With TikTok’s rise to fame over past few years, Instagram has decided to challenge TikTok for the crown of fame by introducing Instagram Reels, a feature that is somewhat similar to TikTok. 

What does this mean? Will it be the new TikTok?

Before we start taking sides, let’s take a look at the differences between both the apps. 

1. Video Length

On TikTok, users are allowed to take videos up to 60 seconds, but Instagram Reels only allow videos up to 30 seconds. 

With 60 seconds on TikTok, most users make creative videos displaying their talents like arts, crafts, baking, cooking and so on, however creativity has no limits. 

Just because you have a shorter time on Instagram Reels, this doesn’t mean that you can’t show off your talents! 

2. Music Options

+ Sharing & Saving Videos

On TikTok when you save a video to your camera roll or share your video on other platforms, the audio used in the video is not muted or removed. 

Instagram Reels remove the audio from your video when shared to another platforms or when saved to camera roll. However, we can understand that the reason for this is related to copyright issues. 

What does this mean for creators? Which would they prefer?

+ Looking for Audios

When looking for audios to add to your video, Instagram Reels has the upper hand as most of the audio displayed are the latest and trendiest music.

TikTok takes you to a recommended page with a mixture of random audios that are trending as well as music. If you’re lucky you might find some trending music on the page, if not, then you will have to search for it. 

The good thing about TikTok is that, if you’re watching someone else’s video and you like the audio used, you can just click on it and save it or use it immediately to make a video. Instagram Reels does not have this feature. 

3. Video Editing Features

+ Effects and Filters

TikTok definitely gets a point when it comes to effects and filters. When looking for effects, TikTok’s effects page has many categories, and you have a wide array of effects to choose from. 

You can also easily find the popular ones as there is a category for that.

For Instagram Reels, you will have to browse through the effects in the effects gallery to find one you that you like. 

Most of the effects in the gallery are limited and most of the time, the effect or filter that you are looking for is not displayed at the top of the filters and effects gallery. You will have to manually search for the filter you want if it is not in the gallery page. 

+Voiceovers

While both TikTok and Instagram Reels allow voiceovers, there is one tiny difference. On TikTok you can record your video and then look for a voice effect for your voiceover. 

The effects can easily be found at the right side of your screen and you can try all of them out after recording your video. 

On Instagram Reels, you will have to save the voice effect first if you want to use it. 

Plus, you will only get to listen to the voice effects after recording your video, if you don’t like it, and want to change the effect, you will have to rerecord the video. 

+Duets, Stitches and Reactions

These features are only available on TikTok. These are actually important features as it allows your viewers to interact with your content, which create engagement with your audience. 

The Verdict

So, is Instagram Reels the new TikTok or is TikTok still the reigning champ? Leave your thoughts in our comments section.