How To Post a YouTube Video on Instagram

You’re an influencer, and your latest YouTube video is pure gold. It’s informative and entertaining; your Instagram followers would love it. But there’s a problem – you don’t know how to post a YouTube video on Instagram. 

Every influencer tries setting their foot on two platforms at least once. However, making it work isn’t always easy and requires a lot of effort.

Sharing your content on multiple social media platforms can open up many opportunities. For instance, you can use a video to engage a larger audience. And Instagram is the perfect platform to get your YouTube videos the attention they deserve. 

So, how can you make your content flow between these two social media giants? We can guide your way around it. Go through this straightforward guide on how to post a YouTube video on Instagram and set yourself up for success. 

Why Share YouTube Videos on Instagram?

Before we tell you the hows, let’s explore the why’s. So, why try to share your YouTube videos on Instagram? We have a few good reasons on our list. 

• Increase Engagement

Here’s something cool: Instagram Reels, in particular, are like engagement magnets. They can reel in 33.8% more interaction than other Instagram posts. So, if you want to engage your audience with video content, Instagram is the place to be.

• Keep Your Followers in the Loop

By giving your Instagram followers a peek at your latest YouTube creations, you’re keeping them in the loop. They’ll know what’s new on your channel. And, who knows, they might even follow you on both platforms. 

• Boost Brand Awareness

Instagram is like a bustling city with tons of people. So, sharing your YouTube videos on Instagram is like putting up a billboard with your brand name. The attention-grabbing vibe of Instagram can help your brand get recognized. It can also leave a lasting impression on your customers, clients, and future users. It’s like shouting from the digital rooftops.

• Increase Visibility and Cross-Promotion

By sharing YouTube content on Instagram, you can boost the visibility of both platforms. These posts will incline Instagram users who haven’t discovered your YouTube channel yet to explore it.

Creative Uses of YouTube Videos on Instagram

As an influencer, you can take your social media game to the next level by posting YouTube videos on Instagram. Beyond simply sharing your YouTube links, there are various creative ways you can use Instagram for your YouTube videos. 

Let’s go over some innovative strategies to maximize your online presence.

Create a Teaser Trailer

You’ve got an exciting, longer YouTube video in the works. Build some buzz by crafting a teaser trailer and sharing it on Instagram. This short teaser will lead your audience right to your YouTube masterpiece. It’s a strategic way to engage your viewers and ensure they don’t miss out on what’s coming.

Craft a Video Mash-Up:

Dig into your treasure trove of older videos you’ve created, even if you didn’t keep the original files. Download those old favorites and work some magic to create a nostalgic mash-up. Your Instagram followers will love taking a trip down memory lane.

Transformative Video Use

Did you know that you can use videos for educational purposes under the Fair Use Act? Feel free to grab snippets from YouTube to illustrate a point or share some educational tidbits. Double-check the laws in your state or country before you hit the upload button. 

Showcase Behind-the-Scenes Content

You may have a lot of behind-the-scenes video files from your YouTube content lying around in your data. What better place to post it than Instagram? These little snippets give your audience double follower engagement on both platforms. Your followers get a peek at the dedication and effort behind your content. It’s a sure way to pique their interest and make them want to revisit your full YouTube video.

Highlight Important Moments

You may have captured not just one but numerous important or memorable moments in your YouTube videos. Your audience might love these moments but would have forgotten about them. Take this as an opportunity to share these moments on your Instagram. You can even create a highlight for these moments on Instagram. This will pique your followers’ interest and encourage them to watch the full video.

Preparing Your YouTube Video

Before posting a YouTube video on Instagram, you must ensure your video is ready for sharing. Let’s go through some steps to prepare your YouTube video. 

1. Choose the Right Video

Do your research and pick a YouTube video you want to share on Instagram. Ensure it’s engaging and relevant to your Instagram audience.

2. Download the Video

You can’t directly post the video from YouTube to Instagram. First, you will have to download the video from YouTube to your device. YouTube doesn’t allow you to download videos from its platform directly. However, you can use various online tools and software for this purpose.

3. Edit if Necessary

Use video editing software to make any adjustments or add captions, music, or filters to enhance the video’s appeal.

4. Optimize the Video

To ensure your YouTube video performs well on Instagram, consider these optimization tips:

• Use the right aspect ratios: Instagram recommends 9:16 for stories and 1:1 for regular posts. Make sure your video fits these dimensions.
• Add captions: A lot of us watch videos on mute. So, adding captions can make your content more accessible and engaging.
• Use appropriate hashtags: Hashtags on Instagram are great for visibility, but only when used correctly. Make the most out of your content by researching and adding relevant hashtags in your caption. 
• Post consistently: Stick to a consistent posting routine to keep your audience engaged and up to date.
• Collaborate with influencers: Partnering with influencers can help expand your reach and introduce your content to a wider audience.

