Alexis Kestler
Have you come across an awesome YouTube video that you‘d love to share with your Instagram followers? Want to promote your YouTube videos to new audiences on Instagram Stories?
As a fellow tech geek and social media expert, I‘ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive into everything you need to know about sharing YouTube videos on Instagram Stories.
Here’s a quick rundown of the steps we’ll cover:
- Copy the YouTube video link
- Create a new Story on Instagram
- Add the Link sticker
- Paste the copied link
- Customize the link‘s appearance
- Post and share the Story
Keep reading as I explain each step to seamlessly share YouTube videos on Instagram Stories. I’ll also share tips to optimize your video links for higher engagement!
But first, let‘s discuss why sharing YouTube videos on Instagram Stories is worth your time.
As a tech enthusiast, I‘m always analyzing the latest social media trends and innovations. One game-changer is the ability for all users to share clickable links on Instagram Stories. This opens up new cross-promotional opportunities between YouTube and Instagram.
Here are 5 stellar reasons to start sharing your YouTube videos on Stories:
Reach New Audiences
Posting YouTube links allows you to extend your reach beyond just your current Instagram followers. It exposes your content to entirely new potential audiences who may not follow you (yet!).
Even if someone doesn‘t watch your whole video, they become aware of your brand when your YouTube link pops up on their Instagram feed. This is a free way to tap into Instagram‘s one billion monthly active users.
Drive Traffic to YouTube
Instagram Stories disappear after 24 hours, which FOMO (fear of missing out) for viewers. This encourages people to tap your YouTube link right away rather than wait since the content is ephemeral.
Statistics show Instagram Stories generate more impulsive clicks than feed posts. This instant traffic can give your YouTube videos a significant boost in views, especially when first published.
Increase Watch Time
When people discover one of your videos on Instagram first, they‘re primed to watch the full video once they click through to YouTube.
Instagram serves as the perfect teaser, hooking viewers‘ interest before they head to YouTube to consume your full content. This results in higher overall watch time per viewer.
Boost Engagement
Someone who watches your YouTube video from an Instagram referral also counts as a viewer of that video on YouTube. Their likes, comments, shares, etc. on YouTubegive the video a engagement spike.
Higher engagement signals to YouTube‘s algorithm that your content resonating. In turn, YouTube begins recommending your videos more widely, amplifying their reach.
Grow Your Follower Base
Consistently sharing YouTube links allows you to attract new, loyal followers on Instagram. When people enjoy the video previews you post, they’re motivated to follow you for more.
This grows your Instagram audience with real fans who actually watch and like your YouTube videos. Follower growth on both platforms goes hand in hand.
Key Takeaway
Posting YouTube videos on Instagram Stories comes with multiple benefits for both platforms. It‘s an easy way to expand your reach and visibility while driving real growth.
Now let‘s dive into the step-by-step process. I‘ll share how I seamlessly share YouTube videos on Instagram Stories – both on mobile and desktop.
The first step is finding the unique URL for the YouTube video you want to share. Here‘s how to easily copy a YouTube video link on both desktop and mobile:
On Desktop
- Navigate to the video on YouTube and click the "Share" button below the video player.
- In the share panel that pops up, click "Copy" next to the video link.
On Mobile
- Open the YouTube app and go to the video post.
- Tap the "Share" icon below the video title.
- Tap "Copy link" to copy the URL.
This copies the video‘s specific link that will direct people straight to that video on YouTube.
Got the link copied? Great, now we can head over to Instagram to create a Story.
Once you‘ve copied the YouTube link to your clipboard, it‘s time to set up a new Story on Instagram:
On iPhone
- Open the Instagram app and swipe right from your feed to open the camera.
- Alternatively, tap the "+" icon in the top left and select "Story" to start a new one.
On Android
- Open the Instagram app and swipe right or tap your profile picture.
- Tap the camera icon at the bottom to open the Stories camera.
Once you‘ve opened the Stories camera, you‘re ready to paste your YouTube link using Instagram‘s Link sticker.
The Link sticker is Instagram‘s new solution that enables you to add clickable links to your Stories. Here‘s how to access it:
- After starting a new Story, tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen.
- Your sticker tray will open. Scroll down and select the "Link" sticker.
- This will open a new page where you can paste in your YouTube link.
The Link sticker is now globally available, so anyone can add clickable links to their Instagram Stories. This was previously restricted to verified accounts and profiles with over 10k followers.
We‘re so close! Next, all you need to do is paste your copied YouTube link into the Link sticker:
- After selecting the Link sticker, paste the full YouTube URL into the "Link" field.
- Tap "Preview" to see how the link will display on your Story.
- Once finalized, tap "Done" to add the sticker to your Story.
You can move and resize the sticker before posting. Make sure the link is prominently visible for your viewers.
Here comes the fun part – customizing your YouTube link‘s appearance in your Story:
- Tap the Link sticker to open the editing options.
- Change the default sticker icon to a preview image or video clip from YouTube.
- Edit the text link description to make it snappy and appealing.
- Use text colors, fonts and sizing to make the link stand out.
This helps the YouTube link blend seamlessly into your Story while grabbing viewers‘ attention. Take my tech geek word for it – a customized link drives way more clicks!
You‘ve customized the Link sticker, so the final step is posting your YouTube video Story:
- Do any last edits to the rest of the Story if needed.
- Ensure the YouTube link is prominently placed and catchy.
- Tap "Your Story" at the bottom to share it publicly.
Now your followers can simply tap the link on your Story to instantly watch the associated YouTube video. It‘s that easy!
