TikTok for Wedding Photographers

Video content has taken all social media platforms by storm. With Instagram’s algorithm changing to favor Reels, users were forced to switch up their marketing efforts to promote their businesses. But now TikTok has stirred up the social media game, adding yet another platform to wedding photographer’s workflow. If you’ve mastered Instagram Reels and are now looking to step up your TikTok game, we’re here to help.

From post ideas to current trends, here’s everything you need to know about TikTok for wedding photographers.

Instagram Reels vs. TikTok for Wedding Photographers

As a wedding photographer, odds are you have experience using Instagram to market your business. And with big algorithm changes over the past year, you’ve invested time learning how to shoot, edit, and share Instagram reels. That will pay off, making for an easy transition over to TikTok.

TikTok and Reels are both geared toward short-form videos under 90 seconds. This means they are very similar when it comes to the type of content they push and their editing processes. But, despite the surface-level similarities, the platforms differ in various ways. Here’s a breakdown of each platform:

Instagram Reels

Video Length – Allows for videos 15, 30, 60, or 90 seconds long
Music – Instagram business accounts are not allowed to use copyrighted music
Audience – Inclusive of all age groups, but typically geared towards Gen X and older
Analytics – Accounts reached (followers vs. non-followers), content interactions, profile activity, overall views, audience retention, and impressions
Monetization – Reels Bonus Program is an invite-only program that allows you to make money based on the performance of your reel and the number of reels you produce

TikTok

Video Length – Allows for videos up to 10 minutes
Music – A wider selection of audio materials
Audience – Gen Z or Millennials
Analytics – Total play time, average watch time, reached audience, retention rate, video views by section/region
Monetization – TikTok Creator Fund allows users to earn money based on their content’s views

Image by The Rose Reflective

Which Should You Be Using?

Can’t choose between using Instagram Reels and TikTok? Try both. While we believe your business should have a presence on both platforms, which you choose to focus on most depends on your desired audience and the type of internet presence you’re looking to create.

Instagram Reels tend to be longer, more polished videos, whereas TikToks are typically shorter and more approachable, consisting of content that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The casual nature of TikTok allows brands to connect more with their followers—turning potential clients into loyal customers. If that’s your goal, you might want to focus on TikTok.

Can You Reuse Content Across Platforms?

With both platforms favoring short-form video content, they are often thought of interchangeably when it comes to video content. Reusing your videos is absolutely allowed, and it’s a great way to broaden your company’s reach without adding much to your to-do list.

Photobug Tip:

Instagram announced that its algorithm would deprioritize content containing the TikTok watermark. If you’re cross-sharing content, take the extra time to recreate your video on each platform rather than sharing with a watermark. There are also a variety of websites and apps that can remove watermarks.

Image by Me and Georgia

TikTok Ideas For Wedding Photographers

1. Behind The Scenes Content

You can use Instagram to showcase your final, edited photographs. But TikTok is the perfect space to share behind-the-scenes (BTS) footage. We’re talking about bloopers, how you got the shot, or even a day in the life. These styles of videos show a behind-the-camera perspective that followers don’t usually get the chance to see.

2. Introduction Posts

TikTok is your chance to show off your personality. It gives your followers the opportunity to see who’s actually behind the camera. And creating introductory posts or storytime videos allows your followers to connect with you personally.

3. Share Wedding Tips

As a wedding photographer, you’ve probably gathered a lot of helpful wedding day dos and don’ts. TikTok is the platform to use to share them. Use it as a chance to get creative and create saveable content your followers will want to revisit. Creating this type of informative content is also a great way to increase your following.

Here are a few tip ideas to get your round-up brainstorming started:

What to look for when hiring a photographer
My favorite wedding trends
Epic exit ideas
How to walk down the aisle to get the perfect shot

Image by Lucie B. Photo

4. Share Tips For Other Wedding Photographers

Don’t just limit yourself to wedding-planning couples. As a seasoned pro, you have a unique perspective other photographers can benefit from. Think back to your early stages as a wedding photographer: what questions did you have?

Here are a few tip ideas to get your round-up brainstorming started:

Editing tips
Posing ideas
Unique gadgets to spice up your next photoshoot

5. Location Vs. The Shot

Location vs. the shot is a trending video idea that starts with a video showing the location of your photo shoot, followed by a series of images taken. This is a great TikTok idea for destination wedding photographers.

Tips When Creating TikToks for Wedding Photographers

Keep your videos short
Create saveable content that’s informative and answers viewers’ questions
Create videos with trending sounds and hashtags
Post consistently
Showcase what makes you unique
Engage with your clients

You now have all the tools needed to take TikTok by storm, but why stop there? It’s time to take your video content to the next level across all platforms, including Instagram Reels. To incorporate Reels into your marketing strategy, check out our guide to Instagram Reels for wedding photographers.

Image by Janet Kaczmarek

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