Vice and Virtue: Reels vs. TikTok

Instagram Reels

Let’s begin with the apparent: Instagram Reels copied TikTok. Yes, this is factual. Does that mean that the original must be better than the reproduction? No, it indeed does not. The Office (US) is an illustrious example of a remake better than the original UK version. The song Valerie by Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson recreates the original by The Zutons so well that most do not even realize it is a remake. Further examples of recreations that outdid their predecessors include Scarface (1983), 21 Jump Street (2012), and Blade Runner 2049 (2017). So, let’s discard the so-called logic that you cannot remake something better than the original. 

Instagram Reels took the negative aspects of TikTok and refined them into the ideal app for scrolling. TikTok is far more addictive than Reels, and always has been. The only way to exit a video on TikTok is by exiting the app or scrolling to the next TikTok, whereas Reels has the ability to exit a reel by swiping right, back to the explore page, as an additional method. This therefore makes Reels less addictive and overall better for the users. 

To continue, Instagram as an app has more types of content than TikTok. You can share photos, videos, and stories, and in multiple formats. You can also message people. Fun fact: Not once in my lifetime have I used TikTok’s messaging system. The majority of Americans are in accordance with that statement. Furthermore, Instagram content tends to be more wholesome in general, while still including funny reposted TikToks. 

While it is true that most trends start on TikTok and end on Instagram a few months later, this is not much of an issue. I personally find these trends overdone and irritating anyways, but regardless of my personal opinion, the fact that trends come later does not impact one's daily life all that much. In fact, the delay can even be beneficial — by the time a trend reaches Instagram, it’s often been refined or adapted in more creative, polished ways. This gives Instagram users a chance to enjoy the best versions of the trend without sifting through the rough, repetitive early takes that flood TikTok.

Overall, Instagram Reels are far superior to TikTok. 

TikTok

TikTok is the O.G. Many have tried to recreate it, but nothing beats the original. Its top competitor, Instagram Reels, doesn’t even come close. Reels will never be on the game like TikTok, no matter how hard it tries.

It’s so embarrassing to be using Reels in 2025. Like, come on. First of all, every time you want to like a reel, literally everyone you know can see it. You can make all the stuff on your TikTok For You Page personal because you can like all the weird stuff you’d be too embarrassed to have your friends see on Instagram. 

Also, the comments on Reels are super weird all the time. They need better filters or something because TikTok comments are just funny, but the comments on Reels are always unhinged.

Reels is just like a tab in the Instagram app, so there are way fewer features like the following tab and the STEM tab that TikTok has to keep the youth educated. 

If you’ve spent hours on both, like the writer of this article embarrassingly has, you’ll notice that Reels has a gazillion more ads than TikTok, plus it tells you to get off of Reels after an hour. Do I always ignore it? Yes. Is it still annoying? Yeah, duh. 

The biggest plus for TikTok is that the algorithm is just better. It knows me on a scary level. Like, you can think about a snack you want or look up a clothing item, and suddenly, it’s on your FYP. It’s like my brain is in my phone. Reels shows random Brigham Young interviews and super weird memes. TikTok is relatable and current. If you’re a Reels user, you might not be up on this yet, but the joke about Reels users finding out about trends way late? Super true. 

TikTok is the original and always will be. Reels will never live up to TikTok. Sorry.