We posted the same 30 short videos to both TikTok and Instagram Reels over 90 days, with no paid promotion. Here's what happened.
TikTok results: Average 14,000 views per video, 3 videos broke 100k. Net follower gain: 8,400.
Instagram Reels results: Average 4,200 views per video, 1 video broke 100k. Net follower gain: 2,100.
On raw growth velocity, TikTok still wins for new creators. The For You algorithm is more willing to test content from small accounts and push it broadly if it performs.
But here's the catch: Instagram followers convert to email lists, courses, and physical product sales at roughly 4x the rate. TikTok audience monetization is harder unless you go through TikTok Shop.
The play in 2026: Grow on TikTok, convert on Instagram. Repost your best TikToks to Reels within 48 hours (remove the watermark), drive your TikTok audience to your Instagram in bio, and monetize there.