11 Alternatives to Instagram Reels for Short-Form Video

In the dynamic world of short-form video content, we’ve gathered insights from CEOs and content creators on alternatives to Instagram Reels. From exploring TikTok’s creative platform to monetizing content with YouTube Shorts, discover eleven unique perspectives that go beyond the usual suspects.

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Explore TikTok’s Creative Platform

For those seeking an alternative to Instagram Reels for short-form video content, I highly recommend exploring TikTok. TikTok offers a dynamic platform with a robust set of creative tools that cater to a wide range of content creators. The app’s algorithm is exceptionally adept at pushing content to a broader audience, often resulting in higher engagement rates compared to other platforms. I’ve observed that TikTok’s community is very receptive to authentic and engaging content, making it an ideal space for brands to connect with users on a more personal level.

Dinesh Agarwal, Founder, CEO, RecurPost

Discover YouTube Shorts’ Broad Reach

I would say an alternative that already exists would be YouTube Shorts. YouTube has around 2 billion monthly users, which will help you reach broader audiences. YouTube Shorts benefit from a robust search and discovery system that promotes videos across the platform, extending visibility beyond a creator’s direct followers and social network. In contrast, Instagram relies mainly on the Explore page and feeds for content discovery. I have personally been on YouTube Shorts for about a month, and I can say it helps me reach more people than Instagram Reels.

Jason Ramirez, Fashion Content Creator, GODMIREZ

Leverage YouTube Shorts for Larger Audiences

One alternative to Instagram Reels I recommend is YouTube Shorts. YouTube is well-known for having both long-form and short-form video content, and uploading on YouTube Shorts allows you to reach an audience that might not be on Instagram. Videos on YouTube Shorts can only be a maximum of 60 seconds. However, the shorter playtime can increase replayability and views. 

For example, I published the same video on Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. On Instagram, my video garnered 420 views and 13 likes. However, my video had over 8,000 views and 120 likes on YouTube. In conclusion, YouTube Shorts is a fantastic alternative to Instagram Reels because your short-form videos have the potential to reach a larger audience.

Karalee Shotola, Content Creator

Utilize YouTube’s SEO for Evergreen Content

YouTube Shorts is a great alternative to Instagram Reels for short-form videos. One of the main draws is YouTube’s search engine functionality. I have found that by prioritizing search engine optimization (SEO) and targeting keywords that people are looking up, our YouTube Shorts have a significantly higher reach when compared to Instagram Reels. 

Plus, there is the added benefit of YouTube content being evergreen. This means we still get engagement on YouTube Shorts posted months ago. In contrast, Instagram Reels’ engagement is typically limited to the first few days of posting, after which the algorithm does not push it as much, if at all.

Joy Nyargem, Founder and Chief Content Creator, Afrostylicity 

Engage Professionals With LinkedIn Video

One innovative alternative to Instagram Reels for short-form video content is LinkedIn Video. As a company focused on sustainability, we’ve leveraged LinkedIn Video to share educational content about our eco-friendly practices and products. By creating engaging videos that highlight our commitment to environmental stewardship, we’ve seen a significant 37% increase in engagement on LinkedIn and a 21% growth in our follower base within our industry niche. LinkedIn’s professional platform allows us to target business professionals and decision-makers who value corporate social responsibility.

Our videos showcase our sustainable initiatives, such as zero-waste packaging innovations and carbon-neutral operations, resonating with like-minded professionals and generating meaningful discussions. LinkedIn Video’s format enables us to establish thought leadership in sustainability, attracting partnerships and collaborations with organizations aligned with our values. This strategic use of LinkedIn Video not only enhances our brand’s visibility among key stakeholders but also reinforces our credibility as a leader in sustainable practices, driving business growth and building a community dedicated to environmental responsibility.

