Facebook launched Instagram Reels, a feature that functions like TikTok, in more than 50 countries on Wednesday. Reels, like TikTok, allows you to record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and new creative tools share with your friends or anyone on Instagram.
Facebook has been known to create or embed features similar to those of other smaller companies and rivals in their apps. Some of such instances include Lasso, a video sharing app similar to TikTok which was shut down in July in preparation for the launch of Instagram Reels and Hobbi, a visual discovery engine similar to Pinterest which was also shut down in July.
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Instagram Reels is coming at a time when TikTok is facing threats of being banned. Recall that President Trump recently signed an executive order banning TikTok in the US stating that the app is a threat to national security. Most users are expected to start experimenting with the new Instagram feature as a substitute. TikTok responded to the launch of Instagram Reels via a tweet saying it “looks familiar”.
well… this looks familiar 🤔😉 https://t.co/V8GyRSXkPu
— TikTok (@tiktok_us) August 6, 2020
Though Reels is designed to work like TikTok, there are still many differences between them.
Major Differences between TikTok and Instagram Reels
TikTok |
Instagram Reels |
| It’s an application built exclusively for video-sharing | It’s not an app but a video-sharing feature on Instagram. |
| Videos can be looped to run for up to 60 seconds | It can only run 15 –second videos |
| Has a duet feature that allows you to post side-by-side videos. | Does not have this feature |
| Enhanced Editing features | Basic editing features |
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