Choosing between Instagram Live and TikTok Live can make or break your social media game.
Both have their own magic when it comes to live streaming, and each is for different audiences and goals.
We get it – picking the right platform for your live streams is everything, whether you’re trying to reach a younger audience on TikTok or your existing followers on Instagram.
In this post we’re going to break down Instagram live vs TikTok live so you can make the right choice for your influencer marketing and really connect with your audience.
Live Streaming on Social Media
Live streaming has changed the way we interact online. Instead of just posting content you’re able to have real time conversations with your followers.
No matter if you’re an Instagram influencer sharing behind the scenes moments or a TikTok creator jumping into the latest trends, going live lets you connect with your audience in a whole new way.
It’s not just about talking to them; it’s about making them feel like they’re part of it.
TikTok and Instagram have added features to make this even better. From Q&As to virtual gifts these tools help keep your viewers engaged and make your streams more fun and dynamic.
As short form video content continues to grow live streaming is becoming a must-have part of any social media app.
Instagram Live Key Features
Instagram Live has all the features you need to connect with your audience. Are you chatting with followers in real time? Or adding some extra to your content? Instagram Live has got you covered.
Real-Time Interaction
Instagram Live lets you connect with your Instagram followers as things happen.
Whether through comments, likes, or questions, the platform encourages participation and makes your audience feel like they’re part of the conversation. This helps build a stronger connection with your viewers.
Instagram Stories and Reels
One of the best features is how Instagram Live integrates with Instagram stories and reels. You can promote live streams on your Instagram account before they go live and keep the buzz going after they’ve ended so your content stays at the top of your mind longer.
Authenticity with Real Content
For brands and influencers, Instagram Live is a chance to show off authenticity. Whether you’re launching a product, answering questions, or sharing behind-the-scenes moments going live, it lets you connect with your target audience in a real and engaging way.
Customization with Filters and Guest Invites
To make your live streams more fun Instagram Live has filters, stickers, and the ability to invite guests. These help you create dynamic and entertaining content that will keep your audience watching.
Key Features of TikTok Live
TikTok Live is all about fun and interaction. With gifts and the ability to go live on a whim, it’s perfect for creators who want to keep their audience involved and entertained, especially if you’re targeting a younger crowd.
Interactive Engagement with Virtual Gifts and Challenges
TikTok live stream viewers can send you gifts, participate in challenges, and even do duets with you during your streams. These features make your streams more engaging and create a sense of community with your followers.
Quick and Easy to Go Live
Going live on TikTok is easy perfect for creators who love to be spontaneous. Whether you have something planned or just want to go live on a whim, TikTok Live makes it easy to jump in and start connecting with your audience right away.
Targeting Younger Instagram Users
TikTok Live is popular with a young audience who loves the fast paced and creative environment.
The features are designed to keep this demographic engaged and involved so it’s a go to platform for reaching younger TikTok users.
Building Community Through Real Time Interaction
What sets TikTok Live apart is the real time interaction. It’s not just about broadcasting; it’s about creating a space where viewers can participate.
Whether you’re hosting a live challenge or just chatting, TikTok Live gives you the tools to build a community when creating content.
User Experience Similarities: Instagram Live vs TikTok Live
Let’s get into what it’s like using TikTok and Instagram for live streaming.
User Behaviour on Each Social Media Platform
When it comes to user behavior TikTok and Instagram Live are for different types of audiences.
Instagram Live attracts an established user base that values curated and polished content.
People on Instagram join streams to interact with influencers they already follow, do Q&A, or watch tutorials.
TikTok is for a young audience who loves more spontaneous and casual video content. TikTok users will jump into a live stream just for fun, participate in challenges or send gifts to their favorite creators.
Ease of Use: Going Live on Instagram vs TikTok
Going live on both platforms is easy, but there’s a difference.
On Instagram going live is as simple as swiping right to open the camera and then you need to select the ‘Live’ option and hit the start button.
Instagram also has a countdown feature that allows you to schedule your live stream and give your followers a heads-up.
TikTok is easy, too you just tap the plus button, select ‘Live’, and you’re good to go.
But TikTok adds a twist with the spontaneity focus. There’s less planning involved which is perfect for creators who love to go live on the fly.
Audience Engagement During Live Streams
Audience interaction is key to a live stream, and both platforms have their own ways of doing it.
Instagram Live allows your followers to comment, like and even ask questions that you can answer live. You can also bring guests into your live stream and make it a collaborative experience.
Monetization Opportunities
Monetization is a big part of live streaming, and both Instagram Live and TikTok Live have ways for influencers to earn money.
On Instagram Live, influencers can monetize through brand collaborations, sponsored content and even direct donations from followers.
Instagram also introduced ‘Badges’, which viewers can buy to support their favorite creators during a live stream.
Influencer Marketing Campaigns on Both Platforms
Instagram has a more established ecosystem for influencer campaigns. Brands collaborate with influencers on Instagram for product launches, tutorials, and Q&A sessions during streams.
These campaigns are usually well planned and target a specific audience. TikTok is known for its virality.
Influencer campaigns on TikTok are more spontaneous, they rely on challenges, duets and trends to reach a wider audience faster.
Virtual Gifts and Sponsorships
Virtual gifts are a big part of monetization on TikTok streams.
They allow creators to earn money directly from their audience, which is why it’s a popular choice for Instagram and TikTok influencers who want to tap into their followers’ support. Sponsorships also play a role but it’s less common than on Instagram.
