You’ve spent time creating a great YouTube video, and now you want to share it with your Instagram audience. But here’s the catch—Instagram isn’t built for long-form content the way YouTube is. So, how do you make the most of your content across both platforms?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to post a YouTube video on Instagram, including resizing, trimming, and formatting it for Instagram Reels, Stories, and the main feed.
Plus, we’ll break down why simply posting a full YouTube video isn’t the best strategy—and what you should do instead.
How Long Can a Video Be on Instagram? (And Why It Shouldn’t Be Too Long)
Before you post, you need to know Instagram’s video length limits. While the platform does allow longer videos, that doesn’t mean they perform well. Here’s what you should know:
- Instagram Feed Videos: Up to 60 minutes, but shorter videos (under 1 minute) tend to perform better.
- Instagram Reels: Currently up to 90 seconds, optimized for engagement and discoverability.
- Instagram Stories: Each clip is up to 60 seconds, but viewers often swipe past long stories.
So yes, you can upload longer videos. But should you? Not really. Here’s why:
Instagram Prioritizes Short-Form Content
Unlike YouTube, which thrives on long-form storytelling, Instagram is designed for quick, engaging content. Most users scroll through their feeds rapidly, and shorter videos tend to hold attention better. This is why Instagram promotes Reels and short clips—because they keep users watching longer.
Shorter Videos Get More Engagement
The algorithm favors content that keeps people engaged. If your video is too long, users might scroll away, signaling to Instagram that your content isn’t interesting. By trimming your YouTube to Instagram videos into bite-sized clips, you can increase likes, comments, and shares.
People Use Instagram Differently Than YouTube
On YouTube, people are willing to sit through 10–20 minute videos for tutorials, deep dives, and vlogs. But Instagram is a fast-paced environment where shorter, high-impact videos work best. Instead of posting a YouTube video on Instagram in full, it's better to break it up into snackable content.
Up next, we’ll show you how to properly format your YouTube videos for Instagram’s different formats, making sure they look great and perform well.
But before we get there, let’s quickly cover how to post a YouTube video on Instagram fully, just in case you’re set on uploading the entire thing.
How to Post a YouTube Video on Instagram (Using Instagram Feed)
- Open the Instagram app and tap the + icon at the top of your screen to create a new post.
- Select Post and then tap Library/Gallery to find the YouTube video you want to upload.
- Trim the video if necessary (Instagram allows videos up to 60 minutes long for Instagram Video).
- Choose a cover image from the video or upload a custom thumbnail, then write your caption and add relevant hashtags.
- Tap Share to post your video to Instagram Video for your followers to view.
How to go from YouTube to Instagram Video with Podcastle
Repurposing your YouTube videos for Instagram is a smart way to expand your reach and make the most out of your content. Since YouTube videos are typically in widescreen (16:9), while Instagram favors square (1:1) or vertical (9:16) formats, you’ll need to adjust the size and aspect ratio to fit Instagram’s requirements.
Here we will show you how with Podcastle, you can easily transform your YouTube videos into engaging Instagram Reels, Stories, or feed posts in just a few steps.
1) Import Your YouTube Video
Upload your YouTube video to Podcastle. The platform supports MP4, MOV, and other common formats, making it easy to get started.
2) Adjust the Aspect Ratio
Since YouTube videos are typically 16:9, you’ll need to resize them for Instagram. Choose:
- 9:16 for Reels & Stories (full-screen vertical videos)
- 1:1 for Feed Posts (square format)
- 4:5 for a slightly taller post in the Instagram feed
3) Crop & Reframe
Use Podcastle’s video cropping tools to make sure the most important parts of your video remain in focus after resizing.
4) Enhance Audio & Video Quality
Podcastle’s AI-powered tools can clean up background noise, enhance speech clarity, and improve video resolution for a professional finish.
5) Add Captions & Text Overlays
Since many Instagram users watch videos without sound, use Podcastle’s auto-captioning feature to add subtitles and make your content more accessible.
6) Trim & Edit for Instagram’s Time Limits
- Reels: Keep it under 90 seconds
- Stories: Each clip should be 15 seconds or less
- Feed Posts: Can be up to 60 minutes, but shorter is often better
7) Export in MP4 Format
Instagram prefers MP4 with the H.264 codec for smooth playback.
