How to Share Reels to Story on Instagram Step-by-Step
Learn how to share Instagram Reels to your Story step-by-step, customize with stickers, boost engagement, and troubleshoot common sharing issues.
How to Share Reels to Story on Instagram Step-by-Step
Instagram is no longer just for static images—it’s a thriving hub for short-form video content. Learning how to share reels to story on Instagram allows you to combine the viral potential of Reels with the instant engagement of Stories, giving your audience more ways to connect with your content. This guide walks you through every step, plus tips for maximizing views and interactions.
Understanding Instagram Reels and Stories
Reels are short, entertaining videos designed for quick consumption and high sharing potential. Stories, in contrast, are ephemeral posts visible for 24 hours, perfect for updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or interactive moments.
Sharing reels to stories can:
- Amplify visibility beyond your feed.
- Re-engage followers who missed the reel initially.
- Add interactive features like polls, stickers, or questions.
By weaving reels into your stories, you create an interactive and dynamic profile that invites more views and participation.
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Step 1: Check Account Privacy and Permissions
Before sharing, confirm your settings:
- To share someone else’s reel: ensure their profile is public and sharing is enabled.
- For your own reels: you can share anytime, but if your profile is private, only followers will see them in your story.
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Step 2: Open the Reel You Want to Share
Locate the reel you want to highlight—whether it’s yours or another creator’s—and tap to view it in full-screen mode.
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Step 3: Tap the Paper Airplane Icon (Share Button)
Find the paper airplane icon directly below the reel. This opens Instagram’s sharing menu, your gateway to story integration.
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Step 4: Select “Add Reel to Your Story”
From the sharing menu:
- Tap Add Reel to Your Story.
- The Story editor will open with the reel embedded, ready for customization.
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Step 5: Customize the Story with Text, Stickers, GIFs, and Music
Now you can add flair:
- Text Tool: Share context, a call-to-action, or commentary.
- Stickers: Use hashtags, mentions, or creative visuals.
- GIFs: Draw attention with motion.
- Music: Choose trending or custom audio to boost mood and engagement.
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Step 6: Adjust Reel Size and Placement in the Story Frame
Resize and reposition to suit your design:
- Large and centered for emphasis.
- Integrated into a collage for creativity.
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Step 7: Tag People or Add Location
Tag collaborators or featured users using @mention. Add a location to boost local discoverability:
- Tags build relationships.
- Locations attract nearby viewers.
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Step 8: Use Engagement Stickers to Boost Interaction
Leverage stickers to encourage participation:
- Polls: Quick votes.
- Questions: Audience input.
- Quizzes: Fun knowledge checks.
More interaction means better algorithmic reach.
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Step 9: Review and Publish to Your Story
Final checklist:
- Correct tags and stickers.
- Accurate captions and spelling.
- Audio synced correctly.
Tap Your Story to share when ready.
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Tips for Sharing Someone Else’s Reel
You can feature another user’s reel if:
- Their profile is public.
- Reel sharing is enabled in settings.
Pro Tip: Always credit original creators via tags—it’s both courteous and beneficial for engagement.
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Troubleshooting Common Problems
Here’s how to address typical issues:
Share Button Not Showing
- Update Instagram.
- Confirm reel’s share settings.
Reels Not Loading
- Check internet connection.
- Restart the app.
- Clear cache on Android.
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Share button missing | Private account, disabled sharing | Check permissions or use another reel |
| Reel fails to load | Weak internet, app glitch | Restart app, switch to Wi-Fi |
| Cannot tag user | User tag disabled | Ask user to enable tagging |
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Best Practices for Increasing Views and Engagement
- Post During Peak Hours: Identify your followers’ most active times.
- Offer Context: Caption reels in your story to encourage clicks.
- Maintain Branding: Use consistent colors, fonts, and themes.
- Cross-Promote: Share across other platforms for extended reach.
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Experiment with Timing and Track Analytics
Use Instagram’s story analytics to:
- Review reach, impressions, and engagement numbers.
- Test posting at different times.
- Discover which types of reels resonate most.
Iterating based on analytics will strengthen your content strategy.
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Conclusion and Call-to-Action
With this step-by-step guide, you now know exactly how to share reels to story on Instagram and enhance both visibility and interaction. Adding creative elements, tagging appropriately, and monitoring analytics can transform a simple share into a powerful growth tool.
Next Action:
Find a reel that aligns with your brand personality, follow these steps to embed it into your story, and watch your engagement climb. Share this guide with fellow creators looking to improve their Instagram presence—successful storytelling starts here.
