How to Share a Reel to My Story on Instagram Step-by-Step
Learn how to share a Reel to your Instagram Story with step-by-step instructions plus tips for maximizing engagement, reach, and visibility.
How to Share a Reel to My Story on Instagram: Step-by-Step Guide
Sharing Instagram Reels to your Story is a smart way to spark engagement, amplify your reach, and keep your audience entertained. If you’ve been searching how to share a reel to my story on Instagram, this comprehensive guide walks you through each step, explains the difference between Reels and other formats, and shares insider tips for maximizing discoverability — all while respecting privacy and content rights.
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Understanding the Difference Between Reels, Stories, and Posts
Before posting a Reel to your Story, it helps to know the distinctions between these Instagram formats:
| Feature | Reels | Stories | Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Short, engaging videos with music/effects to reach explore audiences | Temporary 24-hour content to engage followers | Permanent feed content for long-term visibility |
| Length | Up to 90 seconds | Up to 60 seconds (broken into 15-sec clips) | Images or videos (up to 60 sec; longer for carousel) |
| Discovery | Visible in Explore and Reel tabs | Follower-focused, limited discoverability | Visible in profile feed and can appear in Explore |
Reels are optimized for viral reach, while Stories offer a more ephemeral, personal connection. Leveraging both gets you the benefit of wide exposure and targeted engagement.
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Check Reel Sharing Permissions (Public vs. Private Accounts)
Instagram’s privacy controls limit sharing in some cases:
- Public Accounts – Reels can usually be shared without restriction.
- Private Accounts – You’ll only see the "Add Reel to Story" option if you follow them and they allow sharing in their settings.
If you can’t share someone’s Reel, review their privacy settings or ask permission.
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Locate the Reel You Want to Share
You can share:
- Your Own Reels – Perfect for reintroducing recent content to followers.
- Other Users’ Reels – Ensure they’re public or repost-friendly.
Navigate to the Reels tab or your profile feed and select the Reel you’d like to feature in your Story.
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Tap the Paper Plane/Share Icon Beneath the Reel
Under every Reel — alongside comment and like icons — you'll see a paper plane symbol.
Tap this icon to open the share menu.
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Select “Add Reel to Your Story” Option
From the menu, choose “Add Reel to Your Story”. This launches the Story editor with the selected Reel embedded. If you don't see the option, check the troubleshooting section below.
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Customize the Story for Maximum Impact
Increase watch time and engagement by adding:
- Stickers – Include location, mentions, hashtags, or emojis
- Text – Add captions or calls-to-action
- GIFs – Give your Story a dynamic touch
- Background Color – Adjust for better visual appeal
A well-designed Story is more likely to capture attention and encourage repeat views.
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Tag People or Add Hashtags for Extended Reach
Tag collaborators, friends, or brands to increase chances of re-shares, and include relevant hashtags to improve discoverability.
Example hashtags: `#ReelsOnStories #BoostEngagement`
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Use Interactive Story Stickers to Boost Engagement
Interactive elements can significantly lift engagement:
- Polls – Ask for opinions on the Reel’s content
- Questions – Gather feedback or ideas
- Quizzes – Make content playful and challenging
- Emoji Slider – Let viewers react emotionally
These stickers invite participation and extend viewer time with your Story.
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Preview and Post Your Story
Before publishing, preview the Story to ensure it looks and reads as intended. Then tap Your Story to share, or use Close Friends to limit access.
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Tips for Increasing Reach When Sharing Reels to Stories
- Craft a hook – Make captions intriguing.
- Use trending stickers – Tap into current themes or memes.
- Post strategically – Share during peak hours (see below).
- Cross-promote – Mention it on other social channels.
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Troubleshooting: Missing “Add to Story” Option
Possible reasons include:
- Reel owner’s account is private with sharing disabled.
- Creator has disabled Story sharing for their Reels.
- Your Instagram app is outdated — update via your app store.
- Temporary bugs — try logging out/in.
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Respecting Privacy When Sharing
Even on public accounts, ethical sharing matters:
- Ask for permission when in doubt.
- Avoid sharing sensitive content without consent.
- Credit the creator with mention stickers or text.
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Best Practices: Optimal Times to Share Reels to Stories
Timing plays a role in how many users view and engage with your Story:
| Day | Recommended Time (Local) | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 11 AM – 1 PM | Lunchtime browsing |
| Evenings | 7 PM – 9 PM | Post-work relaxation |
| Weekends | 10 AM – 12 PM | Leisure morning scroll |
Testing multiple times and checking analytics will reveal your ideal schedule.
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How to Measure Engagement via Instagram Insights
To find out how your shared Reel performed in Stories:
Go to Profile → Insights → Content → Stories, then review:
- Reach – Number of unique viewers
- Impressions – Total views including repeats
- Taps Forward/Backward – Story navigation
- Replies – Direct messages stemming from your Story
- Sticker Taps – Interaction with polls, questions, sliders
Consistently tracking these metrics helps refine your content strategy.
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Summary
Learning how to share a reel to my story on Instagram unlocks a quick path to more views and deeper engagement. By understanding privacy settings, adding creative enhancements, using interactive features, and timing your posts strategically, you can ensure shared Reels deliver maximum impact. Start applying these techniques now to grow your presence — and keep your followers coming back for more.
