Instagram’s brand new ‘Reels’ feature is here and we’re not going to lie: it sounds like a carbon copy of TikTok.
Although our parents always told us not to copy other kids’ homework, the rules are apparently different if you’re a multi-billion dollar company.
In fact, Instagram itself won’t even deny that the new ‘Reels’ feature is pretty much copy and pasted directly from TikTok’s handbook.
Insta has been pretty hush-hush about the feature’s release. Right now, it’s only available in Brazil. But if testing goes well, we can expect to see it launched worldwide.
The new ‘Reels’ feature allows users to create music videos of up to 15 seconds and riff off other users’ content with the option to do any of the following:
- Adjust video speed
- Choose music from a catalogue
- Borrow audio from other videos
- Apply timed captions
- Apply ghost overlays for smooth transitions
- Share videos via DMs or Instagram stories
All things considered, TikTok and ‘Reels’ have all the same features. When it comes down to it, the natures of the platforms themselves are really the only difference.
The biggest contrast? TikTok has always been a safe-zone for showing off your silly side. Like karaoke with your close friends, it welcomes cringe and thrives on tomfoolery. Instagram, on the other hand, is all about aesthetic. And let’s face it … those two really clash.
As to whether or not Instagram will steal TikTok’s thunder? Our guess is as good as yours. The bottom line is that it’s dog-eat-dog world out there. Insta already swallowed Snapchat whole by stealing its “stories” feature in 2016. And it’s looking like TikTok is next on the menu.
Would you ditch TikTok for Instagram’s new ‘Reels’ feature? Tweet us @TheHoneyPop with your two cents!
To learn more about Instagram:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
To learn more about TikTok
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Featured Image Source: Gerd Altmann
