TikTok vs Instagram:  Key differences you should know

Besides the fact that TikTok and Instagram are the top-rated social media platform; both TikTok and Instagram are well- known visual-based platforms with the highest engagement rate. Visual elements in communication generally grab the attention of users and share cool content with their peers. 

Let’s see how algorithm, content type, engagement rates and other factors differ for both platforms. In this way, you can create an effective marketing strategy that is tailored to the needs and demands of a particular platform.

How is TikTok different from Instagram? 

As per the reports of January 2021, TikTok has been downloaded over 2.6 billion times worldwide. TikTok as a platform has experienced meteoric growth in the pandemic when everyone is forced to stay indoors.

As Instagram came into the market four years earlier than TikTok, which feels like a century in this digital era. In this duration of time, Instagram has worked on several features that include social posting, online community, influencer marketing and much more.

When we consider Tiktok vs Instagram, the integral difference between these two platforms are as follows:

• Tiktok is a vertical, short-form video platform that is much focused on video content.

• Instagram is a visual platform for images, stories, carousels, long-form videos (IGTV), Guides and the latest ones are reels.

Apart from that there are other minor differences when we talk about Tiktok vs Instagram when it comes to target audience, algorithms and other such factors.

TikTok vs Instagram: How audience of each platform differs from the other? 

With one billion monthly users worldwide, compared to Instagram with 2 million users while TikTok has an audience that mainly targets Gen Z while Instagram is popular among millennials.

Let’s look at the detailed demographics of the following application and see how they differ from each other

TikTok Audience 

TikTok has widespread popularity across the globe, boasting 135 million users in the United States, 99.07 million in Indonesia, and 73.58 million in Brazil. The majority of TikTok users, accounting for 57% of the user base are female, while 43% are male.

When it comes to advertising, TikTok users have a higher level of responsiveness. They exhibit a keen interest in purchasing and downloading products that cater to younger demographics/The product categories are as follows:

• Video games
• Affordable and modern jewellery
• Home decor items
• Makeup and novelty items
• Budget-friendly cosmetics and perfumes

Branded content and influencer partnerships yield positive responses from TikTok users. This also overt advertising tends to generate lower engagement. To maximize effectiveness, it is recommended to create advertisements that blend in naturally with the platform, appearing more native and less like traditional ads.

Instagram Audience

The usage of Instagram by both genders is in equal proportion as compared to TikTok. 48.4% of Instagram users are female compared to 51.6% of male users. Surprisingly India has the greatest number of Instagram users, 230.25 billion followed by the United States which is 159.75 million and lastly Brazil which is 119.45 million.

Instagram users are still responsive to advertising but less than TikTok users. They are more interested in products that are targeted towards both genders.

• Furniture and Clothing
• E-commerce products and home décor items
• Healthcare and makeup products

Instagram audiences generally respond well to advertisements and influencer partnerships. Although reach and engagement rate are comparatively less than TikTok application.

TikTok vs Instagram: How do the content type differ from each other?

TikTok started as a platform majorly for lip-sync videos but the platform expanded a lot in a short span of time. On TikTok videos are more raw and unedited. Compared to Instagram where the entire platform is more about the look and feels.

TikTok Content Characteristics

Casual Setting: TikTok videos often capture moments in a relaxed and informal environment.

Editing: Users enhance their videos by adding captions, voiceovers, filters, audio files, and editing clips for smooth transitions.

Trend Participation: TikTok users actively engage in creating or participating in trends, challenges, and duets.

https://www.tiktok.com/@bgyo_ph/video/6974731869212462338

To have detailed know-how about TikTok metrics; you can refer to blog “TikTok metrics that you must know to measure performance”

Instagram Content Characteristics

Lifestyle Sharing: Instagram focuses on people sharing everyday content related to lifestyles with friends and followers.

Highly Edited: Content on Instagram undergoes extensive editing to create visually striking and attention-grabbing posts.

Aesthetic Consideration: Images on Instagram are carefully crafted to reflect a specific aesthetic, creating a cohesive look and feel.

So, if you are looking to advertise effectively, Instagram is a good choice for polished ads that fit in naturally. For influencer partnerships, advertisements that blend in with native content, and sharing your content, TikTok is the way to go.

Tiktok vs Instagram: How do social media algorithms work for these two platforms? 

TikTok Algorithm 

TikTok algorithm is simple and straightforward and is much focused on promoting user-generated content. People create fun content and grow their profiles through viral content. One great thing about TikTok is that it allows users to go viral without having a large user base.

The chances to reach a diverse range of audience segments are greater on TikTok. Use trending sounds, hashtags and soundtracks to get viral. To know more about the Tiktok algorithm; head on to “ Tiktok algorithm 2023”

Instagram Algorithm 

Instagram algorithm makes it difficult for people to have greater reach because people 

have to follow you to see your content on the feed.

Even on the explore page, it is a bit challenging to get viral: since people don’t spend a greater amount of time scrolling the content. On Instagram, you have to build a large fan following and user base to get viral. But there are certain similarities that are common in the algorithm of both platforms. Both applications keep into consideration the following points:

• User activity (Like, comments and shares)
• Trending soundtracks
• Keywords (In Caption, hashtags)
• User Followed accounts

Final thoughts 

Both Instagram and TikTok offer distinct marketing opportunities for businesses. To make the best choice for your brand, it's crucial to grasp the differences between the two platforms.

In brief, if you aim to create visually stunning content, Instagram is an excellent platform. For capturing the attention of a younger audience and engaging in authentic interactions, TikTok is an ideal choice. When it comes to influencer partnerships, both platforms have their strengths, so it depends upon the preference of users.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s better Instagram or TikTok? 

 If you prefer, short video content that is quick to record and edit then TikTok is the best choice. However, if you prefer both pictures and videos Instagram is the way to go.

 Why is TikTok algorithm better than Instagram? 

 After a detailed comparison of both, TikTok provides users flexibility in terms of getting viral. The Algorithm notices the preference and choices of viewers and shows tagged content that the users are interested in.

Who pays more TikTok or Instagram?

Earning through Tiktok is comparatively less as compared to Instagram. Users with the same follower count earn an average of up 200% more on Instagram-branded content compared to those TikTok.