How to Post Reels on IG Story Step-by-Step Guide
Learn step-by-step how to share Instagram Reels to your Story, customize them with interactive features, and boost audience engagement effectively.
How to Post Reels on IG Story: Step-by-Step Guide
Instagram offers a powerful mix of content formats, and knowing how to post Reels on IG Story can help you increase reach, engagement, and connection with your audience. This guide covers the differences between Reels and Stories, provides a clear step-by-step tutorial, and shares insider tips to boost interaction.
---
Understanding the Difference Between Reels and Stories
Before diving into the tutorial, it helps to understand how these formats differ in function and reach:
- Reels: Vertical short videos of up to 90 seconds (sometimes longer) designed for discovery. They often appear in the Explore feed and reach beyond your followers.
- Stories: Temporary posts—photos, videos, or shared Reels—that appear atop your followers’ feed for 24 hours. These posts foster a more personal, in-the-moment connection.
| Feature | Reels | Stories |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Up to 90 seconds | Up to 60 seconds per clip |
| Visibility | Public or to followers; appears in Explore | Only followers (or Close Friends) see them |
| Lifespan | Permanently on profile unless deleted | 24 hours unless saved to Highlights |
| Purpose | Discovery & engagement with new audiences | Instant updates & personal connection |
---
Step 1: Open the Reel You Want to Share
Locate the Reel you wish to share—either from your own profile or another creator’s public content:
- Your content: Go to your profile’s Reels tab.
- Other creators’ Reels: Find them in your feed, on the Explore page, or via the creator’s profile.
Make sure the Reel aligns with your Story’s intended tone or message.
---
Step 2: Tap the Paper Airplane (Share) Icon
Under the Reel, you’ll see a paper airplane icon, just like the one for direct messages.
Tap this to bring up options for sending or resharing the video.
---
Step 3: Select “Add Reel to Your Story”
From the share options, choose “Add Reel to Your Story”. This action opens the Story editor with your chosen Reel ready for customization.
Note: You can only share public Reels or your own content; private Reels are restricted unless you follow the creator and have permissions, but even then, sharing may be limited.
---
Step 4: Adjust Reel Size and Position
Once in the Story editor:
- Pinch to resize.
- Drag to reposition.
Tips for better composition:
- Center the video for highest visibility.
- Prevent cropping key visual elements.
- Leave room for text or stickers at the top and bottom.
---
Step 5: Enhance with Text, Stickers, GIFs, Polls, or Music
Instagram Stories are interactive—this is your chance to make the post unique:
- Add text overlays to emphasize key moments.
- Insert stickers such as hashtags or location tags.
- Use GIFs to create humor or movement.
- Include polls or quizzes to boost interaction.
- Overlay music to complement visuals (original audio will still play).
---
Step 6: Use Mention Tags to Credit the Original Creator
When resharing a public Reel:
- Type @username using the text tool.
- Use the mention sticker for a clickable credit.
Crediting builds trust, protects against content misuse, and can result in networking opportunities.
---
Step 7: Adjust Privacy Settings
Before publishing, decide on visibility:
- Close Friends: Restricted sharing.
- Direct Messages: Send to individuals or groups.
- Public Stories: Visible to all followers.
Select the desired option from the sharing menu.
---
Step 8: Preview and Post
Preview to make sure:
- Text placement is accurate.
- Stickers aren’t blocking visuals.
- Audio flows correctly.
When ready, choose Your Story, Close Friends, or Send—depending on your selected audience.
---
Tips for Increasing Engagement via Reels in Stories
Sharing a Reel in your Story is an engagement tool:
- Include hashtags to appear in relevant Story feeds.
- Add location tags for local exposure.
- Invite responses with question stickers.
- Build anticipation using countdown stickers.
- Post at peak times for optimal reach.
---
Best Practices for Timing and Frequency
Timing matters for visibility:
- Peak hours: Early mornings, midday, and evenings often work best.
- Limit frequency: 1–2 shared Reels a day to avoid overwhelming viewers.
- Relevance: Tie Reels to trending topics or events.
Sample weekly plan:
- Monday: Motivational Reel.
- Wednesday: Educational Reel.
- Friday: Behind-the-scenes or fun content.
---
Monitor Story Views and Interactions
Use Instagram’s analytics to measure results:
- Check view counts.
- Track sticker taps.
- Monitor direct replies.
- Note reshare activity.
These insights reveal which shared Reels resonate most with your audience.
---
Summary & Next Steps
Learning how to post Reels on IG Story is simple, but optimizing for engagement requires creativity, correct timing, and audience insights. By customizing your Stories, crediting creators, and tracking results, you transform ordinary reposts into meaningful touchpoints.
Start experimenting today—share a Reel that fits your brand personality and invite your followers to interact. Your next viral moment could be just one Story away!
