In case you have been living under a rock, you know that short-form video content has exploded in popularity, and now several platforms are dedicated to it. The most popular ones are YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, Facebook Reels, and TikToks. Many business owners and content creators wonder which one to use, and the short answer is that it depends. Keep reading to explore each platform and hear our thoughts on their unique features.

 

YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts is a relatively new feature from YouTube, and it was designed to compete with TikTok. Shorts are vertical videos that can be up to 60 seconds long and can be created using the Shorts camera or by uploading existing videos.

One of the standout features of YouTube Shorts is the ability to add music from a large library of licensed songs. Another unique feature is the ability to add captions to videos, which can be helpful for accessibility and for viewers who prefer to watch videos without sound.

Shorts can be discovered on the YouTube homepage, in the Shorts tab, and in search results. They can also be shared on social media and embedded on websites.

Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels are 15-second videos that can be created and shared in the Reels section of the Instagram app. Reels can be created using the Instagram camera or by uploading existing videos, and they can include music, text, and special effects.

One of the standout features of Reels is the ability to share them with a wider audience than just your followers. Reels can be discovered on the Explore page, and they can also be shared on your Instagram feed and story.

Another unique feature of Reels is the ability to collaborate with other users. You can create a Reel with another user using the “Collaborate” feature, allowing both users to contribute to the same video.

Facebook Reels

Facebook Reels is a new feature from Facebook currently being tested in select countries. Like Instagram Reels, Facebook Reels are videos that can include music, text, and special effects.

Reels can be created using the Facebook camera and discovered in the Reels section of the Facebook app. They can also be shared on your Facebook feed and story.

One unique feature of Facebook Reels is the ability to use augmented reality (AR) effects. Facebook has a large library of AR effects that can be used in Reels, making them more fun and engaging.

TikTok

TikTok is the platform that started the short-form video craze, and it’s still the most popular platform for short-form video content. TikTok videos can be up to 10 minutes long, with most features being 1 minute, 3 minutes, or 10 minutes. They can include music, text, and special effects.

One of the standout features of TikTok is the “For You” page, which is a curated page of videos that are recommended for each user based on their viewing history. This page has helped many users go viral and gain large followings.

TikTok also has a large library of effects and filters that can be used to enhance videos. These effects and filters are updated frequently, which keeps the app fresh and engaging.

Summary

Each of these platforms has its unique features, and each one offers something different for creators and viewers. Whether you’re looking to create short-form video content or just looking for some entertainment, there’s a platform out there for you. It all depends on who your audience is, what you’re trying to communicate, and how to best tell your story.

If you are struggling to put a social media plan in place or are unsure of how to start creating reels, we can help.  Schedule a discovery call  with CTM and we will formulate a specialized content plan. We’re here for you every step of the way, so let’s get started.