Being able to seamlessly share YouTube videos on Instagram Stories is a total game changer. But we can optimize things further with a few expert tips…
Sharing YouTube videos on Stories takes just seconds. However, crafting Stories that effectively engage your audience takes skill and strategy.
Here are 8 pro tips I use to optimize YouTube links on Instagram Stories:
1. Feature an Eye-Catching Video Preview
Don‘t just use the default YouTube sticker icon. Add a short, compelling video clip preview from the YouTube video itself.
This gives viewers a taste of the content and motivates them to click to see more.
2. Hook Viewers in Your Captions
Use emojis, humor and intrigue in your text captions around the link. Ask leading questions or tease the YouTube video to build curiosity.
Captions boost context and get viewers invested before they even click the link.
3. Post When Followers are Most Active
Pay attention to when your target audience is most active on Instagram. Post your YouTube links when the most people will see your Story.
The more who see it, the higher potential link clicks you‘ll receive.
4. Share Videos Consistently
Promote new YouTube videos frequently, but space out your Stories. Staying top of mind leads to more impulsive clicks.
But avoid bombarding followers with too many links at once.
5. Use Relevant Hashtags
Include related hashtags like #YouTube, #vlog, #tutorial, etc. This helps people outside your followers discover your videos.
Leveraging hashtags expands your reach exponentially.
6. Track Link Performance
Analyze Story analytics to see which YouTube links get the most clicks. This reveals the types of videos your Instagram audience prefers.
Let data guide your content strategy.
7. Follow Up With Viewers
Reply to anyone who engages with your YouTube link or follows you after tapping your Story. A little outreach goes a long way.
Proactively thanking viewers strengthens the community you‘re building.
8. Promote Instagram on YouTube
It‘s mutually beneficial to cross-promote on both platforms. Mention your Instagram handle in YouTube videos so viewers can find and follow you there too.
This helps convert single platform audiences into dedicated followers across multiple channels.
Key Takeaway
Optimizing your YouTube links with video previews, strategic captions, and more can dramatically boost clicks and conversions. Test different formats and messaging to see what resonates most with your audience.
Beyond optimization tips, there are some best practices I recommend when sharing YouTube links on Instagram Stories:
- Preview only the most engaging parts of your YouTube video to hook viewers.
- Ensure your YouTube title and thumbnail also grab attention – they‘ll be the first impressions on YouTube.
- Use Link sticker placement, color and sizing to make the link pop. Never hide it away in a corner.
- Direct messaging (DMing) followers who engage with your link is more meaningful than just liking their reply.
- Monitor click traffic in YouTube Analytics to see if Instagram referrals are driving substantial views.
- Rotate between multiple YouTube videos in Stories rather than only promoting one video repeatedly.
- Add relevant YouTube end screens to help viewers continue watching more of your videos after finishing the one they clicked from Instagram.
- Avoid linking to controversial or risky YouTube videos that could get you banned from Instagram.
- Use quality videos that represent your brand well and will satisfy viewers once they click through to YouTube.
By sticking to these best practices, you can expect to see fantastic results sharing your YouTube videos on Instagram Stories!
I know you must have some questions popping into that analytical mind of yours right about now. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about posting YouTube links on Instagram:
How long can the video preview be in my Story?
You can use up to a 15 second long video preview clip in the Link sticker. Use this limited time to feature the most eye-catching part of the full YouTube video.
Is the swipe up link option still available?
Nope! The swipe up link capability on Instagram has been discontinued. The new Link sticker is the only way to add clickable links to Stories that works for all users.
What happens if I just use the basic YouTube link without customizing it?
While the raw YouTube link will still be clickable, it tends to blend into Stories and doesn‘t grab attention. Taking a few minutes to customize the Link sticker makes a huge difference for impressions and clicks!
Can I also include YouTube links in regular Instagram feed posts?
You sure can! In addition to Stories, feel free to add clickable YouTube links in the captions of any Instagram feed posts too. You‘ll still likely get more impulsive clicks from Stories, but feed links extend the promotional period.
What if some of my followers aren‘t seeing the Link sticker on my Story?
If any of your followers mention not being able to access YouTube links in your Story, they most likely need to update their Instagram app. The Link sticker capability should be available globally now.
Will these steps work for sharing YouTube Shorts links too?
They sure will! The exact same process applies for sharing links to your YouTube Shorts videos. Treat Shorts and standard YouTube videos identically when posting to Instagram Stories.
I hope these answers help cover any lingering questions you may have! Feel free to reach out if you need any other technical social media tips.
Now let‘s recap the key takeaways from this guide.
- The new Link sticker allows you to add clickable YouTube links to Stories that direct viewers straight to videos.
- Copy any YouTube video‘s unique URL link to get the exact address to share.
- Paste the copied link into the Link field after selecting the sticker in Stories.
- Customize the link‘s appearance with preview images/clips, text captions and styling.
- Optimize links with strategic placement, captions and ideal posting times.
- Track link analytics to refine your YouTube-sharing strategy over time.
Cross-promoting YouTube videos on Instagram Stories is an excellent tactic to increase viewership and strengthen your multi-platform brand presence.
It offers a bunch of benefits:
- Exposes your content to new potential audiences
- Drives instant traffic to your YouTube channel
- Boosts video engagement metrics
- Grows your follower count on both Instagram and YouTube
So if you want to skyrocket your YouTube growth, make sharing your videos on Instagram Stories part of your regular social media routine.
I hope this detailed guide gives you a blueprint for seamlessly integrating YouTube and Instagram to take your channel to the next level. Feel free to reach out if you need any other technical tips from your resident social media geek!
