Ever since TikTok took the world by storm by perfecting the short video format, other companies have tried to get in on the action. Instagram Reels function has essentially become a TikTok reposting system, but the same can’t be said for YouTube Shorts.
After all, YouTube is the first-ever video platform where many creators found their home. Whether you enjoy scrolling through video clips or are keen on creating them, it can be helpful to understand how these two platforms do short videos differently.4
While many users will see clear advantages of one against the other, savvy consumers and creators can seize the opportunity to make the most of both.
TikTok vs. YouTube Shorts: Similarities
Both TikTok and YouTube Shorts offer short-video clips designed to draw in the audience with engaging content. The goal is to keep the users going from one clip to the next and to like, comment, and share the videos with others.
The platforms offer analytics to their creators, allowing them to check the view count, watch time per clip, as well as reach and impressions. The good news is that you can track these stats via a desktop browser.
Another commonality between TikTok and YouTube shorts is that scrolling through videos might sometimes seem like an endless process, as you’re unlikely to run out of fresh content.
Finally, both platforms allow users to upload videos they’ve previously created and offer many customization features.
Advantages of Using YouTube Shorts
Perhaps the most efficient way to notice the differences between TikTok and YouTube Shorts is to zoom into their main benefits and drawbacks. Therefore, let’s take a closer look at what YouTube Shorts have that TikTok does not.
Bigger Reach
Even though TikTok is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms today, YouTube is still bigger with its 2 billion users.
While that could change soon, at this time, YouTube Shorts have a potentially bigger reach than TikTok videos. That’s because Shorts are a part of the already established YouTube platform and coexist with other content.
YouTube users don’t need to go elsewhere, as the Shorts simply appeared one day in 2021 and have never left. Plus, YouTube caters to audiences of all ages and demographics, whereas TikTok users are still younger on average.
Less Vulnerability
YouTube and TikTok are both banned in some countries worldwide, and some are available with restrictions.
However, compared to TikTok, YouTube has been successful for many years and may seem more trustworthy in terms of data security. So, creating YouTube Shorts could be seen as a more mainstream option of the two.
Long-Form Video Promotion
YouTube is an excellent place for those who love making long-form video essays or vlogs. By having access to Shorts on their channel, they can make short videos asking people to check out their main channel.
It might not be what the average YouTube Shorts viewer is looking for, but it’s beneficial from the creator’s point of view.
Scheduling Feature
Do you have a good idea for a short video and know precisely how to edit and customize it but don’t want to post it right now?
That’s not a problem with YouTube Shorts, as you have the option to schedule when the video clip will become live. You can choose the exact date and time, and when the video is published, you’ll be reminded of it through all the likes and comments.
Disadvantages of Using YouTube Shorts
One of the biggest drawbacks of YouTube Shorts is that they don’t come with a designated app. That might change, but there isn’t much incentive for it.
Having Shorts along with standard YouTube videos was indeed confusing at first, but you get used to it pretty quickly. Still, if all you want is to watch short videos, you might have a better time on TikTok.
Another downside of YouTube Shorts is that, after seven days, they expire. However, you can save them manually and repost later. But that’s still significantly more inconvenient than not having to do anything, and your video is saved on your feed – which is what TikTok does.
Advantages of Using TikTok
Some users might fight off the trend of getting on TikTok because they’re not fans of short-form video cont34ent. But TikTok has been known to win over even some of its most zealous opponents because it offers a unique virtual space. Here’s what TikTok has to offer.
A More Cohesive Experience
According to data, TikTok is the most engaging social media app. With nearly 11-minute user session time, TikTok is the master of drawing its audience in and keeping their attention.
Also, depending on your user status, TikTok videos can last up to three minutes, allowing users to add more value to their videos.
Also, TikTok has a relatively simple and user-friendly interface that gets you scrolling through the videos as soon as you sign up. The “For You” page quickly starts showing videos similar to those you watch and like to ensure you stay longer and watch a few more videos.
This is precisely what TikTok users love about the app. It allows them to become a part of certain TikTok communities and scroll from one video to another without drastic content style changes.
However, the TikTok algorithm will throw an occasional curveball into the mix to see if you’d be interested in something different.
TikTok Offers a More Level Playing Field
Anyone can go viral on TikTok. Sure, you can do your best to create the environment that will get you viral, but there are no guarantees. It’s not uncommon for a small TikTok page to blow up overnight because it was shared hundreds of thousands of times in hours.
It doesn’t have to be a superbly choreographed dance, but maybe even someone casually giving their take on an episode of a trending TV show.
All bets are off when it comes to TikTok, and that’s why younger people particularly love it so much. On the other hand, going viral on YouTube Shorts happens more often if an already well-known YouTuber creates short-video content that does well.
Disadvantages of Using TikTok
Unlike YouTube Shorts, TikTok doesn’t have a scheduling tool allowing you to pick the time and date of the video going live.
You also don’t have a “dislike” button which comes in handy when you’re trying to curate the content you’d like to see. However, you can:
- Long-press on a specific TikTok video.
- Select “Not Interested” from the pop-up menu.
- Choose to hide videos from particular users or videos containing specific sounds.
It’s the most similar to the “dislike” feature and will help you create a more enjoyable TikTok experience.
Which Short-Video Format Best Suits You?
Most people use more than one social media app, and most TikTok users probably also watch YouTube Shorts from time to time.
People who don’t like this type of content are unlikely to watch either, so it’s more a matter of preference. For some users, a few YouTube Shorts a day is enough of a daily dose, while it’s a way of finding new communities to join for others.
TikTok offers three-minute videos, better customization options, a somewhat fair chance to go viral. YouTube Shorts can help you promote your other YouTube videos and potentially reach a more versatile audience.
Which platform is better suited for your taste? Let us know in the comments section below.
Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.
