Is Instagram “Reels” the New King of the Internet?

With the emergence of a possible TikTok shutdown, Instagram unveiled its latest endeavor. Called “Reels,” Instagram has created a TikTok doppelganger.  Their description states, “Reels invites you to create fun videos to share with your friends or anyone on Instagram. Record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and new creative tools.”

So, does this platform live up to the hype? I decided to test it out. After spending some time on both platforms, I formed a comparison based on my findings. 

Layout

My first impression was primarily based on the layout of both platforms. They’re relatively similar in terms of how the interactive icons are spread throughout the screen, but there are a few differences.

Firstly, Reels doesn’t include a “following” section. This subset of TikTok is used to give users a feed of videos that come from people they follow. While Reels doesn’t include this, it isn’t that big of a deal. When I scroll through TikTok, I rarely check the “following” tab anyways. Most people don’t frequent the section, but it would still be nice to have.

Secondly, Reels has slightly smaller buttons. While both platforms have interactive interfaces that allow users to like, comment, and share, TikTok has a bit more convenient setup. Due to the large size of their buttons, it reduces the chance of a misclick. Assuming you primarily hold the phone in your right hand, the TikTok buttons are also more convenient for interacting with. However, both platforms feature the “double-tap” feature. This makes the convenience relatively null, as Reels provides an alternative to physically tapping their buttons. 

Finally, Reels positions their like counter in the bottom right side of the screen. While this isn’t necessarily a “bad thing” (It gives the video itself a larger/uncovered screen), it doesn’t make much sense. With TikTok, you don’t need to adjust your eyes too much when looking for the number of likes on a post. It’s a bit less convenient, but a small blip, if anything. 

None of these aspects matter, but TikTok still earns a slight edge in this category. 

1-0 TikTok. 

Time allotment/Sizing

While Reels had a relatively convenient approach to their interaction layout, I can’t say the same for their caption sizing. Unfortunately, most captions only show a few words before you have to click “more,” leaving minimal space for video descriptions. 

TikTok, on the other hand, excels in this area. With over 4-5 lines of space, TikTok allows creators to add nearly a paragraph of information. For videos with elements of technicality/in-depth content, such space is required. While you technically CAN add that amount of info to Reels captions, the “more” button ruins it. 

Secondly, Reels limits your videos to 15 seconds. Why? I have absolutely no idea. It makes no sense. TikTok allows creators to post videos with times up to 1 minute. This allows for flexibility with commentary, analysis, and a multitude of other factors. I see no reason to shorten that, as it merely stifles creativity. The advertisement states that the videos are “multi-clip,” but you can’t create a masterpiece within 15 seconds. It’s likely a play to make the platform seem “unique,” but it’s more harmful than helpful

2-0 TikTok

Video Creation

When it comes to scrolling through the feeds, the two platforms are just about even. Creators can’t produce content if they aren’t given the proper tools to do so. To analyze this, I decided to attempt to create a video in both places. This section was given the most considerable weight in my mental comparison.

What interested me about reels was their take on filters/effects. Much like Snapchat, users can create and submit templates for impact. Unlike Tikok (to the best of my knowledge), who provides users with effects, Reels allows for creators to pioneer the filters themselves. This feature indirectly provides designers with another way to gain notoriety, as the creators are cited with the effect. If your impact goes viral, so will you. The idea is ingenious, and Reels did a fantastic job with it.

The filter previews on Reels were immaculate. When selecting one, you’re given a multitude of subsections to choose from. Upon picking a section, you’re presented with a variety of possible effects. Not only do they provide pictures, but users can tap on the screen to see a preview of what it looks like in action (most effects are kinetic, meaning they change throughout the video). TikTok uses a catalog method as well, but the setup is a bit messier. Reels presents you with filters that are previewed with images (showcasing what the effect looks like), whereas TikTok forces you to scroll without pictures, essentially forcing you to grasp at straws. With TikTok, you can’t see the effect until you choose it, ruining the convenience. In short, Reels provides a better previewing method.

Finally, (as bland as it may sound) the Reels effects are simply—better. While I was only able to analyze a small sample, the TikTok effects looked amateur in comparison to the ones on Reels. Instagram clearly cares about the quality of their filters, and the animations are fantastic. 

2-1 TikTok

Conclusion

I’d choose TikTok over Reels at any time, in any place. For some reason, transforming Instagram into a mixture of Instagram/Snapchat/Tik Tok doesn’t work. Instagram has clearly found their primary facet, and adding this feature seems unnecessarily complicated. While the subsection may be significant, I don’t go on Instagram to get what I get on TikTok. I go on Instagram to get—Instagram. Every app has a singular primary purpose, and Instagram is no exception. They’ve tried IGTV, they’ve attempted Reels, but it’s just not needed. While TikTok may not be perfect, it’s found an irreplaceable purpose. The setup of Reels is AMAZING, but it’s unnecessary.