Let’s be real, we’ve all been there: scrolling through Reels, laughing at a hilarious clip, or mesmerized by a stunning travel video, and you immediately think, “My friends have to see this!” Sharing a Reel to your Instagram Story is simple.It’s also one of the most effective ways to share great content. And it keeps your followers entertained, too. It’s a quick, simple process, but knowing a few tips can make your re-shares stand out and feel more personal. This guide will walk you through the steps and give you some pro-level ideas to make your Reel shares a total hit. Ready to become a content curator? Let’s get started.
1. The Single Tap: The Simple Way to Share
The most common and straightforward method is to use the dedicated sharing button. It’s super easy to find! When you’re watching a Reel, just look for the paper airplane icon on the right side of the screen. Tap it, and a menu will pop up. At the very top, you’ll see the option “Add Reel to your story.” Tapping this will instantly create a new Story post with the Reel embedded. You’ll see a preview of how it looks, and from there, you can start customizing.
FAQ: Will it show the full Reel? Yes, the full video will play, but it will be contained within your Story frame. Viewers can tap the Reel to be taken to the original post, where they can like, comment, and see the full-screen version.
2. Adding Your Own Vibe: Make It Pop
Simply sharing a Reel is one thing, but making it yours is what truly connects with your audience. Once the Reel is in your Story editor, you have a ton of creative options.
- Add a reaction: Use a sticker to show your reaction. The “Fire” emoji or a simple “OMG” text can instantly show your followers how you feel about the content.
- Ask a question: A question sticker is gold for engagement. For a funny Reel, you could ask, “What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen today?” For a travel Reel, “Where’s the first place you want to travel?”
- Write a personal message: A short caption like “This is so relatable!” or “Couldn’t stop watching this!” adds a personal touch. It’s like you’re talking directly to your friends.
3. The Two-Finger Trick: Resizing and Repositioning
When a Reel first appears on your Story, it might not be the size you want. This is where the two-finger trick comes in handy. You can use two fingers to pinch in or out to resize the Reel. This is perfect if you want to make the Reel smaller to add more text or bigger to fill the whole screen. You can also use two fingers to rotate it, which can be a fun way to grab attention! Experiment with different sizes and angles to see what looks best.
4. Using a Photo as a Background: A Creative Twist
Here’s a pro tip that can make your shared Reel look extra polished. Instead of a plain background, you can use one of your photos. This is great for a more aesthetic look or to match your brand’s style.

- How to do it: First, go to your photo gallery and copy the image you want to use. Then, go back to your Story editor with the Reel and tap the text tool. A button will appear that says “Add sticker.” Tap it, and your copied photo will appear. Stretch it to fit the background and then tap on the photo. The Reel you’re sharing will now appear on top of it. This method looks super clean and thoughtful.
Tip: Choose a background photo that complements the colors of the Reel you’re sharing. This shows a high level of attention to detail and can make your Story more visually appealing.
5. Why You Should Bother: The Power of Curation
Sharing Reels to your Story isn’t just a casual act; it’s a key part of your social media strategy. When you share high-quality, relevant content, you’re not just a content creator—you’re a curator. This builds trust with your audience. A study by Wyzowl found that 88% of people say they’ve been convinced to buy a product or service by watching a brand’s video. While this data is about brand content, it shows the power of video and why sharing it can be so impactful. Sharing also gives you a way to post fresh content without having to create a new Reel yourself every day, which helps you stay active and relevant on the platform.
So, there you have it. Sharing a Reel to your Story is more than just a quick tap. It’s an opportunity to connect, get creative, and share the content that truly resonates with you. The next time you see a Reel you love, don’t just watch it—share it and make it a part of your own story! What’s the first Reel you’re going to share today?
