Phạm TúInstagram has been a major player in the social media game for ages, but lately, TikTok has been blowing up! With over 800 million users, some people are saying TikTok could be Instagram’s biggest rival.
Marketing on social media is nothing new, but now the question isn’t how to do it, but where. Brands are starting to eye TikTok alongside Instagram because it’s super shareable and budget-friendly. Both platforms have their pros and cons, and the question of who will come out on top is getting interesting.
Instagram came along when people were getting tired of all the noise on social media. It offered a visual platform where users could express themselves through images. What made it a hit was its authenticity and focus on personal connections. Instagram keeps its crown by constantly adding cool new features to improve user experience.
Plus, with awesome filters and the ability to create shops (for business accounts), Instagram knows how to keep users hooked.
Last July, Instagram launched Reels, a platform for short-form videos. It’s basically Instagram’s answer to TikTok, especially in countries where TikTok is banned. The fact that a giant like Instagram is trying to compete with TikTok shows just how much potential TikTok and video content have.
TikTok
TikTok first launched in China as Douyin. ByteDance, the company behind it, then bought Musical.ly and merged the apps to create the TikTok we know and love.
In just three years, TikTok has achieved insane success: 1 billion users, crazy fast growth, and collabs with huge brands like Gymshark, Elf Cosmetics, and Too Faced.
With 70% of users aged 16 to 24, it’s the perfect platform for brands targeting young people. TikTok is also amazing at keeping people glued to their screens. Research shows that users spend an average of 52 minutes on TikTok compared to 28 minutes on Instagram. And with 400 million users in China, TikTok is a great way for brands to tap into that massive market.
TikTok’s algorithm is awesome at spreading content, which encourages users to get creative and become KOLs. TikTok also has tons of challenges that get people involved, like makeup challenges, dance covers, and transformations. Brands can use these challenges and hashtags to promote their products without breaking the bank.
Instagram vs. TikTok
Overall, Instagram has a more balanced user base, with a 50/50 gender split and 49.5% of users aged 25-44. Plus, with its shopping features, it’s easier for brands to sell products and give users a better shopping experience. Even though you can’t buy stuff directly through the app, brands can link to their online stores or use Instagram for brand awareness campaigns.
This is where TikTok falls short. Right now, you can’t really shop on the app.
But you can’t deny TikTok’s rapid success. TikTok is looking to attract older users (over 25) in the future. The key to attracting users is always great content, and TikTok is nailing it with its fast-paced, engaging videos. Right now, TikTok lacks livestreaming and shopping features. If they add those, things could get REALLY interesting in the battle for social media dominance.
The Conclusion
TikTok is awesome for promoting products on a budget while still going viral. But it’s got a long way to go before it can replace Instagram. It needs to offer more than just great content – it needs to provide a truly unique user experience.
