How to Post IG Reels on Facebook and Boost Engagement
Learn how to cross-post Instagram Reels to Facebook, link accounts, set privacy, use audio trends, and optimize captions for better engagement.
How to Post IG Reels on Facebook and Boost Engagement
Instagram Reels are one of the most engaging video formats on social media, but limiting them to Instagram alone can mean missing out on a broader audience. Cross-posting is a powerful tactic that allows you to share the same content across multiple channels and increase visibility without doubling your workload. In this guide, you’ll learn how to post IG Reels on Facebook, connect your accounts, and optimize your videos for engagement across both platforms.
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Understanding the Link Between Instagram Reels and Facebook Reels
Instagram Reels and Facebook Reels are seamlessly integrated within Meta’s ecosystem. Both offer short-form vertical videos, a rich library of music, special effects, and creative tools — but each platform caters to different demographics.
- Instagram is popular among younger, trend-driven users.
- Facebook connects a more diverse range of users, including older, community-focused audiences.
By cross-posting Reels, you can:
- Extend reach to multiple age groups.
- Increase the content’s life cycle.
- Leverage different algorithms for increased impressions.
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Connecting Instagram and Facebook Accounts via Meta Settings
Before cross-posting, you’ll need to link your accounts so sharing is seamless.
Step-by-Step Connection
- Open Instagram and navigate to your profile.
- Tap the menu icon (☰) and select Settings.
- Go to Account Center or Meta Accounts Center.
- Add your Facebook account and confirm the connection.
Once linked, you’ll unlock convenient sharing options and unified settings for both platforms.
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Enabling Automatic Sharing of Reels from Instagram to Facebook
To save time, enable automatic sharing so your Reels appear instantly on Facebook without a manual upload.
- During Reel creation, toggle Share to Facebook before posting.
- To set it permanently:
- Go to Instagram Settings → Reels → Share to Facebook.
- Turn on Always Share.
This ensures all your Instagram Reels are also published to your connected Facebook profile or page.
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Setting Appropriate Privacy Settings for Shared Reels
Privacy settings determine who can see your cross-posted content.
Privacy Options:
- Public: Best for reach and discovery.
- Friends Only: Limits viewing to Facebook friends.
- Custom: Target groups or lists specifically.
Always review privacy preferences in the Facebook Post Audience Selector before publishing.
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Manually Posting an Existing IG Reel to Facebook
Not all Reels need to be shared automatically — manual posting gives control over selection and edits.
Manual Posting Steps:
- Download from Instagram
- Open the Reel and tap the three dots → Save to device.
- Upload to Facebook
- Log in, start a new Reel post, and upload the video.
- Customize captions, hashtags, and audience as needed.
This approach allows fine-tuning for platform-specific engagement.
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Using Original Audio and Trending Songs for Cross-Platform Engagement
Audio can make or break a Reel’s performance. Trends often cross platforms but not all licensed tracks are available everywhere.
Tips for Audio Selection:
- Create original audio for brand recognition.
- Utilize trending songs when they fit your message.
- Align audio with the mood and interests of your audience.
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Optimizing Captions and Hashtags for Both Algorithms
The right captions and hashtags boost discoverability, but note each platform’s style:
| Platform | Caption Style | Hashtag Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Concise, emotive, emoji-rich | Blend trending, niche, and branded hashtags | |
| Detailed, informative | Fewer, highly relevant hashtags |
Pro Tip: Craft captions suitable for both, then customize hashtags for maximum platform impact.
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Monitoring Analytics for Cross-Posted Reels via Meta Business Suite
Tracking performance helps you improve future posts.
With Meta Business Suite You Can:
- View insights for both Instagram and Facebook in one dashboard.
- Monitor views, watch time, demographics, and engagement.
- Compare and analyze performance trends.
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Testing Posting Times and Formats for Best Engagement Rates
Timing can boost content visibility — but ideal times differ by platform.
Testing Process:
- Post comparable Reels at varied times.
- Track engagement for several weeks.
- Identify your peak posting windows.
Format Guidelines:
- Always use 9:16 vertical video.
- Keep Facebook Reels under 30 seconds for higher completion rates.
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Repurposing Reels Content for Each Audience
While cross-posting saves effort, small tweaks improve resonance.
Repurposing Ideas:
- Adapt captions for the audience culture of each platform.
- Include platform-specific CTAs, such as “Follow us on Instagram” or “Join our Facebook Group.”
- Select thumbnails that attract clicks in each platform’s feed.
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Summary and Next Steps
Mastering how to post IG Reels on Facebook gives creators and brands a fast track to wider reach. By linking accounts, setting smart privacy options, optimizing audio and captions, tracking metrics, and testing timing, you’ll be prepared to engage distinct audiences without doubling production time.
Start cross-posting your Reels today to maximize visibility and watch your follower engagement grow across Instagram and Facebook.
