit them with music, elements and uber-cool transitions, as well as its own platform within Instagram, to share your creations.

With over 800 million monthly users, Tiktok’s offering is relatively similar to Reels. It’s super easy to use, you can produce creative content and connect with other like-minded creators. So what are the main differences between Reels and TikTok?

- Reels videos can last up to 15 seconds, whereas TikToks can be a maximum of one minute.

- Tik Tok’s demographic is significantly changing. The platform’s usage by 8 to 23-year-olds (Gen Z) is declining while users aged 24 to 39 (Millennials) use is on the rise. If the 24 to 39 demographic, who already make up a significant portion of Instagram’s user base, take their short-form content to Instagram, Instagram has a chance to make a serious impact on the short-form content arena.

- You’re able to see the number of engagements on a Reel, whereas this feature is left to the Creator Insights on TikTok. Instagram has given Instagram Reels the same care and attention as to its launch of IGTV, a feature that allows users to create series-based content that users can release to followers as almost mini-episodes. This allows brands to build organic traffic and widen their community. Tiktok, however, still has popularity vote. The average user watched 52 minutes of TikToks per day, that’s mega. It’s also easy to create low-cost, impactful content. So why not give them both a go?

We’ve linked some of our favourite brands on TikTok and Reels below for inspiration!
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https://www.tiktok.com/@glossier
https://www.tiktok.com/@tinder
https://www.instagram.com/netflixuk/reels/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/asos/reels/?hl=en