I do remember back in 2021 when my younger cousin insisted that if I wanted to hear new Hausa trap songs before they blow, I should “just dey scroll TikTok.” True to his word, every trending Abdul D One or Salim Smart freestyle popped up there first. Fast forward to today, things have changed. Instagram Reels is now another serious battlefield for Hausa artists trying to push their music.
So the big question is: between TikTok and Instagram Reels, which one really helps Hausa artists more in 2025?
In this article, I’ll break it down using real gist from our Hausa music industry—exposure, fan engagement, and money-making potential. Whether you’re an upcoming rapper from Kano, a singer from Katsina, or even just a fan who loves to vibe to new drops, you’ll find this guide helpful.
TikTok: The Street Vibes Machine
If there’s one place where Hausa music gets free hype without much struggle, it’s TikTok. The platform works like a ghetto loudspeaker: once one person starts dancing to your song, another person copies, and before you know it, the sound is everywhere.
Take for example the Labarina song by Naziru Sarkin Waka. Even years after release, clips from the track still circulate on TikTok, keeping it alive. That kind of long life for a song is gold for any artist.
Why Hausa artists love TikTok
- Easy virality: You don’t need a big following. The algorithm pushes fresh content to random people.
- Dance and skit culture: Hausa youths love doing challenges, lip-syncs, and comedy skits. That means your song can spread in creative ways.
- Music-focused features: TikTok was built around sounds. Fans can click on your track and see everyone else using it.
A TikTok user from Kano, Zainab Musa, once told me: “Sometimes I don’t even know the artist name. I just know the song from a challenge. Later I go search am on Audiomack or Boomplay.” That’s how TikTok quietly builds streams.
Instagram Reels: The Prestige Platform
While TikTok feels like street-level hype, Instagram Reels has more polish. Hausa artists who want to appear “packaged” and attract brands tend to invest more time here.
Instagram has a wider age range too. From young students to older fans who follow Kannywood stars, you’ll find people scrolling Reels daily. For an artist who wants serious recognition, Reels offers credibility.
Why Hausa artists use Instagram Reels
- Stronger brand building: Your music sits side by side with your photos, stories, and collaborations. It’s easier to maintain a professional look.
- Global exposure: Instagram is still the go-to platform for brands and international artists.
- Monetization: Instagram allows direct monetization through Reels Play (in some regions) and better ad placements.
For instance, an upcoming Hausa R&B singer, Aliyu Fresh, recently shared that a Nigerian fashion brand reached out to him because they found his Reels consistent and professional. That kind of recognition is harder to get on TikTok.
Exposure: TikTok Wins the Streets
When it comes to raw reach, TikTok beats Reels hands down. You can upload a 15-second clip and wake up to 20,000 views, even without followers.
For Hausa artists, this is huge. Imagine a Zaria-based rapper dropping a freestyle today. TikTok’s algorithm might push it to fans in Kano, Kaduna, or even as far as Lagos and Accra, without the artist lifting a finger.
Instagram, on the other hand, requires stronger networks. Unless you already have an audience, your Reels may not travel far.
Fan Engagement: A Tie
Here’s where things balance out. TikTok gives you fast engagement—comments, duets, and reactions fly in quickly. But they also fade just as fast.
Instagram, however, has deeper engagement. Fans can follow your lifestyle through Stories, live sessions, and Reels combined. For Hausa artists building loyal fanbases, this long-term engagement matters.
Take Salim Smart for example. His TikTok clips blow quickly, but on Instagram, he connects more personally with fans, posting behind-the-scenes moments from shows.
As one fan, Sadiya Bello, put it: “On TikTok, I just dey laugh and dance. But on Instagram, I feel like I actually know the artist.”
Monetization: Instagram Has the Edge
Let’s be honest: most Hausa artists are still struggling with direct monetization on TikTok. You might blow up there, but the money usually comes indirectly (show bookings, streams, or brand deals outside the app).
Instagram offers more structured monetization. Artists can earn through:
- Sponsored posts with brands
- Reels Play bonuses (where available)
- Paid collaborations
For those in Nigeria, it’s not perfect yet, but Instagram remains the stronger platform for turning fame into cash.
Case Study: Two Friends, Two Paths
Consider this short story:
Umar, a young rapper from Kano, focused on TikTok. He dropped freestyles, did challenges, and within 3 months, one of his songs went viral. He gained 50k followers and got booked for a wedding show in Kaduna.
His friend, Aisha, a soft-voiced singer, went the Instagram route. She invested in clean visuals, consistent Reels, and tagged brands. Six months later, a Kannywood producer discovered her page and gave her a soundtrack deal.
Both succeeded, but through different roads. TikTok gave Umar the crowd. Instagram gave Aisha the professional door.
Actionable Insights for Hausa Artists
- Use TikTok for hype and mass reach. Post challenges, freestyles, and relatable skits.
- Use Instagram Reels for branding and long-term connections. Keep it clean, creative, and professional.
- Don’t choose only one. Combine both for maximum results.
- Always link your songs to streaming platforms so fans can find the full track.
For more insights, check out our related post: YouTube Shorts vs TikTok: Which Platform Pushes Hausa Music Harder?
FAQs
Which social media platform is best for Hausa artists in 2025?
TikTok is best for quick exposure, while Instagram is stronger for branding and monetization.
Can I blow up on Instagram the same way as TikTok?
It’s harder. Instagram rewards consistency and image, not just luck.
How can Hausa artists make money from TikTok?
Direct monetization is limited, but virality on TikTok often drives streams, bookings, and brand deals off the app.
Should upcoming Hausa artists use both platforms?
Yes. TikTok gives fast hype, Instagram provides professional growth. Combining both is the best strategy.
Which platform fits Kannywood actors-turned-musicians?
Instagram Reels, since it highlights both music and lifestyle in a polished way.
Kanmalawar magana
At the end of the day, TikTok and Instagram Reels are like two different markets in Kano. TikTok is Sabon Gari—loud, fast, and full of hype. Instagram is more like Ado Bayero Mall—organized, prestigious, and brand-friendly.
If you’re a Hausa artist in 2025, the smartest move is not to choose one over the other but to master both. Use TikTok for your street credibility, then polish your brand on Instagram.
So, over to you: which platform do you use more to discover new Hausa music—TikTok or Instagram? Drop your answer in the comments, and don’t forget to share this with your artist friends.