On Instagram Live, brand collaborations are more prevalent.
Influencers partner with brands to promote products during their live streams which can be very lucrative, especially when paired with Instagram’s features like stories and reels.
Reach and Audience: Instagram vs. TikTok
Knowing who you’re reaching is key in the Instagram Live vs TikTok Live debate.
The target audience for TikTok and Instagram Live is different. Instagram attracts a slightly older, more established user base who values curated content and deeper connections with influencers.
TikTok is a haven for young people who crave quick, engaging, and often humorous content.
TikTok users are more likely to participate in trends, challenges, and streams that are spontaneous and fun.
TikTok has a strong foothold among Gen Z, with a user base that skews younger. This demographic is drawn to TikTok’s energetic and fast-paced content style.
Instagram, while still popular with younger Instagram users, has a more diverse demographic, including Millennials and older Instagram users who appreciate its more polished and varied content offerings.
Understanding these audience demographics is crucial for influencers and brands when deciding which platform to use for their live streams.
Content Strategy for Live Streaming
A great live stream starts with a plan.
Here are some easy tips to help you make your live content on Instagram and TikTok more engaging.
Best Practices for Creating Engaging Streams
Creating engaging live streams requires a plan no matter which platform you’re on.
On Instagram it’s all about planning. Promote your Instagram or TikTok live stream in advance using Instagram stories and Instagram reels and have a clear idea of what you want to achieve.
- Pro tip: you can also buy real Live stream viewers from TokUpgrade to boost your stream numbers.
Engage your audience with interactive elements like Q&A sessions or guest appearances.
To maximize your reach, try to live stream during peak times.
For Instagram, aim for mid-afternoon and evenings when your audience is most active. On TikTok, late evenings and weekends tend to yield the best engagement.
On TikTok it’s all about spontaneity. Jump into trends, challenge your audience and keep things light and fun to keep your viewers engaged.
How to Promote Live Short Form Videos using Instagram Stories and TikTok Videos
On Instagram, use stories to tease upcoming streams, share what you’ll be covering and encourage followers to set reminders.
Instagram reels are also great for building buzz. Use them to share highlights or snippets of what’s to come.
On TikTok, create short, engaging TikTok short form videos that hint at what’s in your live stream or ask your followers to join you live for a special event or challenge.
Examples of Live Streaming Strategies Used by Top Influencers
Top influencers on both platforms use different strategies to make their live streams successful.
On Instagram, influencers use live streaming for product launches, deep-dive tutorials, or Q&A sessions to connect with their followers.
They also integrate streams with Instagram stories and reels to keep the conversation going. On TikTok, influencers lean into the platform’s trends and challenges.
They might host live challenges, collaborate with other creators for duets, or simply go live to chat and engage with their audience in a relaxed, unscripted way.
Problems and Limitations
Every social media platform has problems and Instagram Live and TikTok Live are no different.
Common Live Stream Issues
- Poor Internet: Unstable connection can cause buffering, delays or even end your stream abruptly.
- Low Engagement: It can be hard to keep viewers engaged and get fewer comments, likes and interactions.
- Technical Issues: Downloaded app crashes, audio problems or video quality drop can disrupt your stream and annoy your audience.
Limitations for Audience Interaction
Instagram Live
- Can feel too polished.
- Hard to be spontaneous.
- Audience is limited by the algorithm and your following.
TikTok Live
- Built for quick content, it might not be for longer, more in-depth streams.
- Spontaneous and viral content may not work for all audiences.
- Audience is also limited by the algorithm and your following.
Which One is Better?
Now that we’ve covered the features, challenges and audience, it’s time to choose which one is better: Instagram Live or TikTok Live?
Instagram Live vs TikTok Live
Both TikTok and Instagram have their pros. Instagram Live is good for creating polished, brand focused content that works for a more mature audience.
It’s perfect for influencers who want to build trust and connect with their followers.
TikTok is a fantastic platform thanks to its interactive features, which also open up a wide range of possibilities for creating engaging live stream content – just take a look at some of the top TikTok video ideas to get inspired.
It’s for creators who love being spontaneous and viral.
Choosing Between Instagram Live and TikTok Live
At the end of the day, it’s up to you. For in-depth, brand focused content, go with Instagram Live. For quick, engaging and interactive sessions for younger people, go with TikTok Live.
Think about your audience, content style and what you want to achieve with your streams before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to go live on Instagram or TikTok?
It depends on your audience and goals. Instagram Live is better for a more mature, established audience, TikTok Live is for a younger, more dynamic crowd.
Who pays better, TikTok or Instagram?
Both have monetization options but are different. TikTok Live allows you to earn virtual gifts from your followers, Instagram Live allows brand collaborations and direct donations through Badges.
Is Instagram good for live streaming?
Yes, Instagram Live is good for live streaming especially if you want to connect with your audience through polished, brand focused content.
Is live streaming on TikTok good?
Yes, TikTok Live is great for interactive, fast paced content that can go viral fast, perfect for creators who want to connect with a younger audience.
Conclusion
In the end, both Instagram Live vs TikTok Live are good tools to connect with your audience. Whether you want to build a strong brand on Instagram or tap into the virality of TikTok, both have something to offer.
Now that you know their features, challenges and audience, choose the one that fits your goals and start live streaming.
