Connecting with your target audience requires a delicate balance of finding the right platforms and format of posts. If you’re working on content creation without professional assistance, you may be wondering where to start or which types of posts are most effective. Although there’s no magic formula for success, studies consistently show that video content is the most engaging format for social media marketing. If you’d like to try video marketing, TikTok and Instagram are two of the most prominent platforms. Curious about the key differences between these video hosting services, and which is best for your business? We outline the details here:
What You Need to Know About TikTok for Social Media Marketing
In the U.S., TikTok is most popular among Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012). As of 2021, TikTok is more widely used than Instagram by Gen Z-ers, with 37.3 users compared to 33.3 million on Instagram. Unlike Instagram, TikTok features only videos. This platform allows videos of up to 10 minutes long, which is a significant extension from its original 30 and 60-second limits. If your brand would like to incorporate music or other effects, TikTok may be the best place for it. This video-sharing app is famous for its impressive selection of instantly-recognizable music clips, voice-overs, and sound effects. Metrics are easily trackable via TikTok Ads Manager.
What You Need to Know About Instagram Reels
Instagram is another platform that’s especially prevalent among the younger crowd. Individuals from 25-34 years old make up the largest share of this platform’s users, with 18 to 24-year-olds making up the second largest bloc. Unlike TikTok, Reels have a much shorter length allowance. For the vast majority of users, these videos can be just 15 to 60 seconds long. A limited number of users have the ability to post Reels up to 90 seconds long. Similar to creating on TikTok, you can use original audio or choose music from the Instagram music library. You can also track your Reels’ performance (including metrics like accounts reached and plays) through Instagram Insights.
While TikTok and Reels share commonalities, these two methods of video-sharing often achieve different results. If you’re trying to determine between the two, consider the length of videos that you’ll most often be promoting. Teams who prefer a longer format and need to reach a younger audience will likely prefer TikTok, while Reels are ideal for short-and-sweet videos. It’s also possible to use both of these platforms, especially if you’d like to create videos that vary in length and purpose. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of strategizing social media marketing for your business, seek help from a team of professional marketers. We’d love to help your brand reach new heights, so please contact us for a consultation.
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