Why cross-post from Facebook to Instagram?
Facebook and Instagram are both Meta platforms, making cross-posting seamless. But the audiences differ significantly—Instagram users expect polished visuals and shorter captions, while Facebook users engage with long-form discussions. Adapting your content for each platform's culture is essential.
Facebook Specs
- Caption limit
- 8,000 chars
- Max hashtags
- 3
- Aspect ratios
- 16:9, 1:1, 4:5
- Media formats
- JPG, PNG, MP4, MOV
- Max video length
- 4 min
- Max file size
- 1000 MB
- Best times
- 9 AM - 10 AM, 3-4 PM
- Links in posts
- Yes
Facebook Specs
- Caption limit
- 8,000 chars
- Max hashtags
- 3
- Aspect ratios
- 16:9, 1:1, 4:5
- Media formats
- JPG, PNG, MP4, MOV
- Max video length
- 4 min
- Max file size
- 1000 MB
- Best times
- 9 AM - 10 AM, 3-4 PM
- Links in posts
- Yes
Instagram Specs
- Caption limit
- 2,200 chars
- Max hashtags
- 8
- Aspect ratios
- 1:1, 4:5, 9:16
- Media formats
- JPG, PNG, MP4, MOV
- Max video length
- 3 min
- Max file size
- 100 MB
- Best times
- 11 AM - 1 PM, 5-7 PM
- Links in posts
- Yes
How to cross-post from Facebook to Instagram
- 1
Select visually strong Facebook content
Instagram is visual-first. Choose Facebook posts with high-quality images or video. Text-heavy posts will not translate.
- 2
Reformat to Instagram-friendly ratios
Instagram favors 1:1, 4:5, and 9:16. Reformat Facebook's 16:9 content to these aspect ratios.
- 3
Shorten and stylize your caption
Facebook allows 8,000 characters. Instagram works best with 150-500 character captions. Trim aggressively and add emojis.
- 4
Add Instagram hashtags
Add 5-8 niche-specific Instagram hashtags. These matter more for discovery on Instagram than they do on Facebook.
- 5
Use Meta's cross-posting features
Meta offers built-in tools to share between Facebook and Instagram. Use them for convenience, but customize each version.
Formatting tips for Facebook to Instagram
Visual quality matters more on Instagram
Instagram is a visual platform. Ensure your images and videos are high-resolution and well-composed.
Shorter captions work better
Facebook rewards long discussions. Instagram rewards concise, engaging captions under 500 characters.
Hashtags are crucial on Instagram
Add 5-8 hashtags for Instagram discovery. Facebook hashtags are optional; Instagram hashtags are essential.
Common mistakes to avoid
Text-heavy Facebook posts on Instagram
Instagram users scroll past text-heavy content. Lead with visuals and keep captions concise.
No hashtags on Instagram
Facebook hashtags are optional. Instagram discovery depends on hashtags. Always add 5-8 relevant ones.
Wrong aspect ratios
Facebook uses 16:9 widely. Instagram prefers 1:1, 4:5, or 9:16. Reformat before posting.
Pro Tip
Use Meta Business Suite to manage cross-posting between Facebook and Instagram. You can schedule to both platforms simultaneously while customizing captions for each.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cross-post from Facebook to Instagram automatically?
Yes. Meta Business Suite allows you to create content for both platforms simultaneously and customize each version.
Do the same posts work on Facebook and Instagram?
The core content can work on both, but captions, hashtags, and formatting should be customized. Instagram is visual-first; Facebook is discussion-first.
What image ratio does Instagram use?
Instagram supports 1:1 (square), 4:5 (portrait), and 9:16 (vertical). Facebook commonly uses 16:9 which may need reformatting.