For those familiar with the characters in Marvel’s Loki, Alioth is possibly one of the most devastating antagonists. For the uninitiated, Alioth devours all matter and energy across dimensions when the Time Variance Authority (TVA) prunes variants to the void. Although Alioth is an imaginary character, parallels can be drawn between the iconic creature and everyone’s favourite photo-sharing platform, Instagram.

Think about it – Meta has used Instagram as a platform that takes over standout features from its rivals and utilises them to keep people hooked.

It created a mildly different version of Snapchat’s Stories and used it to overhaul the user experience for millions. As TikTok’s popularity soared during the pandemic, the Insta team got to work and came up with Reels, a new space for essentially the same short video format. When X faced criticism, we got Threads inviting supporters of the pre-Elon Musk Twitter. Instagram is the Alioth to every other social media platform that gets pruned by authorities or the public.

However, Bytedance, the company behind TikTok, isn’t letting Meta have it easy. The popular short video platform app is now taking a dig at Instagram by readying its new photo-sharing platform. Thankfully, they aren’t calling it TikTokgram! But based on all the rumours we have heard, it seems Instagram can’t be complacent anymore. TikTok Notes, as the platform is rumoured to be called, might offer big reasons to encourage you to jump ship.

Hence, ahead of its release, we have done a detailed TikTok Notes vs Instagram comparison to figure out whether the time has come to make the switch.

TikTok Notes vs Instagram: Who’s got the better vibes?

TikTok Notes vs Instagram
Image Credit: Courtesy Instagram

Taking on Instagram isn’t an easy task, especially when you consider its age and popularity. Instagram created the concept of a photo-sharing app in 2010 and since then, the world we knew changed. It went on to become Meta’s most popular product, surpassing Facebook as one of the world’s most popular social media platforms.

Hence, for a company like Bytedance to take on the OG photo-sharing app, thinking differently was the key. Based on the rumours and leaked screenshots, it seems that Bytedance is starting small and plans to keep it in the testing phase.

Here’s what TikTok Notes app will have in store for us:

– TikTok Notes will essentially separate the section of photo posts from the primary app to streamline the user experience. The core TikTok app will focus only on short-length videos going forward.

– In its initial stages, TikTok Notes will be in an experimental mode. Members will be given a choice to let TikTok automatically post their photo and text-based content on the new app. If you don’t give your consent, the regular TikTok app will continue showing your videos and photo posts.

– With TikTok Notes, users will be able to post photos with captions, just like Instagram. As Bytedance announced in a press interaction, TikTok Notes will be centred around photos and text.

Does TikTok Notes have any advantage over Instagram?

Other than the names, there are a few points of distinction between these two platforms that play in Meta’s favour for the foreseeable future.

Two apps vs a mother app

TikTok Notes will be a standalone app and will likely be perceived as an extension of that service. While that could help Bytedance streamline the user experience, we would want to see how TikTok encourages users to jump apps while they browse through the video content.

In contrast, Instagram houses its Reels and photo posts under one roof. This allows Meta to put both Reels and photos on your main timeline. A user, who is causally browsing, doesn’t have to be concerned about switching to a different app.

Insta has more people onboard

Instagram fosters bustling communities across genres, be it sports, motorcycles, entertainment, pop culture, food, travel, cars and more. The focus remains on creating content via various media formats. Adding to that, Instagram has a wide reach across countries of the world and doesn’t face bans from the government.

On the other hand, TikTok’s reach is limited due to the bans imposed by several governments. TikTok could pin its hopes on TikTok Notes to get back into those countries where its video app isn’t allowed or facing imminent bans.

When you look at the larger picture though, the content creators, members or advertisers will give preference to Instagram for its wide availability and limitless opportunities for now.

TikTok Notes vs Instagram: Should you make the switch?

TikTok Notes vs Instagram
(Image: Courtesy of Pixabay)

If you are taking our word, we’d say stick to Instagram for now. Meta’s hero social media platform offers all the perks under one roof and with thriving communities, it is a better place to express yourself.

That said, you should give TikTok Notes a try whenever it releases. This new app certainly has the potential to introduce a refreshing change in the social media space and we, like everyone, love freshness. Bytedance may be onto something here and once the trend catches on, it could be the next big thing that people might be flocking to.

[Hero and Featured Image Credits: Courtesy Solen Feyissa via Unsplash (For Representational Purpose Only)]

Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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TikTok Notes vs Instagram: Do We Finally Have An Insta Killer?

Amritanshu Mukherjee

Senior Digital Writer, Tech and Gaming
Amritanshu lives and breathes tech, cars, Formula 1, space stuff and everything that delivers an adrenaline rush. Since 2016, he converted his favorite hobby of going all gaga over iPhones and Lamborghinis ..Read More