Can Instagram Reels replace TikTok?

Do you know how much I wish I could insert an audio over our blog posts right now? It would definitely be the, "Ahahaha...Don't be ridiculous." So, keep that on a loop in your head for the rest of this article!

In the height of quarantine (doesn't that feel like 10 years ago?!), video content blew up. With TikTok of course being at the front of this, they increased their users by almost 60% in 2020. After that, we saw the re-brand of Instagram videos and reels were born. Since then, Instagram Reels have definitely gained in popularity, especially with the more recent updates since it's come so far from where it started.

However, when it comes to comparing the two, there is a definite winner. A study conducted of advertising agencies comparing between Reels and TikTok, 61% said that Reels were as effective. Additionally, in an experiment comparing the two, Reels got 2 views per post vs the same TikTok videos garnering on average 450 views. So, while we absolutely LOVE Reels, I think it's safe to say, they have some growing to do to catch up to TikTok!

So, what does that mean for social media managers, influencers, and creators as a whole? So far, there is plenty of room for both Reels and TikToks in the creator space. Both are growing into specific presence and have their own functions, algorithms, and audience. The key is to know how (and if!) your brand fits into each platform

In conclusion, we won't be seeing a major TikTok takedown for quite sometime. While Reels are definitely making a storm OTM, TikTok and Reels can both have their own spotlights and differences!