When TikTok went dark for a short time on Jan. 18th and 19th, where was everyone going to watch their favorite short videos? Instagram Reels was next up for those users, but it has been a primary source for many who don’t prefer TikTok anyway.
There are a few things wrong with TikTok. For one, it’s been riddled with controversy for years – the temporary ban was the result. It will continue to be that way for quite some time. Another issue is that it’s filled with trends that come and go. They’re fun for a week or two but eventually get boring.
The trendy side of TikTok also makes videos less serious or informative. While that may not be the point of the app, if you want to follow sports teams or companies on social media, Instagram Reels is significantly better for delivering a quality video.
Instagram also brings a diversity TikTok simply can not. Reels is still filled with trends, but the frequent wild comments found on Reels make those trendy videos more entertaining. There are more brand-based videos, entertainment for a wider age range and immediate access to the main homepage of Instagram.
Reels have been known to get a bit edgy as well. It tends to get somewhat unhinged at times, or at least with certain users, prompting content warnings before viewers can see those videos. But if someone wants to see those types of videos, they’re still available on Instagram, whereas they might get taken down on TikTok.
Both apps have around the same user base, amassing about 2 billion people on each app. So in a dogfight between two evenly matched apps that each bring their best game night in and night out….
Instagram Reels wins in a landslide victory.
