TikTok and Instagram Reels are two of the most popular short-form video apps. TikTok pioneered the vertical video format and uses an algorithm to recommend content to users. Instagram Reels copied this format in 2020 as a way for Instagram users to create and share short, entertaining videos.
Many creators make videos on both platforms, but TikTok adds a watermark to downloaded videos while Instagram does not. This makes it appealing for TikTok creators to repost their videos on Instagram without the watermark. According to recent data, Instagram Reels has a higher average watch rate compared to TikTok. This provides additional incentive for creators to post their TikTok videos to Instagram.
Reposting TikTok videos to Instagram Reels allows creators to reach a new audience. It also allows them to go viral on both platforms and maximize viewership. This guide will outline the steps to easily download and repost TikTok videos to Instagram without watermarks.
Downloading TikTok Videos
The first step in posting TikTok videos to Instagram Reels without the watermark is downloading the videos to your device. There are a few different methods you can use to download TikTok videos.
One option is to use a third party app like TikTok Downloader, Snaptik, or Video Downloader for TikTok. These apps allow you to enter the URL of a TikTok video and download it directly to your phone’s camera roll (source 1). The benefit of using a downloading app is that it’s quick and easy – just copy the share link and paste it into the app.
You can also download TikTok videos directly from the TikTok app. Open the video you want to download, tap the share button, and select “Save video.” This will save the video to your camera roll. The downside is that videos downloaded directly from the TikTok app will still have the TikTok watermark (source 2).
For downloading on a desktop, you can use online downloading tools and insert the video URL to download it. Some recommended sites are SaveFrom.net and SSYouTube. Once downloaded to your computer, you can transfer the videos to your phone.
The key is choosing a downloading method that removes the TikTok watermark so you can freely post the content to Reels. Using a third party downloading app is the best way to get clean copies without the watermark.
Removing the TikTok Watermark
The key to posting TikTok videos to Instagram Reels without the watermark is removing the watermark from the original video. There are a few different video editing apps you can use to accomplish this:
Inshot (https://online.hitpaw.com/tiktok-watermark-remover.html) is a popular free app for iOS and Android that makes it easy to remove watermarks. Just import your TikTok video, go to the “markup” section, select the “mosaic” tool, and cover up the watermark area. You can adjust the mosaic to perfectly cover the watermark.
Videoleap is another great option, especially for iPhone users. Import your video, go to the “overlay” tool, and select the “image” option. Add a solid color overlay the same size and in the same location as the watermark to cover it up.
For Android users, Video Editor by Inshot and Kinemaster have similar tools to add overlays or mosaics over the watermark area. The key is precision – make sure you completely cover up the watermark without blocking any other parts of the video.
There are also options to blur or pixelate the watermark area instead of fully covering it. Test different options to see what looks best for your video.
Trimming and Editing
When creating a video for Reels, it’s important to trim your clip to keep it under the 30 second limit. You can easily trim videos within the Instagram app. When editing your video, tap the trim icon (scissors) and adjust the start and end points. Instagram also provides some basic editing tools like filters, text, effects, and stickers to enhance your video.
Some useful editing features in Instagram include:
- Cropping to focus the frame
- Adjusting color, brightness, contrast
- Adding text overlays
- Inserting popular meme sounds and effects
While Instagram’s built-in editor is convenient, you may want more advanced editing capabilities. Third-party apps like Vanish, Inshot, and Splice provide features like transitions, multilayered text, granular speed controls, and audio ducking.
The key is to use editing judiciously to enhance your Reels content without going overboard on effects and graphics.
Adding Text and Effects
Reels offers several options for adding text overlays and creative effects to your videos. When editing your Reel, tap the text icon to open up text tools. Here you can add text boxes, change fonts and colors, and move text around on the screen.1 Use these tools to add titles, captions, subtitles, lyrics, quotes, or other text elements to enhance your video.
You can also add fun stickers like poll stickers, emoji sliders, quiz stickers, and countdown stickers to engage your audience. Tap the stickers icon while editing to browse available options. Place stickers creatively on your Reel video to highlight key moments.
When it comes to special effects, Reels provides options like Superbeat to make videos react to the beat of music tracks. You can also speed up or slow down parts of your video for dramatic effect. Some other unique effects include echo, glitch, pixelation, and more. Get creative with combining text overlays, stickers, and special effects to make your Reels stand out!2
Importing the Video to Instagram
Once you have finished editing your TikTok video and removing the watermark, it’s time to import it to Instagram to post as a Reel. The process is slightly different on Android vs iOS.
