How Can I Share a YouTube Video to Facebook Step by Step
Learn step-by-step methods to share YouTube videos on Facebook from mobile or desktop, with tips to boost reach, captions, and audience engagement.
How Can I Share a YouTube Video to Facebook Step by Step
Sharing a YouTube video on Facebook is a powerful way to boost engagement, connect with your audience, and promote valuable content across platforms. Whether you’re sharing your own creation or another channel’s upload, knowing exactly how to share a YouTube video to Facebook step by step helps you avoid privacy issues, copyright problems, or low visibility.
This comprehensive guide explains multiple methods to post YouTube videos on Facebook, along with actionable tips to maximize reach and audience interaction.
---
Understanding YouTube and Facebook Video Sharing Basics
YouTube specializes in video hosting and discovery, while Facebook’s algorithm is built for social engagement.
When you post a YouTube link to Facebook, you’re driving viewers away from Facebook to the YouTube platform.
Key points to remember:
- Shared YouTube links may have less reach on Facebook than native videos, because Facebook prefers its own hosted videos.
- YouTube shares work well for branding, cross-promotion, and growing your subscriber base.
- Embedding or linking can serve different marketing objectives.
---
Check Video Privacy Settings and Copyright Restrictions
Before posting any video link:
- Privacy Settings – Ensure the YouTube video is set to Public or Unlisted; private videos won’t be visible through Facebook.
- Copyright Compliance – Only share content you own or have permission to distribute. When sharing others’ videos, confirm they allow embedding.
- Content Guidelines – Make sure the video complies with Facebook’s Community Standards to prevent removal or reduced reach.
---
Option 1: Share Directly from YouTube (Desktop and Mobile)
Sharing directly uses YouTube’s built-in share function, generating a clickable preview on Facebook.
On Mobile (YouTube App)
- Open the YouTube app and locate your chosen video.
- Tap the Share icon under the video player.
- Select Facebook from the sharing options.
- Write your caption in the Facebook post editor.
- Tap Post to publish.
On Desktop
- Visit the YouTube video page.
- Click the Share button below the video.
- Select the Facebook icon.
- In the pop-up Facebook window, add a caption, hashtags, or tags.
- Click Post to Facebook.
---
Step-by-Step: Sharing from YouTube App to Facebook Feed
Mobile users can follow these steps:
- Launch the YouTube app.
- Open or play the desired video.
- Tap Share > Facebook.
- Choose your audience (Public, Friends, or specific lists).
- Write an engaging opening line to draw attention in the feed.
- Post to your timeline, page, or group.
Pro Tip: Use a captivating first sentence as a hook to increase click-through rate.
---
Step-by-Step: Sharing from YouTube Desktop to Facebook Page or Group
To share from desktop to a page or group:
- Open the YouTube video in your browser.
- Click Share, then select Facebook.
- In the Facebook pop-up, pick where to post (news feed, managed page, or group).
- Enter a compelling caption.
- Publish directly or schedule for later.
For more posting control, you can also copy the link manually (explained in the next option).
---
Option 2: Copy and Paste YouTube Link into a Facebook Post
This method offers greater flexibility in wording and presentation:
- Copy the YouTube URL from your browser address bar or via the Share menu.
- Open Facebook and create a new post.
- Paste the link; Facebook will auto-generate the thumbnail.
- Add descriptive text, hashtags, and tags.
- Publish or schedule.
Advantages: Full editorial control over your post and the option to hide the raw link after the preview loads.
---
Tips for Adding Engaging Captions and Hashtags for Better Reach
- Start strong: Begin with a bold statement or intriguing question.
- Relevant hashtags: Mix niche and trending tags to broaden reach.
- Tag people or pages: Boosts your chances of reshares and engagement.
- Include a CTA: Encourage viewers to comment, like, or watch to the end.
---
Option 3: Embed YouTube Videos in Facebook Notes or Blog Posts
Using Facebook Notes (less common now) or your blog can add context around the video.
Steps:
- Grab the embed code from YouTube (Share > Embed).
- Open Facebook Notes.
- Paste the embed code where you want the video to appear.
- Add descriptive content and publish.
Similarly, embed videos in a blog post and share that blog link on Facebook for additional traffic sources.
---
Troubleshooting Common Sharing Issues
Sometimes Facebook may not display your YouTube link preview correctly. Use this quick reference to solve common problems:
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Thumbnail not displaying | Facebook cache | Refresh preview with Facebook Sharing Debugger |
| Video not playable | Private video settings | Set video to Public or Unlisted |
| Reduced reach | External link deprioritization | Post at peak engagement times; use strong captions |
---
Best Practices for Maximizing Engagement When Sharing Videos
- Post at optimal times – Check Facebook Insights for your audience’s peak activity.
- Pin key videos – Keep important posts visible at the top of your page.
- Respond to interactions promptly – Boosts engagement signals.
- Experiment – Try posting a screenshot with the link in the comments to bypass reach limitations.
- A/B test captions – Improve conversion by testing text variations.
---
Insights on Facebook Algorithm and External Link Reach
Facebook’s algorithm tends to reduce organic reach for posts containing external links like YouTube URLs. This keeps users on the platform longer.
Counter strategies include:
- Add high-value, curiosity-provoking captions so users still click.
- Share in Facebook Stories for added visibility.
- Post native teaser videos on Facebook with links to the full YouTube video.
---
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Sharing Method for Your Goals
Your ideal method for sharing a YouTube video to Facebook depends on your objective:
- To drive YouTube traffic: A direct YouTube share is the simplest.
- For post customization: Paste the link manually into a Facebook post.
- For long-form content: Embed in Facebook Notes or on a blog before sharing.
When you understand privacy settings, craft engaging captions, and post strategically, you can ensure that your YouTube videos perform well on Facebook — reaching the right audience and encouraging meaningful interaction.
Ready to start sharing? Pick one of these methods today and put your next YouTube video in front of more eyes on Facebook.
