Sharing Reels to your Instagram Story has become one of the most effective ways to boost your content’s reach and engagement. Let me walk you through the process, making it simple and foolproof.
The Basic Steps to Share Reels to Stories
First, find the Reel you want to share – it can be your own or someone else’s. Look for the paper airplane icon (share button) below the Reel and tap it. You’ll see “Add Reel to your story” as one of the first options. This is your golden ticket to getting that Reel into your Story.
Customizing Your Story Share
Here’s where it gets fun – you’re not just limited to sharing the Reel as-is. Once you’ve selected “Add to Story,” you’ll enter the Story editor. Think of this as your creative playground. You can:
– Add text overlays
– Include GIFs or stickers
– Use the drawing tools
– Resize the Reel preview
– Add music (though the original Reel audio will still play)
Pro Tips for Maximum Impact
I’ve found that timing is everything when sharing Reels to Stories. Post during peak hours when your followers are most active – typically between 9 AM and 9 PM in your local time zone. Also, consider adding a call-to-action sticker or text encouraging viewers to “Watch Full Reel” by tapping through.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes you might notice the share button is greyed out, or you can’t add the Reel to your Story. This usually happens if:
– The account that posted the Reel has sharing restrictions
– You’re trying to share a Reel from a private account
– There’s a temporary glitch in the app
If you run into any of these issues, try closing and reopening Instagram. As of 2025, Instagram has made significant improvements to their sharing features, but occasional hiccups still happen.
Making the Most of Your Shared Reel
Remember, when you share a Reel to your Story, it’s only visible for 24 hours. Make it count! I always recommend adding context about why you’re sharing it. Maybe it made you laugh, taught you something new, or relates to your brand message. This personal touch helps your audience connect with the content more meaningfully.
Think of sharing Reels to Stories as a way to curate content for your followers while giving credit to creators you admire. It’s a win-win situation that builds community and increases engagement across the platform.
