TikTok vs. Instagram for Business: Which Platform Should You Choose?

Social media has become an integral part of modern business strategies, and two platforms that have gained significant prominence are TikTok and Instagram. Both platforms boast large, ready-to-buy audiences, making them attractive for businesses seeking to connect with potential customers. 

In this article, we’ll explore the demographics of each platform, their unique strengths, and how they align with different marketing objectives.

Audience Demographics: How TikTok and Instagram Differ?

When it comes to target demographics, both TikTok and Instagram have user bases that are predominantly young, with 35 and under being the key age group. 

The Power of TikTok

TikTok has taken the world by storm, capturing the attention of younger audiences. The platform’s 419.9 million users aged 18 to 24 make up a substantial 38.5% of TikTok’s ad audience aged 18 and above. Notably, TikTok is more popular among female users, constituting 57% of its user base.

TikTok’s users are not only numerous but also highly engaged and responsive to advertising. This platform is particularly effective for businesses targeting younger demographics, with products such as video games, inexpensive jewelry, house decor, and makeup seeing a positive response.

Branded content and teaming up with influencers really shine on TikTok, while overt advertising might not get as much excitement. To thrive on TikTok, businesses should focus on creating content that feels native and natural, seamlessly blending into the platform’s lively atmosphere.

Instagram’s Broader Appeal

Instagram, while also popular among Millennials and Gen Zers, has a broader user base in terms of age and gender. The gender distribution on Instagram is more balanced, with 48.2% female users and 51.8% male users. 

Instagram users are receptive to advertising, though perhaps slightly less so than their TikTok counterparts. Products catering to slightly older millennials of both genders, such as more expensive jewelry, infoproducts (online courses, e-book, webinars, etc.), furniture, and clothing, tend to perform well on this platform.

Similar to TikTok, Instagram users appreciate branded content and influencer partnerships. However, organic content might not receive as much visibility on Instagram initially, making advertising and collaborations valuable assets for businesses on this platform.

Content Formats: Tailoring Your Message to Each Platform

Your content format plays a crucial role in determining its success on TikTok or Instagram. TikTok, with its short-form, vertical videos, is a playground for creativity and fun. The platform’s algorithm favors engaging and entertaining content, making it ideal for businesses with a youthful and energetic audience.

Instagram offers a variety of content formats, allowing users and businesses to engage their audience in diverse ways. Here are some of the main content formats on Instagram:

• Photos: The classic format, where users can share single or multiple images in a post.

• Videos: Users can share short or long-form videos with options for various aspect ratios.

• Stories: These are posts that disappear after 24 hours, providing a real-time and casual way to share content. And if you wish to save them from vanishing, you can add them to the “Highlight” section of your profile. 

• Reels: Short, entertaining videos set to music, similar to the format popularized by TikTok.

• Carousel Posts: Viewers can swipe through several photos or videos that users share in a single post.

• Live Videos: Real-time video broadcasts that allow for direct interaction with viewers.

This versatility makes it an excellent platform for showcasing products and services in detail, especially for businesses with strong visual appeal.

That said, the content format you choose should align with your brand’s voice and messaging. TikTok is perfect for businesses looking to showcase their fun side, while Instagram is great for businesses that want to provide a detailed view of their offerings. However, it may not be the best platform for brands with a more serious or professional tone.

Organic Content: Finding the Right Balance

At the core of any effective social media strategy is the creation of organic content. For example, organic content on TikTok could include a behind-the-scenes glimpse of your team participating in a trending challenge.

On Instagram, it might involve sharing a well-crafted, visually appealing photo of your product in action. These authentic, non-promotional posts resonate with audiences, fostering a genuine connection with your brand.

On TikTok, tapping into user-generated content through popular hashtag challenges is crucial for connecting with your audience. The platform’s emphasis on authenticity and creativity makes it an ideal space for businesses to showcase their unique personality. Instagram, on the other hand, offers a blend of curated feeds, stories, and user-generated content via features like Reels. 

In terms of producing organic content, TikTok stands out for reaching a younger audience—more than half of its users are under 24, and they actively appreciate organic content. The TikTok algorithm rewards consistent content creation, recognizing users who maintain an active presence.

