video – Pawjourr | Blog contributors

It can be hard to figure out which media channels to use for your company. Every social media platform has a different type of distribution content, not to mention different target audiences and media cultures.

Fret not. Once you understand how the different platforms work and what kind of content best fits the audiences, you’ll be going viral and gaining a following in no time. Right now, video content is crucial in marketing your products and getting your brand out there. What’s the difference between Instagram reels and TikTok videos?

By Pawjourr

Instagram Reels

For starters, just because they’re both video-based content doesn’t mean they are the same. The two media platforms are giants in their own way and have different ways to connect to audiences.

Instagram, the old classic. It’s been around for a long time and chances are, your company already has an Instagram page of its own where you post your own branded content. Mainly a platform that posts images instead of videos, all that changed when Instagram reels were introduced in 2020.

Typically lasting 15 to 60 seconds, these reels allow you to further your audience and reach. While Instagram stories are tied to your page and only your followers are privy to your content, your reels are discoverable through the ‘Explore’ page on Instagram and there’s a higher chance of your video being seen by new users.

By Pawjourr

Due to the nature of the platform, content on Instagram is inclined to be a little more formal. That doesn’t mean all the fun stuff should be taken away but rather, educational videos for your brand’s community and polished informative videos are more likely to do better.

You can also decide whether or not to have it displayed on your grid layout – you can move it to the reels tab instead. That way, your content can be curated in a different way than your images. Personalised vlogs, special takeovers and campaign videos all fit the bill!

Statistics show that Instagram reels earn up to 22% more engagement than video posts shared on the native feed, so next time you want to post a video, you might want to publish it as a reel instead.

TikTok

The underdog that grew in popularity during the pandemic, is not to be taken lightly either. Even though it hasn’t been around as long as Instagram, the chances of going viral tend to be much higher and your content has way more chances of reaching new users due to the platform’s ‘For You Page’ algorithms.

It might seem like TikTok isn’t the best platform for marketing your brand but it’s a huge window of opportunity. In fact, 84% of marketers are diverting their attention to TikTok. The emphasis on community and vlogging allows brands to connect with their customers while marketing their products with ease.

By Pawjourr

The nature of TikTok videos tends to be more candid and real. Think of funny sketches, down-to-earth conversations and product reviews. In truth, it can be anything. The beauty of TikTok is that, unlike Instagram, there’s less pressure to curate your feed and create a unified brand of content. Since users are mainly scrolling through videos on their FYP, your videos will most likely be viewed individually.

By Pawjourr

When to use IG Reels or TikTok

Even though there isn’t a strict rulebook you have to follow, after trial and error, you’ll find that your brand will be connecting with different communities on both platforms. Social media statistics show that TikTok’s users point to its rising popularity amongst teenagers while Instagram frequents both young adults and teens.

The advertising opportunities on the platforms differ slightly. While Instagram is no stranger to including ads in your feed, TikTok puts a big emphasis on creator-based ads against Instagram’s ‘shopping’ section and shoppable ads.

TikTok also tracks both the brand’s profile as a whole and the individual video performance. This means overall metrics, total playtime and geolocation. Instagram reels offer the general analytics you’re used to, interactions, reach, and engagement statistics with reel-specific data to get insights on.

Take a look at the CatCare Water Fountain campaign in partnership with DogCare. Featuring Pawjourr’s pawfluencers, the two platforms saw different engagement statistics and results. Since the creative briefs were the same for the campaign, the style and content of the posts remain the same – the only difference was the social media platforms

By @maiathemeow on Instagram

The combined reach of the campaign, with 18 pawfluencers, was 129,000 accounts reached with 4,300 profile engagements.

Similarly, the campaign was also held on TikTok, featuring 12 pawcreators from Pawjourr. The results were 539,000 accounts reached with 6,900 profile engagements.

By @tabbyandtuxedocat on TikTok

Ultimately, you get to decide how your brand intends to curate your content and persona on these platforms. The difference between Instagram and TikTok might be confusing, but once you get the hang of it, it’s really rewarding.

Don’t forget that your brand stands a good chance of reaching different audiences through the two different platforms. Growing your community and brand awareness is essential in building your brand, but remember to keep your content authentic and sincere.

This way, no matter what you do, your content is sure to do well no matter what the platform is.

Congratulations on scoring that pet job! You’ve followed our tips on content creation for apps, content ideas to engage your audience, and now you’re confident to partner with a brand to promote their products. How will you be promoting them to your followers, though? There are a few methods, so let’s look at five ways to make sponsored videos!

On Brands

Character

More often than not, brands — and by extension, their products — carry a tone that they would like to convey. Pet toys brands, for instance, are warm and enthusiastic to mirror the joy your pawpal can get from playing with them. You can see a brand’s character through various methods, namely their website, social media accounts, and product packaging design, if any. If you have trouble finding the right tone to help promote the brand/product, it’s always good to start by emulating their character.

Credibility

Credibility can be split into two forms: heritage, and reviews. Brands and products that have stood the test of time and remained relevant are seen as reliable and trustworthy. Pet Lovers Centre, established in 1973, remains a household brand synonymous with pet ownership. For new brands that do not have the luxury of heritage, it’ll be better to look at their consumer reviews to promote them to your followers.

Benefits and Unique Selling Point (USP)

When looking at a product, service, or brand in its entirety, what draws consumers to purchase them are their benefits and USPs. Benefits tend to be physical and tangible, e.g. “X-Supplements are made with 100% natural ingredients and are perfectly healthy for your pawpal”. On the other hand, USPs can be tangible or intangible, e.g. “Be the hero your dog deserves”. Knowing these will help to influence if you want to do a Tactical Review or a Creative Integration.

Tactical Reviews

1. Product Testimonials

Product Testimonials take a straightforward approach to the promotion. Without going too deep into functions and technicalities, these videos are generally shorter and summarised so viewers can understand the benefits and visit the product site without scrolling away.

2. Product Breakdown

Centred on benefits and functions, product breakdowns are the most technical of the three. Product Breakdowns tend to be longer and more insightful, and aimed at your more interested followers who might have already heard of the products know more about the product. However, because of that, you might stand to lose out on casual followers who are just scrolling through their feed.

3. Product Demonstration

Product Demonstrations are the most engaging of the three. Let your pawpal try the product — be it toys or food — to give your followers a visual representation of how the product works. By showing more and telling less, viewers can immediately see the benefits and features in action, so it entices them to want to know more.

Creative Integration

4. Selling a concept

Instead of doing the direct approach and telling your followers what’s good about a product, you can do a conceptual video that shows your followers how this product changes your pawpal’s life. This works especially well when promoting an entire brand. Ruffwear’s “Becoming” video shows viewers the products for sale but talks about none of it. Instead, the narrator talks about their philosophy, mission, and vision. Similarly, you can film a sketch to show your pet will a transformed lifestyle thanks to this brand or product you are using.

5. Production, Process, BTS

Much better if you are advertising for your own new release of products, as the process is not something your partnered brand would show you. If you do decide to release your own products, say, home-baked pet treats, you could show a video of you choosing the ingredients (to indicate quality/freshness), the baking process (to emphasise it being homemade), and arrange the food on a nice set-up for presentation (allows followers to imagine how it could look for their pawpal).

Now that you know…

More often than not, the type of video you will make also depends on the requests of your partner when you take up pet jobs. However, for pet jobs with more creative freedom, you will have a better understanding of how you can promote the brand and its products to your followers!

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch from Pexels