Facebook debut Instagram Reels, short form mobile video sharing capacity on Instagram app this month.
Instagram Reels allows you to record and edit your short form video clips on your phone with filter, text, easy transition, music as you are creating the video right from your Instagram app. The process of Reel creation with real time edit and add on is another reason for comparing the Instagram Reels to TikTok.
So, what is so different about Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels allows you to record and share 15 second clips just like TikTok, (except TikTok also allows 60 seconds which is not available on Reels yet)
Instagram Reels can be shared with your existing Instagram audience just like IGTV portal on Instagram App
Instagram Reels does not offer the classic beauty mode filter on TikTok
On TikTok you can react and do duets with other users, you cannot do that on Instagram Reels yet.
Lastly, Instagram Reels allows you to do real time edits but does not let you trim or mix music post creation like TikTok does… yet.
Instagram Reels is also part of Instagram app which allows you to share the Reels with your existing audience without having to create new account.
In short, you have your image sharing, 24-hour snaps, highlight, along with short or long format videos all in one mobile app. It is a one stop social media hub for all including stories, reels, and IGTV video portal (Read –IGTV Article Here )
For most TikTok creators, the main disappointments are the lack of lip syncing, side by side duets, and music/video filter repository on Instagram Reels. The classic vanity transformation clips, dance challenges, and of course the classic duet and lip syncs in 15 second is what made TikTok so addictive and popular.
Instagram Reels does not offer the vast video transitions or beauty mode yet.
The Chinese social networking app TikTok gained popularity and grew exponentially in US with their campaigns that targeted Generation Z and users on Instagram app. It is only natural that Instagram fires back at this uncertain time for TikTok (Banned in India and undergoing possible ban in US).
The classic duet feature and reaction feature on Tiktok is not available on Instagram yet. But the user experience is very similar to that of TikTok in the way the Reels are created.
While Instagram Reels is being compared side by side against the TikTok app, it is also important to remember that it was just released this month. And Instagram Reels exist on the Instagram app so if you have Instagram, this is huge! You don’t have to create any additional accounts and can leverage existing following.
Based on the feedbacks, Instagram Reels can slowly offer more and more video transitions, reaction capacity, beauty mode etc in the future just as TikTok did. We are exciting to report what is next on Instagram Reels.
Join Social Sherpa every week for the latest updates on social media platforms and advertising online.
