Earlier this year, Instagram tied with WhatsApp as the third most popular social media platform in the world. In second place is YouTube.
That may explain why many YouTubers prefer to cross-promote their content on YouTube. Considering Instagram’s popularity, it makes sense to build a second following there. Plus, Instagram’s in-app video platform, Reels, has been making headway in its user and engagement gains during the last few quarters.
There’s just one little problem: YouTube doesn’t make it easy for you to share a video from its platform to Instagram.
When you click the Share button beneath a video on YouTube, you have all kinds of options for platforms to share it to. There’s even an Embed URL you can copy to embed the video on a website.
Amid all those options, however, Instagram posts and Stories are nowhere to be seen.
The good news is you can still post your YouTube video on Instagram in 2024. In this article, we’ll explain how to share a YouTube video on Instagram, either as a post/Reel or as a Story.
How To Share a YouTube Video as an Instagram Post or Story
Below are the steps for sharing a YouTube video as a post on Instagram. (This method works best when you’re using a computer.)
Step #1: If the YouTube video you want to post to Instagram belongs to you, then edit the original file on your computer to ensure that the aspect ratio and resolution meet Instagram’s video post requirements.
If the video doesn’t belong to you, then you can use a third-party YouTube video downloader like WinX YouTube Downloader. Once again, you may need to edit it to fit Instagram’s posting requirements for videos.
Step #2: Open the Instagram website on your computer and log into your account.
Step #3: Select the +Create button.
Step #4: Click Post.
Step #5: Click Select from computer.
Step #6: Open the video from your computer files.
Step #7: Click Next.
Step #8 (optional): Choose a cover photo, trim your video, and edit it. Then click Next.
Step #9: On the next screen, write a caption for your video. You can also tag people, add a location, and more.
Step #10: Finally, click Share.
How To Share a YouTube Video on Instagram as a Story
Sharing a YouTube video to your Instagram Story is a bit easier than sharing it as a post. That’s because you don’t technically have to download the video. It just needs to be posted on YouTube already.
Plus, you can do it on your phone, so it’s much more convenient!
Here’s how it works.
Step #1: Log into the Instagram app.
Step #2: Tap the + button at the bottom of the screen.
Step #3: Scroll over to Story.
Step #4: Choose an image that you want as the cover image for the YouTube video. It can be the video’s thumbnail or something else.
Step #5: Tap the Stickers icon at the top of the screen.
Step #6: Select the blue Link sticker.
Step #7: Paste the URL of the YouTube video you want to share in the box provided.
Step #8: Tap the Link that appears on your Story to switch the color until you find one you like; pinch it to resize it; and move it wherever you want on your Story image.
Step #9: When you’re finished editing, tap Your Story at the bottom of the screen to share it.
If the YouTube video you want to share is already downloaded to your phone gallery, follow these steps instead.
Step #1: Log into the Instagram app.
Step #2: Tap the + button at the bottom of the screen.
Step #3: Scroll over to Story.
Step #4: Tap the Gallery in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.
Step #5: Select the video you want to upload to your Stories.
Step #6: Use the editing tools on the next screen to personalize and optimize your Instagram Story video. Make sure to include a Link to the original YouTube video if it’s over 15 seconds long. 15 seconds is the maximum length for individual Instagram Stories.
Step #7: Tap Your Story at the bottom of the screen to share the video.
Can You Get in Trouble for Downloading YouTube Videos?
Downloading YouTube videos without permission is a violation of YouTube’s Terms of Service. You could get removed from the platform if you are caught doing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Copy a YouTube Video Link?
To copy the link to a YouTube video, go to the video you want to share, click Share, and then click Copy next to the link in the center of the box that pops up.
Can I Download Videos From YouTube?
Currently, only Premium YouTube members can download YouTube videos to view offline. Everyone else must use a third-party YouTube downloader.
Conclusion
Even though YouTube doesn’t support an easy way to share YouTube videos to your Instagram feed or Stories, you can still do it! It simply takes a little more time. Just follow our step-by-step instructions, and you’ll soon be able to start cross-promoting your amazing video content.