Learn the key strategies for creating content on Instagram and TikTok! Discover content types that boost engagement, algorithm tips, and how to connect with your target audience.

Instagram and TikTok: What to Consider When Creating Content?

Social media has become one of the most important elements of today’s digital marketing. Especially Instagram and TikTok offer great opportunities for brands with their wide user base and dynamic content formats. However, to create effective content on these platforms and increase engagement rates, it is necessary to master certain strategies. So, what should you pay attention to when creating content on Instagram and TikTok? Here is our detailed guide.

1. Know Your Target Audience

The first step to success on Instagram and TikTok is correctly analyzing your target audience.

• Age Range: TikTok is generally popular among young users aged 16-24, while Instagram appeals to a broader age range.
• Interests: You should create content that aligns with your audience's interests.
• Behaviors: Utilize statistics to understand what types of content receive more engagement from your audience.

By analyzing your audience correctly, you can create content that resonates with them and receive higher engagement.

2. Understand and Optimize the Algorithm

Each platform has its own unique algorithm, and understanding these is crucial for optimizing your content.

• Instagram: Interactions such as likes, comments, saves, and shares help your content reach more people. Reels videos, in particular, gain more visibility in the explore section.
• TikTok: TikTok’s "For You Page" (Explore) algorithm depends on initial reactions to your content. Video watch time, comments, shares, and re-watches contribute to content distribution.

For both platforms, the first few seconds of your content must be captivating, as users scroll through content quickly.

3. Focus on Video Content

The algorithms of Instagram and TikTok prioritize video content.

• Instagram: You can enhance your content using formats such as Reels, stories, and IGTV.
• TikTok: Since TikTok is entirely video-based, short, engaging, and entertaining videos are essential.

When creating videos, consider the following:

• Capture the viewer’s attention within the first 3 seconds.
• Use vertical format (9:16 ratio is optimal).
• Add subtitles (can be effective for users watching without sound).

4. Follow Trends and Viral Challenges

Trends are key to success on social media.

• On TikTok, trending sounds, challenges, and dances spread rapidly.
• On Instagram, popular hashtags and Reels content can help you appear more in explore sections.

Tips:

• Regularly check TikTok’s "For You" page.
• Monitor Instagram Reels trends.
• Adapt trends to fit your niche.

5. Use Hashtags Correctly

Hashtags help increase the discoverability of your content. However, using the right and relevant hashtags is crucial.

• Instagram: Use 5-10 relevant hashtags.
• TikTok: Select 3-5 effective hashtags and choose terms that maximize discoverability (instead of generic hashtags like #FYP or #ForYou, use niche-specific hashtags).

6. Create Engagement-Boosting Content

To encourage users to interact with your content, apply strategies that stimulate engagement.

• Write headlines that ask questions.
• Add polls and call-to-action prompts.
• Encourage user-generated content (UGC).

For example, you can launch campaigns such as "Create the most creative video using this product and win a gift!"

7. Post Regularly and Consistently

Sharing content consistently helps your audience follow you regularly.

• Instagram: Post at least 3-4 times a week, focusing on Reels videos.
• TikTok: Posting 1-2 times a day can help you grow faster on the platform.

Creating a content calendar can be beneficial for maintaining regular posting schedules.

8. Use High-Quality Visuals and Videos

Both Instagram and TikTok are highly visual platforms. Therefore, producing professional and high-quality content is essential.

• Your videos should be high-resolution.
• Lighting and editing should be of high quality.
• The color palette and designs should align with your brand identity.

Babel: Professional Content Creation

To be successful on Instagram and TikTok, you must understand your target audience, produce content that aligns with algorithms, and quickly adapt to trends. By focusing on video content, using effective hashtags, and maintaining a consistent posting schedule, you can increase engagement rates and build a strong presence on social media.

Creating impactful content on Instagram and TikTok requires time and strategy. If you want professional support to strengthen your brand’s social media presence, Babel offers tailor-made solutions for you. With our experienced team, we help you achieve the best results in creative content production, social media strategy, and digital marketing. Contact us for more information!