Chaitsi Ahuja, Founder & CEO, Brown Living

Innovate With Holographic Street Stories

As an alternative to Instagram Reels, imagine “Holographic Street Stories,” short-form holographic videos projected onto city sidewalks or building facades. Passersby can interact with these 3D projections using gestures, creating an immersive public experience. Content creators could partner with local businesses or municipalities to share their stories in high-traffic areas. This merges digital content with the physical world, offering a novel way to engage audiences beyond traditional smartphone screens.

Ryan Doser, Co-Founder, AI Insider Tips

Create Polished Videos on Triller

One specific alternative to Instagram Reels for short-form videos is Triller. Although not as mainstream as TikTok, it provides a unique platform focused on music and professional-quality video editing.

What sets Triller apart is its auto-editing algorithm, which allows users to produce polished videos effortlessly. Users can record multiple takes, and its AI will automatically edit and sync the best parts to the chosen music. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who lack advanced editing skills but desire high-quality content.

Additionally, Triller has gained attention from celebrities and influencers, enhancing its appeal and credibility. Its emphasis on music-driven content and collaboration offers a distinctive and effective alternative for short-form video creation overall, making it a compelling choice for users seeking a platform outside the more popular options like Instagram Reels.

Peter Bryla, Senior Community Manager, MyPerfectCV

Share Care Journeys via Spotify Podcasts

We’ve launched “Care Journey Podcasts” on Spotify. These five-minute audio snippets feature real families sharing their experiences in finding the right care. This format allows for more nuanced storytelling than video Reels, and we’ve found our target audience—often multitasking adult children—appreciates the audio-only format they can listen to during commutes or while doing chores.

Justine Underhill, Chief Marketing Officer, Mirador Living

Train TikTok’s Algorithm for Engagement

TikTok is a top contender if you’re looking for an alternative to Instagram Reels for short-form videos. The platform’s intelligent algorithm is fantastic at understanding user preferences, making it a powerful tool for engaging audiences.

To make the most of TikTok, you must “train” the algorithm by interacting with content that aligns with your interests and avoiding what doesn’t. This simple process helps the app fine-tune its recommendations, ensuring your content reaches the right viewers.

So, if you’re looking to dive into short-form videos, TikTok offers a dynamic and user-friendly experience that’s hard to beat.

Ahmed Yousuf, Financial Author & SEO Expert Manager, CoinTime

Experiment With Likee’s Unique Features

Instagram Reels has undoubtedly revolutionized short-form video content, but Likee offers a compelling alternative for creators seeking a less saturated platform.

Unlike Instagram Reels, Likee provides a relatively untapped space for creators to experiment and grow their audience without intense competition. It is very similar to Reels and offers varied features, including lip-syncing, dance challenges, and creative effects, but goes a step further with its diverse range of beauty filters, vintage effects, and live broadcasting capabilities.

One standout feature is Likee’s duet function, which allows users to collaborate seamlessly, similar to Reels. Additionally, the platform’s trend discovery algorithm is impressively robust, keeping creators updated on the latest viral challenges and formats.

For those prioritizing privacy, Likee’s granular control settings offer peace of mind. While Instagram Reels has become synonymous with short-form video, Likee presents a promising opportunity for creators to carve a niche and connect authentically with their audience.

So, someone looking to create short video content for themselves or their brand should explore Likee. It offers a similar experience to Reels to stay relevant, with more chances of going viral and increased reach.

Raviraj Hegde, SVP of Growth & Sales, Donorbox

Monetize Content With YouTube Shorts

Instagram Reels is great for a non-transactional audience, as a more fun and playful way to build a following. But if you’re a content creator and want to make real money, then you need to be hanging out with Reels’ more abundant cousin—YouTube Shorts. Whether or not you’re planning on building your long-form audience on YouTube, YouTube Shorts is a much more productive way to spend your time on short-term video.

Once you do start creating longer-form videos, you already have an audience who’s excited to get a more in-depth look into the value you bring. Think about it—you can monetize directly from YouTube—and with Instagram Reels, well, it can be a little more complicated than that. If you’re going to go all out on one thing, do it with YouTube Shorts!

Kira Violet, Singer-Songwriter, Content Creator, Violet Gaze

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