A Structural Analysis of Short Video Platforms: Tiktok, Reels, and Shorts

Abstract

Short video–oriented platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have become significant media environments that transform users’ content consumption and production practices within the digital media ecosystem. This study aims to reveal the structural characteristics, content formats, and operational logic of these platforms. In this context, the study employs descriptive analysis, one of the qualitative data analysis methods. The data were collected through observation of the platforms’ user interfaces and content, and the obtained data were analyzed in line with predefined categories. The findings indicate that although all three
platforms center on the short video format, they exhibit significant differences in terms of algorithmic operations, content production opportunities, and forms of user interaction. It is expected that the findings of this study will provide a theoretical and methodological foundation for future comparative, quantitative, or interdisciplinary research on digital platforms, algorithmic culture, and user interaction.