TikTok and Instagram Reels are short-form video apps that allow users to create and share 15-60 second multi-clip videos. TikTok exploded in popularity in 2018 and quickly became one of the most downloaded apps in the world. In 2020, Instagram launched Reels as a way for Instagram users to create TikTok-style videos within the Instagram app. Reels was seen by many as Instagram’s attempt to compete with the rising popularity of TikTok.
While TikTok and Instagram Reels share similarities in their short-form video formats, there are some key differences between the platforms in terms of features, audiences, analytics, copyright, and more. Understanding the pros and cons of cross-posting TikToks to Instagram Reels can help social media managers maximize their short-form video strategy.
Cross-posting TikToks to Instagram Reels
One of the easiest ways to share TikTok videos on Instagram is by cross-posting them directly to Instagram Reels. This can be done in just a few steps:
1. Open the TikTok video you want to share in the TikTok app.
2. Tap the “Share” icon below the video.
3. Select “Share to Reels” from the share options.
4. The TikTok app will open an Instagram sharing page. Sign into your Instagram account if needed.
5. The video will be imported directly into Instagram with Reels editing tools. You can trim the video, add effects,music etc.
6. Write a caption and post the Reel video to your Instagram feed or stories.
The video will now appear on your Instagram Reels for your followers to see. The original TikTok watermark will be removed automatically during the cross-post.
Copyright Concerns
Cross-posting others’ content from TikTok to Instagram Reels can raise potential copyright issues. According to TikTok’s Terms of Service, reposting videos without permission can infringe on the original creator’s copyright https://support.tiktok.com/en/safety-hc/account-and-user-safety/copyright. Users own the copyright to videos they post on TikTok. Reposting without consent is essentially unauthorized use of copyrighted material. While TikTok videos may seem short and simple, they are still protected creative works. As noted on Quora, it’s best to respect creators’ intellectual property and obtain permission before reusing TikTok videos https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-rules-about-reposting-peoples-TikTok-videos-on-YouTube-or-Instagram. Overall, cross-posting others’ content without permission raises the risk of copyright infringement claims or removal of your reposted videos.
Analytics Differences
TikTok and Instagram provide detailed analytics on content performance, but there are some key differences in how each platform measures engagement. According to TikTok vs Instagram: 9 Key Differences All Brands Must Know, TikTok focuses more on watch time, views, comments, shares, and likes. Instagram emphasizes reach, impressions, engagement rate, and saves/bookmarks. TikTok’s analytics showcase which specific parts of a video viewers rewatched or skipped, while Instagram Insights does not provide this level of granular data.
As explained in TikTok vs Instagram Analytics: What’s Best?, TikTok offers more refined demographic data on audience age, gender, device, traffic sources, interests, and geographic location. Instagram provides high-level geographic, age, gender, and follower data. Due to TikTok’s algorithm being driven by watch time rather than simply views or follows, the platform’s analytics offer a deeper understanding of what types of content truly resonate with target audiences.
Audience Differences
TikTok and Instagram tend to attract different core audiences. According to Social Tradia, TikTok’s audience skews younger, with 41% of its users between 16-24 years old. In comparison, only 32% of Instagram’s audience falls into that age range. Instagram has more users over the age of 25, while very few TikTok users are over the age of 50.
In addition to age, there are differences in interests. TikTok users are more interested in viral content, memes, challenges, and entertainment. Instagram users tend to be more interested in connecting with friends, influencers, brands, and aesthetically pleasing photos. Instagram still has a large focus on lifestyle content, while TikTok is fully video-first.
The audiences have some overlap, but marketers should tailor content and messaging specifically for each platform’s primary demographics. Understanding the nuances between TikTok and Instagram audiences is key for successful cross-posting.