How To Post a YouTube Video on Instagram as a Post/Reel

After you’re done optimizing your video, you can begin the process of uploading it to your Instagram profile. So, let’s go over the steps of sharing your YouTube video as a regular post on Instagram:

1. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device and log into your account.
2. Look for that ‘+’ icon at your screen’s bottom center. Tap and start creating a new post.
3. Navigate through your device’s gallery and pick out the YouTube video you downloaded earlier.
4. Instagram will prompt you to crop the video or adjust its length. Make any necessary adjustments and click ‘Next.’
5. Add a compelling caption and relevant hashtags. Use your primary keyword in your Instagram captions to improve discoverability.
6. You can tag people, drop a location pin, and even decide to share your post on other social media platforms.
7. Publish your post by tapping the ‘Share’ button.

How To Post a YouTube Video on Instagram Story

Instagram Stories are an excellent way to share temporary, engaging content with your audience. Here’s how to post a YouTube video on Instagram story:

1. Open up your Instagram app and swipe to the right. Or you can tap your profile pic in the top-left corner. 
2. Tap the gallery icon. It will give you access to your device’s gallery.
3. Select your YouTube video from your device.
4. If it’s longer than that, Instagram will automatically divide your video into 15-second segments.
5. Customize your story by adding stickers, text, or drawings to make it engaging and interactive.
6. Once ready, click ‘Your Story’ to share the video as an Instagram Story.

How To Share a YouTube Video on Instagram Story as a Link

Did you know you can easily share a link to your YouTube video within your Instagram Story? This nifty feature can be a real-time save. You can send your followers directly to the YouTube video. No need to download, optimize, or upload it. Cool, right?

But this feature isn’t available to everyone. You need to have around 10,000 followers or a nifty business profile. Only then can you add those links to your Instagram stories without trouble.

So, how do you share a YouTube video on Instagram Story as a link? If you’re eligible, it’s really easy to use the Swipe-Up feature in your Instagram Stories:

1. Open the Instagram app on your phone.
2. Hit the + sign and select “Story.”
3. Look for the chain link icon and tap it.
4. Paste the YouTube video link into the URL box, then tap “Done.”
5. Choose your audience from “Your Story” or “Close Friends.”

But what if you’re not in the 10,000-follower club? No worries! You can still make it happen using the sticker link button in Instagram Stories. This way, you can share your favorite YouTube videos with your Story or your chosen Friends. 

Just paste the video’s URL into the box provided and tweak the content of the generated stickers – easy-peasy!

Tips for Sharing YouTube Videos on Instagram

Sharing content on Instagram, whether it’s through regular posts, Reels, or Stories, requires some considerations to engage your audience effectively. Here’s what to remember when posting on Instagram, regardless of the format:

• Content Relevance: Ensure your content is relevant to your audience and aligns with your brand or message. Posting content that doesn’t resonate with your followers can lead to disengagement.
• Visual Appeal: Instagram is a visual platform, so prioritize the visual quality of your content. Use high-resolution images and well-edited videos to make your posts visually appealing.
• Consistent Branding: Maintain a consistent visual style, color scheme, and tone of voice to reinforce your brand identity. This helps your followers recognize your content instantly.
• Captivating Captions: Craft engaging captions that complement your visuals. Share interesting stories, ask questions, or include calls to action to encourage interaction.
• Hashtags: Use relevant and trending hashtags to increase the discoverability of your posts. Research popular hashtags in your niche and use them strategically.

How To Post a YouTube Video on Instagram Without Copyright

You cannot be negligent towards copyright issues at any cost. Whenever you’re sharing a YouTube video on your Instagram, make sure you have the right to use the content. If you’re looking for how to post a YouTube video on Instagram without copyright, these tips are just for you. 

• Use your original content or content for which you have obtained the necessary permissions.
• Consider using YouTube’s royalty-free music and sound effects library if you need audio for your videos.
• Always give proper credit if you’re sharing someone else’s content and ensure it complies with fair use policies.

Build a Lasting Instagram Community With PathSocial

Posting YouTube videos on your Instagram is an underrated strategy. It can help you reach a wider audience and help you engage more effectively with your followers. If you don’t know how to post a YouTube video on Instagram, follow this guide. Also, be mindful of the copyright and optimization considerations that we’ve mentioned. This way, you will be successfully posting YouTube videos on Instagram. Get ready to create a buzz on Instagram with your videos. 

With over a decade of experience, we’ve created our very own community of Instagram influencers. This, paired with an AI-targeting algorithm, lets us connect you with real and active users. This means our outcomes are reliable. Trust us to build a solid Instagram community for you that sticks around. 

So, why wait? Begin your journey to grow your Instagram followers today!