How to Share a Reel on IG Story Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to share Instagram Reels to your Story with step-by-step instructions, creative enhancements, and strategies to boost reach and engagement.
How to Share Reel on IG Story for Maximum Engagement
Instagram offers multiple ways to connect with your audience, and knowing how to share Reel on IG Story effectively can dramatically boost both reach and interaction. This guide covers the difference between Reels and Stories, the benefits of combining them, step-by-step sharing instructions, creative enhancement tips, and strategies to track and improve performance.
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Understanding What Reels and Stories Are on Instagram
Instagram has evolved beyond simple photo sharing, becoming a hub for short-form video, visual storytelling, and interactive content. Two of its most popular features are Reels and Stories:
- Reels: Short videos (up to 90 seconds) designed for discovery. Found in the Reels tab, feed, and Explore page.
- Stories: Temporary photos or videos that disappear after 24 hours, appearing at the top of the app in chronological order.
While Reels are ideal for attracting new audiences through exploration and algorithmic recommendations, Stories excel at engaging existing followers in a casual, ephemeral format.
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Why Sharing Reels to Stories Boosts Engagement and Reach
When you share a Reel to your Instagram Story, you merge two powerful formats into one strategy:
- Increased Visibility: Followers who don't browse the Reels tab will still see it in Stories.
- Higher Engagement: Stories enable interactive elements like polls, questions, and stickers that prompt responses.
- Expanded Reach: Engaging Stories can be forwarded by followers to friends, indirectly increasing Reel views.
This tactic maximizes retention by delivering evergreen content in a bite-sized, easy-to-consume manner.
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How to Share Your Own Reel to Your Stories
Sharing your own Reel allows you to re-promote existing content and reach followers who may have missed it.
Benefits include:
- Re-engaging your current audience.
- Promoting a product, service, or event.
- Marking milestones or sharing behind-the-scenes moments.
Quick Steps:
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
- Tap the Reel you wish to share.
- Press the paper airplane icon (Share).
- Select "Add Reel to Your Story."
- Enhance with stickers, text, or music.
- Post — and watch engagement grow.
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How to Share Someone Else’s Reel to Your Stories
You can also share Reels from other creators, with important considerations for permissions.
Permissions and Privacy
- Public accounts: If sharing is enabled, the “Add to Story” option will appear.
- Private accounts: You cannot share their Reel unless granted access.
Always credit the creator to maintain ethical standards and foster positive relationships.
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Step-by-Step Guide for Mobile (iOS and Android)
Follow these detailed instructions to share a Reel via your Story on both platforms:
| Step | iOS | Android |
|---|---|---|
| Open Instagram | Tap the app icon on your home screen | Tap the app icon from the app drawer |
| Locate the Reel | Navigate via profile or Reels tab | Navigate via profile or Reels tab |
| Tap Share Icon | Paper airplane under the Reel | Paper airplane under the Reel |
| Select "Add Reel to Your Story" | Visible if allowed | Visible if allowed |
| Edit Story | Use stickers, text, draws | Use stickers, text, draws |
| Post | Tap "Your Story" bottom left | Tap "Your Story" bottom left |
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Adding Text, Stickers, Polls, and Music Before Posting
Enhancing your shared Reel with creative tools can boost engagement:
Text: Write captions that emphasize the Reel’s value or entertainment factor.
Stickers: Use polls, questions, or emoji sliders to invite interaction.
Music: Add a soundtrack that matches your brand tone or mood.
Example usage:
1. Tap the "Aa" icon for text.
2. Place text in empty space — avoid blocking action.
3. Choose bold colors for legibility.
4. Tap the sticker icon to add polls/questions.
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Best Practices for Audience Retention in Stories
To minimize swipe-aways and maximize viewer retention:
- Keep it short: Offer a compelling teaser.
- Hook early: Immediately add text or stickers.
- Sequence correctly: Put the shared Reel at high-interest points in your Story.
- Stay consistent: Share Reels regularly without overloading followers.
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Troubleshooting Sharing Issues
If "Add Reel to Your Story" is missing:
Possible causes and fixes:
- Privacy Settings — Private accounts prevent sharing.
- Outdated App — Update Instagram.
- Feature Testing — Rollouts may be regional.
- Account Restrictions — Check for policy violations.
For your own Reels, verify "Privacy > Story" settings allow sharing.
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Tips for Timing and Frequency of Sharing Reels in Stories
Finding the optimal posting times increases visibility:
- Morning (7–9 AM): Catch users before work/school.
- Lunch (12–1 PM): Midday peak.
- Evening (7–10 PM): Leisure browsing window.
Frequency:
- Share 2–3 Reels weekly.
- Space shares to avoid saturation.
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Tracking Performance via Instagram Insights
After sharing, review analytics to refine your approach:
- While live, swipe up on the Story to see views and interactions.
- After it expires, go to Insights > Content You Shared > Stories.
Key metrics:
| Metric | Definition | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Impressions | Total number of views | Measures exposure of your shared Reel |
| Reach | Unique accounts viewed | Indicates audience spread |
| Interactions | Replies, sticker taps, shares | Reflects engagement quality |
| Navigation | Forward/back swipes, exits | Shows retention and interest |
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Summary and Next Steps
Mastering how to share Reel on IG Story enables you to repurpose quality content, engage your followers with interactive elements, and reach new audiences. By following these detailed steps, timing your shares strategically, and monitoring Insights, you can elevate your Instagram marketing efforts.
Ready to boost your reach? Start integrating shared Reels into your Stories today and experiment with creative enhancements to see what resonates most with your audience.
