TikTok or Instagram?? Which is better in the grand scheme of “social ballets?” The ability to create a presence as an artist through reels, photos and online content is a new phenomenon. One we must learn to navigate as this generation’s “influencers” of not only social networks but of our society and the dance industry as it continues to evolve. This begins with deciding which platform best suits your artistic vision.
When comparing TikTok vs. Instagram, in reality, there is no clash. One is no better than the other. Regardless of your preference, all success depends on your strategy, your objectives, who your audience is, and what your identity is as a creator. Your strategy may involve both Instagram and TikTok, as a way to create diversified content and expand your audience outreach.
The reality is that there are differences that affect, or at least should affect, your content strategy on the two separate platforms. One thing is certain: TikTok’s impact on the social media landscape is undeniable and has certainly not gone unnoticed. Downloaded over two billion times, it is the most talked about social network and is growing exponentially.
TikTok and Instagram: The Difference Lies in the Algorithm
The difference between the two networks does not only lie in the algorithm, of course. There are obvious differences in features and functions as well. TikTok offers more effects, filters and templates than Instagram Reels, the duration of videos is different, and on the contrary, Instagram offers a more structured advertising platform and ability to share more variety in content. TikTok offers a large and easy-to-access music selection, Reels has a more limited accessibility to the music library. TikTok videos have reached 3 minutes in duration, but if you exceed one minute, your content on Instagram automatically switches to IGTV.
But it is important to note, the main difference lies in the algorithms of these two networks.
TikTok has chosen to do what Spotify and Netflix have been doing for many years, but in a social and optimized version. That is, it pushes content that works towards everyone and not only toward a defined target. What is liked, what can surprise, what can become viral is valued as much as possible. So, when opening TikTok, we are faced with a selection made by the app based on successful content. Only with continuous use, the application begins to offer you content that it believes you will appreciate, based on your interactions or “clicks.”
Instagram, on the other hand, has an algorithm that works differently, because it is based on the user’s interests. Therefore, who and what they choose to follow. If you are interested in soccer, for example, on the Reels page you will see winning goals, dribbling and video news. In short, a different strategy from that of TikTok. However, in recent weeks, Reels are being shown more frequently to people who do not follow the creator’s profile. In other words, Instagram is recreating itself after the best of their “rival.” Similarly, to as they did when they took the cue from the success of Snapchat Stories.
Instagram is therefore still a more versatile platform, including feeds, stories, IGTV and Reels. It remains perfect for influencers who mainly target millennials. Contrarily, TikTok is the most popular and populated social network by Gen Z, the very young, so to speak: but its success has led the platform to open up to other generations as well. In other words, TikTok is becoming populated by all and is no longer the preserve of the youth only.
The reality, as mentioned, is that there is no contrast between the two platforms. A brand can easily stand on both. What matters is your strategy.
If your audience is mostly on Instagram, it doesn’t mean we can’t find potential followers on TikTok as well.
Let’s remember that social networks are tools, means through which to create and expand as artists. Therefore, as with all things our goals must be clear; put in black and white, so our visions may be executed properly. We must rehearse before the curtain rises. Use these platforms as your online stage. First, understand whether to land on Instagram or TikTok. Then how to do it, with what content, what frequency, study your audience and realize who you as a performer desire to see in your audience. THEN, start creating and publishing content.
The ideal would be to have two different content strategies: one for Instagram, one for TikTok. Your mission, values, identity, must be the same, but there is a benefit to diversifying your content based on the separate apps and audiences.
As usual, it’s all about practice, “rehearsing”, and correcting – the perfect mix for success on stage AND social media. But don’t become too judgmental. An audience loves vulnerability. As we have become so accustomed to the ultra-edited versions of people, there is value in sharing your honest self and it is our duty to do so as artists.
In conclusion, TikTok “vs.” Instagram makes little sense. The two most popular social networks of the moment will continue their “challenge” to attract more users, but it is up to you, as a dance professional, to make the most of both. Assess them the way you would look at planning a performance, or teaching a class. How can you translate your ideas and movements onto an app? Who do you want to present yourself as? Finding answers to these questions will make creating your content less stressful and more inspiring.
Begin this week with the simple question of: does your creative presence online include both TikTok and Instagram or just one of the two?
