Why cross-post from Instagram to YouTube?
Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts share the same vertical format but have very different discovery mechanics. Instagram relies on social engagement; YouTube relies on search and suggested content. Cross-posting lets you reach both audiences, but you need to optimize your titles and descriptions for YouTube's search engine.
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
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
YouTube Specs
- Caption limit
- 5,000 chars
- Max hashtags
- 5
- Aspect ratios
- 16:9, 9:16
- Media formats
- MP4, MOV
- Max video length
- 12h
- Max file size
- 2000 MB
- Best times
- 2-4 PM, 6-8 PM
- Links in posts
- Yes
How to cross-post from Instagram to YouTube
- 1
Download your Reel
Save the Reel from Instagram in the highest quality available. Ensure there are no Instagram-specific overlays.
- 2
Write a keyword-rich YouTube title
Instagram does not have titles. YouTube requires a compelling, searchable title (max 60 chars). Research what people search for related to your content.
- 3
Create a detailed YouTube description
YouTube gives you 5,000 characters for descriptions vs Instagram's 2,200 for captions. Add keywords, timestamps, and related links.
- 4
Add #Shorts to the description
Include #Shorts in your YouTube description to ensure it enters the Shorts feed. Add 2-4 additional relevant hashtags.
- 5
Trim to 60 seconds if needed
YouTube Shorts max at 60 seconds. Instagram Reels can be up to 90 seconds. Trim longer Reels to fit.
Formatting tips for Instagram to YouTube
60-second limit for Shorts
Instagram Reels can be up to 90 seconds. YouTube Shorts max at 60. Trim your longest Reels.
YouTube needs a title
Instagram captions are the title. YouTube requires a separate, SEO-optimized title field.
Descriptions should be much longer
YouTube rewards detailed descriptions with keywords. Expand your Instagram caption into a full description.
Common mistakes to avoid
No title optimization
YouTube is a search engine. Your Reel needs a clear, searchable title—not just a caption.
Exceeding 60-second Shorts limit
If your Reel is over 60 seconds, it becomes a regular YouTube video. Either trim it or optimize for long-form.
Minimal descriptions
YouTube rewards keyword-rich descriptions. Do not just paste your Instagram caption—expand it significantly.
Pro Tip
YouTube Shorts that rank in YouTube Search continue getting views for months or years, unlike Instagram Reels which have a 48-hour peak window. Invest extra time in SEO for long-term returns.
Frequently asked questions
Can I turn Instagram Reels into YouTube Shorts?
Yes. Both use 9:16 vertical video. Keep it under 60 seconds for Shorts, add a keyword-rich title, and include #Shorts in the description.
Are Instagram Reels the same format as YouTube Shorts?
Nearly identical. Both use 9:16 vertical video at 1080x1920. The main difference is Shorts have a 60-second limit while Reels allow up to 90 seconds.
Should I post on Instagram or YouTube first?
Post on both simultaneously for maximum reach. If you must choose, post on whichever platform your audience is larger. Use Socialync to schedule both at once.