Advertising Options: Maximizing Your Reach

Both TikTok and Instagram offer advertising opportunities for brands. On Instagram, brands can showcase both photo and video ads, visible to the target audience in the newsfeed, stories, Reels, and other sections. These channels offer diverse options for creative expression and brand promotion.

TikTok, on the other hand, permits brands to feature video ads with a maximum duration of 60 seconds. These ads appear between other videos and closely resemble regular, organic TikTok posts, ensuring seamless integration into the user experience.

TikTok and Instagram offer various features and advertising options to meet diverse marketing goals. TikTok stands out with its distinctive editing tools and the ability to integrate trending sounds, creating a dynamic and engaging environment.

It’s also important to note that both platforms offer analytics tools for businesses to track campaign performance effectively.

Working With Influencers

As highlighted earlier, Instagram content tends to be polished, making it suitable for brands with a refined approach. So, your collaborations with Instagram influencers should reflect that brand image.  

Also, Instagram’s diverse content options allow influencers to showcase products or services in a more detailed manner.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for more raw and authentic sponsored content, TikTok is a great option. TikTok’s casual nature pairs well with influencers who can authentically represent your brand, especially in creative challenges that resonate with a wide audience.

Tips for Choosing the Ideal Platform

The decision between TikTok and Instagram ultimately depends on your business’s use case and marketing goals. Here are a few factors to think about while deciding between these two platforms. 

1. Engagement Metrics

Understanding the engagement rates on each platform is crucial. While TikTok boasts higher engagement rates, especially among younger demographics, Instagram’s versatile content options may lead to sustained engagement over time. Evaluate the average engagement rates in your industry and compare them across both platforms to determine where your efforts might yield the best results.

2. Content Creation and Editing

TikTok’s editing features and the ability to use trending sounds provide a unique creative space. If your brand thrives on short-form, funny, creative, and visually engaging content, and your target audience is primarily under 35, TikTok may be the ideal playground for your marketing efforts.  On the other hand, if your products or services benefit from detailed showcasing and have a broader age appeal, Instagram’s wide range of content formats could be perfect for you. 

3. Geographic Considerations

If your company serves customers in a particular area, it’s essential to consider the platform’s user distribution. For example, if your target market is in the United States, both TikTok and Instagram have substantial user bases. However, Instagram’s global presence might be advantageous if your business has an international audience.

4. Advertising Budget and Cost-Effectiveness

Assessing your advertising budget and expected return on investment (ROI) is paramount. The cost of advertising on Instagram or TikTok can change based on factors like your target audience, ad format, campaign goals, and location.

Compare the advertising options on both Instagram and TikTok, including audience demographics, ad formats, targeting capabilities, and pricing, to make an informed decision based on your specific marketing goals and budget. 

Best Practices: Navigating the Social Media Landscape

There is no simple solution to success on social media platforms. However, to start your TikTok or Instagram journey, you can adopt general best practices that align with each platform’s dynamics. TikTok success often hinges on the creation of entertaining and authentic content, leveraging popular trends, and building a community around your brand.

A visually appealing and cohesive feed, strategic use of hashtags, and collaborations with influencers can significantly enhance your Instagram presence. Also, utilizing Instagram Stories and Reels to showcase your products or services in a captivating manner can contribute to sustained engagement.

Conclusion: Crafting Your Social Media Strategy

In wrapping up, these tips are just a starting point. Take the time to research, see how competitors are navigating these platforms, and feel free to experiment and evaluate what works best for your brand. Remember, every brand is different and requires a tailored approach. Also, the choice to use both TikTok and Instagram is entirely valid. It’s all about understanding your audience and making informed decisions based on your unique goals.

So, whether delving into the dynamic energy of TikTok or navigating the visually diverse landscape of Instagram—keep in mind that building meaningful connections and delivering valuable content are the keys to sustained success.

If you ever find yourself in need of assistance while navigating Instagram and TikTok, don’t hesitate to reach out to Play Media. Our team is here to help you unlock the full potential of these platforms and guide you toward a thriving online presence.

Good luck!