How to Add a Reel to Your Instagram Story Easily
Learn simple methods to share Instagram Reels to your Story, customize them for engagement, and boost your reach with creative best practices.
How to Add a Reel to Your Instagram Story Easily
Instagram has become a powerful platform for visual storytelling, with Reels taking center stage for discoverability and Stories driving real-time, personal engagement. Knowing how to add reel to story Instagram is essential for anyone looking to increase reach, keep followers engaged, and make the most out of their content. This article will guide you through simple methods, customization tips, and best practices so you can seamlessly merge the benefits of these two formats.
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Understanding Instagram Reels vs. Instagram Stories
Before you start sharing, it’s important to understand the difference between Instagram’s two key formats:
- Instagram Reels: Short, entertaining videos (up to 90 seconds) that appear in the Reels tab, Explore feed, and followers’ feeds. Great for attracting new audiences.
- Instagram Stories: Photos or videos that disappear after 24 hours (unless saved to Highlights). They are mainly for ephemeral, direct connections with followers.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Instagram Reels | Instagram Stories |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | Permanent (unless deleted) | 24 hours |
| Length | Up to 90 seconds | Up to 60 seconds per clip |
| Discoverability | High (Explore & Reels tab) | Low (followers only, unless public and shared) |
| Purpose | Reach new audiences | Connect personally with followers |
By sharing Reels in Stories, you combine the discoverability of Reels with the urgency and intimacy of Stories.
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Check Privacy and Sharing Permissions for Reels
Before attempting to share:
- For your own Reels: Make sure your account is public if you want to reach more than just your followers.
- For others’ Reels: The creator must have sharing enabled. Private accounts’ content cannot be reshared to Stories.
How to check and change settings:
- Navigate to the Reel.
- Tap the three-dot menu.
- Look for “Allow Sharing to Story” in your account privacy settings.
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Method 1: Share Your Own Reel to Your Story from the Reel Screen
This is the fastest way to feature your own content in Stories.
- Open the Reel
- Go to your profile, tap the Reels tab, and choose the Reel you want to share.
- Tap the Paper Plane Icon
- Located beneath the video — it’s the direct share button.
- Select “Add Reel to Your Story”
- This opens the Story editor with a preview of your Reel.
- Edit (optional)
- Add text, GIFs, or tags to enhance it.
- Post
- Tap “Your Story” to publish.
This method is ideal for alerting followers to new Reels and boosting initial views.
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Method 2: Share Someone Else’s Reel to Your Story
You can also share content from other creators that’s inspiring, entertaining, or relevant to your audience.
With Tagging (Recommended):
- Watch the Reel you want to share.
- Tap the Paper Plane Icon.
- Select “Add Reel to Your Story”.
- Add a text sticker like “via @username” to credit the creator.
- Post it to your Story.
Without Tagging (Not Recommended):
If the Reel is public and shareable, you can post without tagging — but for etiquette, transparency, and copyright reasons, acknowledgment is best.
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How to Customize Your Story Before Sharing the Reel
The Story editor lets you personalize content before publishing. Options include:
- Add Stickers: Polls, questions, countdowns to spark interaction.
- Insert Text Overlays: Highlight tips, jokes, or insights.
- Use GIFs: Make your Story visually dynamic.
- Change Background Color: Tap and hold to fill behind the Reel.
- Add Extra Music: Overlay additional audio via the music icon.
- Resizing & Placement: Pinch to adjust the Reel preview, drag to reposition.
Personalizing a Reel in your Story makes it feel fresh and tailored for your followers.
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Tips for Increasing Engagement with Shared Reels in Stories
- Engagement Stickers: Use polls (“What do you think?”), emoji sliders, or quizzes to invite response.
- Tease Content: Use a sticker to partially cover the Reel and spark curiosity.
- Post at Peak Hours: Check Instagram Insights for your audience’s active times.
- Direct Call-to-Action: Phrases like “Tap to Watch” or “Try this tip!” can prompt action.
Example CTAs:
- “This had me in stitches 😂 — watch now!”
- “Have you tried this hack yet? 👇”
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Troubleshooting: Why You Might Not See the Share Option
Occasionally the “Add Reel to Story” button may be missing due to:
- Private Account: Reels from private users can’t be shared.
- Disabled Sharing: Creator has turned off sharing.
- Outdated App: Update Instagram to the latest version.
- Temporary Glitch: Log out/in or reinstall the app.
- Age/Region Restrictions: Some content types are geographically limited.
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Benefits of Adding Reels to Stories for Reach and Visibility
- Double Exposure: Appears in both Story and Reels feeds.
- Drive Traffic: Viewers can tap through to watch the full Reel.
- Reach Unique Audiences: Some followers prefer Stories over Reels.
- Cross-Promotion: Showcase collaborations or user-generated content.
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Quick Dos and Don’ts for Brand Safety and Copyright
Do:
- Credit the creator when sharing others’ Reels.
- Add value with commentary or context.
- Ensure content aligns with your brand’s style.
Don’t:
- Share copyrighted material without permission.
- Flood Stories with constant reposts — keep balance.
- Misrepresent content by altering it deceptively.
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Wrap-Up: Experiment with Sharing Reels
Now you know how to add reel to story Instagram in multiple ways, customize them, and solve common issues. Whether you are boosting your own Reel or featuring another creator’s work, sharing via Stories is a quick, effective way to increase views, engagement, and brand visibility.
Take action: Choose a recent Reel, share it to your Story with a creative twist, and monitor how your audience responds. By experimenting and refining your approach, you can grow your presence and connect more meaningfully on Instagram.