8) Upload & Share
Once your video is ready, download it and upload it directly to Instagram via the app or desktop.
With Podcastle, you can seamlessly adapt your YouTube content for Instagram, making sure it look polished and engaging across all formats.
Tips for Posting a YouTube Video on Instagram Like a Pro
So, you’ve got an awesome YouTube video, and now you want to share it on Instagram. Sounds simple, right? Well, not exactly. Instagram and YouTube have different formats, audiences, and expectations, which means you need to make a few tweaks before posting. Here’s how to do it the right way.
Trim and Resize Your Video for Instagram
Instagram isn’t built for long-form content like YouTube, so you’ll need to edit your video before posting. If your video is over 60 seconds, decide whether you want to trim it down for a regular post or upload the full thing as an Instagram Reel. Reels can be up to 90 seconds, while Instagram Stories allow 15-second clips.
Another key step is resizing. YouTube videos are typically in a 16:9 widescreen format, but Instagram works best with square (1:1) or vertical (9:16) videos. If you post without resizing, your video might have awkward black bars or get cropped in ways you don’t want.
Optimize for Instagram’s Sound-On Experience
Unlike YouTube, where many people watch with sound off, Instagram users expect sound to be on—especially with Reels. If your video relies heavily on narration or dialogue, consider adding subtitles so viewers can still follow along if they scroll past with their volume down.
You might also want to tweak your audio. Instagram’s audience loves music-driven content, so adding an engaging background track can help make your video feel more native to the platform.
Create an Engaging Caption and Hashtags
Posting a YouTube video on Instagram isn’t just about the visuals—you need a strong caption, too. Instagram captions should be short, engaging, and attention-grabbing. Unlike YouTube descriptions, where you can add a ton of links and text, Instagram requires you to keep it snappy.
Hashtags are another major difference. While YouTube relies more on titles and tags, Instagram users discover content through hashtags. Use relevant ones like #YouTubeToInstagram, #VideoEditing, and #ContentCreator to expand your reach.
Pick the Right Thumbnail
Your YouTube video might have an eye-catching thumbnail, but does it work for Instagram? Since Instagram’s feed and Reels feature autoplay, your first few seconds are even more important than the thumbnail itself. If you want to grab attention, start your video with a visually striking frame or bold text to make people stop scrolling.
However, if you’re posting as a regular video (not a Reel), Instagram will let you choose a cover image. In that case, pick a frame that looks great in Instagram’s feed—ideally something colorful and attention-grabbing.
Don’t Just Post—Promote!
Once you post your YouTube video on Instagram, don’t just sit back and wait for views. Instagram rewards engagement, so interact with your audience. Respond to comments, share your post to Stories, and encourage people to check out the full video on YouTube.
If you’re serious about growing your reach, consider making a quick Story or Reel specifically telling your followers why they should watch. Instagram loves native content, so the more you engage, the more visibility your post gets.
Add a Call-to-Action (CTA)
Posting a YouTube video on Instagram is great, but what do you want viewers to do next? If your goal is to drive traffic back to YouTube, make that clear. Since Instagram doesn’t allow clickable links in captions, direct people to your bio link or add a “Watch the full video on YouTube” text overlay in your video.
If you’re posting a Reel, take advantage of Instagram’s comment section by pinning a comment with your YouTube channel name. The easier you make it for people to find your full content, the better your engagement will be.
Experiment with Different Instagram Formats
Don’t limit yourself to just one way of sharing your YouTube content. While Reels are great for reach, Instagram Stories are perfect for quick updates and teaser clips. You can also use carousels to break your video into multiple slides, giving your audience a more interactive experience.
If your content is tutorial-based, consider posting a shorter, fast-paced version on Instagram with a clear message that the full step-by-step guide is available on YouTube. Testing different formats helps you see what resonates most with your audience.
Final Thoughts
Converting a YouTube video to Instagram takes a little effort, but it’s worth it. The key is to optimize your content for Instagram’s audience—shorter clips, vertical format, engaging captions, and a strong visual hook. Follow these steps, and you’ll make sure your video gets the attention it deserves.
