Social media is evolving, and we are witnessing a flurry of different trends dominating the landscape. In recent years, video sharing across social media platforms has emerged as a prominent trend. Following the success of platforms like TikTok, numerous social media platforms are introducing new, creative ways of sharing videos on their apps.
Instagram is one of the very few platforms that successfully managed to compete with TikTok through the Instagram Reels. Since the launch of Reels, it has witnessed exponential growth in number of users and user engagement. According to a report, Instagram downloads increased 11.4% in India since the Instagram launched the Reels feature.
Simplifying Video Viewing Experience
As the reels feature is gaining more and more popularity, Instagram is looking to engage more users by simplifying their video viewing experience. A few years, it had launched the IGTV app which focused on longer videos that the main app did not support. However, with the increasing traction for short videos, Instagram is re-shifting its focus towards the main app. The company has recently removed the support for IGTV app from Android and iOS. In a recent blog post, Instagram revealed that it is shutting down the IGTV app to make video content “as simple as possible to discover and create”.
Instagram: The Best Short Video Sharing Platform?
Although Instagram Reels have been gaining significant reach and traction off late, the company confronts a fierce competition in the segment. Despite being banned in several countries, TikTok continues to be a major player in the short video category. With the continuous introduction of new features, TikTok still packs a punch and continues to be one of the most popular platforms in the segment.
Besides veterans like TikTok, YouTube has also launched ‘YouTube Shorts’ which is growing at a healthy rate, thanks to its simplified user experience. YouTube Shorts has more or less managed to grab the attention of a large YouTube user base. Moreover, platforms like Firwork, Lomotif, Dubsmash, Likee, Triller, etc. are also competing with Instagram Reels. As new platforms emerge every now and then, the competition is getting much more intense. So, despite the rapid growth of Reels, we cannot yet decisively call Instagram the best video sharing platform.
What lies ahead?
The recent announcement from Instagram is a positive step taken by the company to augment its presence in the short video sharing segment. Instagram is focusing on enhancing its video viewing experience, which will ultimately result in more audience acquisition and engagement. If the company continues to unveil more such developments and emphasizes user experience, it will surely take giant strides towards becoming an undisputed leader in the short video sharing segment.
Also Read: Instagram Reels Rolls Out in India To Fill The Void Left By TikTok