Video Format Differences
The video formats and specifications for TikTok and Instagram Reels have some key differences:
Aspect ratio:
- TikTok videos have an aspect ratio of 9:16 vertically (1080 x 1920 pixels) (Source: https://www.plannthat.com/all-the-social-media-dimension-sizes-you-need-to-know-in-2022/)
- Instagram Reels are in a landscape format with an aspect ratio of 16:9 or 4:5 (Source: https://creatorkit.com/blog/video-length-guide/)
Length:
- TikTok has a max video length of 3 minutes
- Instagram Reels can be up to 60 seconds long
File size:
- TikTok has a max file size of 200MB
- Instagram Reels have a max file size of 15MB (Android) or 60MB (iOS)
Frame rate:
- TikTok requires a frame rate of at least 24fps
- Instagram recommends 30fps
Feature Differences
TikTok and Instagram Reels have some unique features that set them apart:
TikTok features:
- Duets – allows users to create split-screen reactions to other videos
- “Stitch” tool – lets users insert clips from other videos into their own
- Green screen effects
- In-app editing and filters
Instagram Reels features:
- AR effects
- Align tool – aligns objects to be level in multiple clips
- Multi-clip editing in one view
- Drawing tool
- Countdown timer
- Question stickers that allow audience polling
So while both platforms allow short-form video creation, each has its own set of specialized tools and effects. TikTok stands out for its reactive features while Instagram leverages its AR capabilities. Understanding the unique features can help determine which platform aligns better with a content creator’s goals.
Pros and Cons
There are both advantages and disadvantages to cross-posting TikTok videos to Instagram Reels. Here are some of the main pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Cross-posting can help expand your reach and audience. Posting to both platforms means more potential views and engagement.
- It allows you to leverage content you’ve already created for TikTok on Instagram as well.
- You don’t have to create and produce as much original content. Re-purposing TikTok videos for Reels is more time efficient.
- Cross-posting can drive traffic back to your TikTok account if you include your @handle.
Cons:
- The audiences on each platform are different. Content that performs well on TikTok may not resonate as much with Instagram’s audience.
- You miss out on customizing content specifically for each platform’s features. The vertical video format on TikTok doesn’t fit Instagram’s square format as seamlessly.
- It could come across as lazy or unoriginal if you simply repost all your TikTok videos to Reels without customizing the content.
- You don’t take full advantage of the unique features of each platform, like Instagram’s AR filters.
Best Practices
Here are some tips for successfully cross-posting TikTok videos to Instagram Reels:
– Carefully review TikTok’s policies before reposting to ensure you have permission to share the content. Many creators prohibit reposts. Check for any copyright claims or restrictions in video descriptions.
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– Edit and customize the video for Instagram. Trim length if needed, remove watermarks or logos, and tailor content specifically for your Instagram audience vs TikTok. Apps like SnapTik can help remove watermarks.
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– Credit the original creator both in caption and with an on-screen tag. Ask permission if possible. Proper credit builds goodwill and protects against copyright claims.
– Experiment with optimal length, captions, hashtags, etc for Reels. Consider differences in platform algorithms and audiences. Reels may require its own editing strategy.
– Focus on adding value, not just repurposing content. Provide context, commentary, backstory, or supplemental information tailored for Instagram.
– Monitor metrics and engagement. Study which videos resonate best on each platform. Refine approach over time.
– Use cross-posting to direct audiences between platforms. Promote your Instagram account on TikTok and vice versa.
Conclusion
In summary, cross-posting TikTok videos to Instagram Reels is possible and can help expand your audience reach. However, there are some key differences between the platforms to keep in mind. TikTok videos may need to be adapted to fit Instagram’s vertical video format. You’ll also want to check for any potential copyright issues with reused sounds or clips.
While you can expect to gain some new followers from cross-posting, the audiences on each platform have different interests and expectations. Tailor the content to each audience rather than just duplicating videos. Also be aware that analytics will differ between TikTok and Instagram.
Cross-posting takes extra effort but can be worthwhile if done thoughtfully and strategically. Focus on producing original, high-quality content that engages each platform’s community rather than just repurposing for the sake of reaching more viewers. With smart cross-promotion and adapting to each platform’s features, TikTok and Instagram Reels can complement each other in your social media marketing strategy.