Uploading on Android
On Android devices, open the Instagram app and tap the (+) icon in the top right corner. Select “Reel” at the bottom. Next, tap the video icon to open your device’s gallery. Select the edited TikTok video you want to upload. You can trim the length here if needed. Finally, tap “Next” to move on to adding effects, audio, text etc before posting.
Uploading on iOS
On an iPhone or iPad, open the Instagram app and swipe right from your main feed to open the camera. Select “Reel” at the bottom. Next, tap the gallery icon and choose your edited TikTok video from the options. You can trim or edit the length here. Tap “Next” to add any other effects, audio, text before posting your Reel.
That’s it! The edited TikTok video without a watermark can now be uploaded directly to Instagram as a Reel on both Android and iOS devices.
Posting to Reels
Once you have finished editing your TikTok video and are happy with the final result, it’s time to post it to Instagram Reels. Here are the steps to upload your video:
1. Open the Instagram app and tap the + icon in the top right to create a new post.
2. Select “Reels” at the bottom of the screen.
3. Tap “Upload video” and select the edited TikTok video from your camera roll.
4. You can now edit the Reel further by adding effects, audio, voiceover, text, filters etc. Make sure to trim the clip if needed.
5. Tap “Next” when you are done editing.
6. Write a compelling caption and add relevant hashtags.
7. Configure the visibility settings – you can choose to share it publicly, with your followers, close friends etc.
8. Tap “Share” to post the Reel. It will now go live on your Instagram profile.
When posting Reels, you can also enable features like:
– Choose reels viewer countries for geotargeting:
https://offeo.com/learn/how-to-post-a-video-on-instagram
– Share Reel to Facebook to extend reach
– Turn on comments
– Allow users to save and share your Reel
Using these options can help increase engagement and views on your Reels.
Optimizing Your Reel
Once your Reel is complete, it’s important to optimize it to help increase reach and engagement. Here are some best practices:
For captions, write clear, engaging copy that explains what viewers can expect to see. Ask a question or include a call-to-action. Use relevant keywords but don’t keyword stuff. Keep captions under 125 characters so they don’t get cut off.
Choose popular songs and sounds that relate to your content. Trending sounds can help increase discoverability. You can also use original audio by tapping “Use audio” when editing your Reel.
Include a mix of broad and niche hashtags related to your content. Place general hashtags like #reels and #reelitfeelit first, then add more specific ones. Using the maximum of 30 hashtags can help reach more users.
Consider cross-posting your Reels video as a video post or story for extra distribution. You can also share Reels to your Instagram feed by clicking the arrow icon.
Engage with your audience by replying to comments and using stickers to encourage likes and shares. Consider running comments or sticker polls to boost engagement.
Analyze your top performing Reels to identify strategies that resonate with your audience. Duplicate sounds, effects and hashtags from successful Reels to capitalize on what works.
Stay on top of Instagram algorithm changes. For example, Reels above 30 seconds may appear higher in feeds. Test different Reel lengths and features to optimize based on the latest algorithm.
Monitoring Performance
It’s important to keep track of how your Reels are performing by checking the analytics and insights. This will give you a good indication of what types of content resonates best with your audience.
You can view the number of plays, likes, comments, saves, shares and more for each Reel in the Instagram app. The insights tab shows you the daily and total views over time. It also breaks down your audience demographics like age, gender and location.
Look at engagement metrics like comments and saves per view. A high engagement rate means your content is resonating. You may also want to monitor which sounds and effects seem to work best.
According to SnapAd Studios, “Tracking social media performance enables you to double down on what’s working and swiftly change what isn’t.” Checking Reels analytics regularly allows you to iterate and optimize to maximize your reach and engagement.
Source: https://snapadstudios.co.nz/blog/the-impact-of-instagram-reels-on-social-media-marketing/
Additional Tips
When creating Reels, it’s important to be aware of Instagram’s policies. Make sure you have permission to use any content you did not create yourself, and avoid posting anything that infringes on copyrights or trademarks. Cite sources when appropriate. Instagram may remove content or disable accounts that repeatedly violate these rules.
To reach more viewers, promote your Reels on your Instagram feed and in Stories. Ask followers to like, comment and share to boost engagement. Use relevant hashtags so your content shows up in searches. Consider paying to promote trending Reels to reach new audiences.
If your imported TikTok videos aren’t posting properly or your Reels aren’t performing well, here are some troubleshooting tips:
– Check video and audio quality before uploading
– Make sure your video meets the recommended dimensions and length
– Use eye-catching thumbnails and titles
– Check that hashtags and locations are relevant
– Analyze metrics to see when your followers are most active
– Try creating Reels based on current trends and challenges
– Delete and re-upload if a Reel is not posting correctly
– Contact Instagram support if issues persist
For more help, see Instagram’s Reels support page or these tips from social media experts.
