TikTok vs YouTube Shorts vs Instagram Reels

Maybe content creation is not your calling – as it’s not everyone’s! But if you spend any amount of time on social media, you probably have asked yourself “what is the deal with all these videos? What’s the difference?!”

The answer is not much. However, the content, scheduling, monetizing and algorithms are all unique…so the answer could also be “very different.” It’s not uncommon to post a TikTok to your Instagram Reels and share it to your Story (hope you followed that), but is that best practice when it comes to a social media strategy? Ask any social media manager and watch their eyes widen while you visibly see the gears in their head turning.

TikTok is always the first app to come out of people's mouths when you mention short-form content, but how long will that last? Especially given how rapidly the other two apps have introduced and implemented changes.

What's more, TikTok keeps increasing the allowed video length. It currently stands at 10 minutes long, indicating it's venturing into deeper waters—long-form content. And, that's YouTube's domain.

Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts all feature many similar capabilities when it comes to creating, discovering, viewing, and sharing content. But there are some important differences you’ll need to know – let’s take a look:

• Video length: More Tok on the Clock

• Not-so-special effects on YouTube

• Sticker support on the ‘gram

• Shop til you drop, just not on YouTube Shorts

Despite the differences between the trio, it’s hard to deny any similarities. But at the rate TikTok is growing in such a short amount of time, it’s difficult to see how the platform will be significantly challenged by any rival platform. Still, it’s based on your preference and skill-set. Posting just to post is NOT an effective strategy – if you and/or your company has no need for Instagram Reels or TikTok then that’s okay!

 More great info between the 3 platforms can be found here!