This week Instagram took a hint from the Oscar Wilde quote, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery…” and launched a product that looks like a copycat version of the app TikTok. The timing may have something to do with threats to ban the Chinese-owned TikTok app in the United States due to privacy concerns. Instagram Reels, like TikTok, allows users to create short attention-grabbing video clips with music, filters, and stickers. “TikTokers” is a commonly used term on morning TV shows whenever a celebrity or content creator goes viral for their video clips. Will the Facebook-owned Instagram Reels become big enough to “threaten” the overwhelming popularity of TikTok? We’ll explore how they compare and how to familiarize yourself with Instagram Reels.
Our CEO Nadia Jones points out: “From an influencer marketing perspective, given this platform is owned by Facebook and Instagram is already a proven channel to execute campaigns, influencers interested in paid opportunities should familiarize themselves with Reels. Brands should also consider creative ways to implement Reels in campaigns.”
Introducing Instagram Reels
The unveiling of Instagram Reels was so significant that it made headlines on CNN.
Facebook-owned Instagram has launched Reels — a product that is nearly a carbon copy of TikTok — in the US and more than 50 other countries, including India, Brazil, the UK and Germany. https://t.co/mDfP0gyOA8
— CNN (@CNN) August 6, 2020
Good Morning America covered the TikTok rival app’s unveiling and reporter T.J. Holmes tried out Reels.
Instagram used Reels clips to make its official announcement:
Hellooooo, Reels 🙌
Introducing a new way to create and discover short, entertaining videos on Instagram.
Reels is rolling out today to more than 50 countries around the world.
🤳🤩🎥✨😂👀💯https://t.co/RfXDhYawSF pic.twitter.com/FjSGSpSGpn
— Instagram (@instagram) August 5, 2020
All week we’re sharing tips on how to make reels with different features. 💫
Reels is a new way to create and discover short, entertaining videos on Instagram.
First up: how to use green screen ✅ pic.twitter.com/Nc1Y5zKoPv
— Instagram (@instagram) August 5, 2020
Create a Reels Clip in Instagram
Use your mobile device camera to record and end the recording of a video clip. Trim or delete the clip. Add artwork including stickers and text, then use the slider feature button to move the artwork to the desired place in the clip. Select a cover and write a caption designed to help visitors find your Reels clip while exploring Instagram.
Visit the Instagram Help page if you need assistance using Instagram Reels.
According to Instagram, “If you have a Public Account: You can share your reel to a dedicated space in Explore, where it has the chance to be seen and discovered by the wider Instagram community. You can also share your reel with your followers by posting it to your Feed. When you share reels featuring certain songs, hashtags, or effects, your reel may also appear on dedicated pages when someone clicks on that song, hashtag, or effect.”
Instagram Reels vs. TikTok
There are some key differences between Instagram Reels and TikTok:
- Instagram is owned by Facebook, based in the United States. TikTok is owned by ByteDance, based in China.
- Instagram Reels is a feature in the Instagram app. TikTok is a stand-alone app.
- Reels clips are limited to 15 seconds. TikTok clips are limited to 60 seconds.
- Instagram Reels is available in 50 countries (which will likely expand). TikTok is available in 155 countries (may face ban in the United States). According to Instagram: “Reels isn’t currently available to everyone. At this time, only people in certain countries will be able to record reels.”
Comment below: Do you think Instagram Reels will surpass the popularity of TikTok? Have you considered what you’d do if TikTok was banned in the United States?
Join Our Network
Having an engaged community on your social media platforms as a member of our influencer network will help us connect you with the ideal brand partnerships for paid opportunities.
- Join our network by completing a profile including your contact information. You’ll receive email notifications to apply for paid campaigns, along with links to helpful tutorials.
- Create a profile on the Klear influencer management portal including your social media profile links and blog demographics.
CLICK TO TWEET: Will Instagram Reel Be More Popular than TikTok? Here’s what you need to know about the video apps via @TheNetworkNiche #TikTik #Instagram #IG #Reels
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