Justin de Nobrega Instagram Reels TikTok

Image via Instagram/@justindenogreba

TikTok influencer Justin de Nobrega’s take on Instagram Reels

There are differences and similarities between TikTok and the new Instagram Reels feature, says dancer Justin de Nobrega.

Justin de Nobrega Instagram Reels TikTok

Image via Instagram/@justindenogreba

South African TikTok influencer Justin de Nobrega shares his thoughts and opinions on the Instagram Reels feature.

Earlier in August, Instagram introduced Reels as a way to create and discover short entertaining videos on the platform. It is similar to the concept of TikTok videos.

Professional dancer De Nobrega, 20, is a TikTok Influencer with 138 100 followers and 1.5 million likes on his TikTok account, so he knows this territory.

De Nobrega has danced in the films Honey 3: Dare to Dance and Kanarie: Small Town Boy and also took part in the local television series DanZ.  

He uses his social media platforms to create dance content for viewers and knows his way around both apps.

@justindenobregaa

#DontShareThem CHALLENGE? Who is going to hit this one with me???? TAG: ME & @maxhurrell in your videos! #justindenobrega #viral #dance #foryou

♬ Max Hurrell Dont Share Them – maxhurrell

What are Instagram Reels?

Reels are 15-second, multi-clip videos with audio, effects and tools. You can share these with friends and family via the Instagram feed and through the explore feature on the platform.

Reels have various content creating options, such as:

  • Audio: You can use original audio you created for your video and  make this available for other users if you have a public account. You can also select a song from Instagram’s music library.
  • Timer: You can use a timer to record your reel hands-free.
  • Speed: You can speed up or slow down your video or part of your video.
  • Augmented reality: Reels offer various effects through a gallery.

“Personally, I love it. It’s such a great way for people to get exposure doing what they love. It can be a talent or a little vlog, it can be you singing or dancing. Basically, it is 15 seconds of doing whatever you love,” said De Nobrega.

Similarities

Both applications have similar algorithms. You upload a video of 15 seconds long, with the option of adding a song and then people view it.

The count of views is accumulated just like TikTok, so if one person views your video five times, it counts as five views even if it is from one viewer.

Differences

Instagram Reels are restricted to 15 seconds which may be where the platform falls short as on TikTok you can take your video up to 60 seconds.
Instagram guidelines and violations policy are not as strict as TikTok.

TikTok seems to be automated and your video will be removed faster than on Instagram where the video seems to be reviewed first.

It is easier to get verification on TikTok than Instagram. TikTok gets you verified based on your content, followers and likes whereas the requirements for being verified on Instagram are much more intense.

TikTok has a wider variety of features compared to Instagram Reels. For example TikTok allows text on videos, thumbnails, stickers, emojis and more.

It also offers different transitions and allows more features and variety in terms of editing.

Are Instagram Reels as good as TikTok?

When asked if people are more likely to opt for Instagram Reels instead of TikTok, De Nobrega said he was not yet convinced.

“Not necessarily, I am still very much addicted to my TikTok and that is my go-to platform to showcase my talent. Instagram Reels is still nice to have to showcase to family and friends.

“TikTok followers seem to be more widespread compared to Instagram.”