Why cross-post from YouTube to Instagram?
YouTube videos are the perfect source material for Instagram Reels. Your long-form content already has proven hooks, insights, and moments that audiences love. The challenge is reformatting from landscape to vertical and crafting Instagram-optimized captions. When done right, a single YouTube video can generate weeks of Instagram content.
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
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
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 YouTube to Instagram
- 1
Select your best moments for Reels
Choose 15-90 second segments that work as standalone content. Look for strong hooks, surprising moments, or quick tutorials.
- 2
Reformat to 9:16 vertical
YouTube's 16:9 needs to become Instagram's 9:16. Use an editor to crop and reframe. Keep the main subject centered.
- 3
Write an Instagram-style caption
YouTube descriptions are SEO-focused. Instagram captions should be personal, tell a story, and use 5-8 hashtags.
- 4
Add an eye-catching cover image
Instagram shows Reel thumbnails on your profile grid. Choose a custom cover that matches your aesthetic.
- 5
Post during Instagram peak times
YouTube peaks at 2-4 PM. Instagram peaks at 11 AM-1 PM and 5-7 PM. Schedule accordingly.
Formatting tips for YouTube to Instagram
Crop from 16:9 to 9:16
The biggest change. Use editing software to reframe your YouTube clips for vertical viewing.
Instagram Reels max at 90 seconds
YouTube has no practical limit. Keep your Reels clips to 15-90 seconds for best performance.
Captions should be storytelling-focused
Replace YouTube's keyword-stuffed description with a personal, engaging Instagram caption.
Common mistakes to avoid
Landscape video on Instagram
Never post 16:9 YouTube videos as Reels. The tiny display with letterboxing kills engagement.
Using YouTube descriptions as Instagram captions
YouTube descriptions are SEO text. Instagram captions need personality, emojis, and questions.
No cover image
Instagram shows Reel thumbnails on your grid. Always select a custom cover image for visual consistency.
Pro Tip
Use your YouTube analytics to find which moments have the highest retention. Those moments where viewers stick around are your best candidates for Instagram Reels.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert YouTube videos to Instagram Reels?
Clip the best 15-90 second moments, reformat from 16:9 to 9:16 vertical, write an Instagram-style caption with hashtags, and upload as a Reel.
What is the maximum Reel length?
Instagram Reels can be up to 90 seconds. If your YouTube clip is longer, trim it to the best segment.
Should I link to my YouTube video from Instagram?
You cannot add clickable links in Instagram captions. Use your bio link or Instagram Stories (with link stickers) to drive traffic to YouTube.