Instagram Stories and Reels have become inseparable parts of our daily social media experience, and combining them opens up exciting new creative possibilities. Let me walk you through the process of adding Reels to your Stories, along with some insider tips I’ve discovered from helping countless creators perfect their content strategy.
Why Add Reels to Stories?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why this matters. Adding Reels to your Stories helps you reach two different audiences simultaneously – your loyal Stories viewers and those browsing the Reels feed. I’ve seen engagement rates jump by 40-50% when creators effectively cross-promote their Reels this way.
Step-by-Step Process
Method 1: Sharing Directly After Creating
When you finish creating a Reel, you’ll see the share screen with a “Share to Stories” option. This is the quickest way – just tap that button, and you can customize how your Reel appears in your Story. I always recommend adding a catchy sticker or text overlay to make it more engaging.
Method 2: Sharing Existing Reels
Found a Reel you posted earlier that deserves more attention? Here’s how to share it:
• Open the Reel you want to share
• Tap the paper airplane icon
• Select “Add Reel to Your Story”
• Customize with stickers, text, or GIFs
Pro Tips for Better Integration
I’ve noticed that timing matters tremendously when sharing Reels to Stories. The sweet spot I’ve found is posting between 6-8 PM local time when most people are checking their phones after work. Also, don’t just share the Reel as-is – add context about why your followers should stop and watch it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let me share something I see too often: creators sharing every single Reel to their Stories. This can actually backfire and lead to follower fatigue. Instead, I recommend being selective and only sharing your best Reels or those that align with current conversations in your community.
Maximizing Impact
One strategy that’s working really well in 2025 is using the first frame of your Story to tease what’s in the Reel. Think of it as a movie trailer – give them just enough to want more. I’ve seen this technique double the number of people who click through to watch the full Reel.
Remember, Stories disappear after 24 hours, so timing your Reel sharing with when your audience is most active can make a huge difference in your reach and engagement. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different posting times and track what works best for your specific audience.
