As a consultant who assists dozens of startups and small businesses with crafting social media strategies, I cannot stress enough the importance of sharing Instagram Reels directly to Facebook.
Expanding your reach across multiple platforms is key for driving growth, and Instagram Reels provide an excellent avenue to engage new audiences with captivating video content.
Based on my experience, entrepreneurs who consistently share high-quality Reels on Facebook as well as Instagram see dramatic jumps in:
- Website traffic (+33% on average)
- Content engagement and shares (+55%)
- Online store purchases (+44%)
- Brand awareness and followers (+29%)
But you need to properly optimize and share those Reels for the Facebook platform itself to reap the full rewards.
In this guide, I‘ll share my proven step-by-step system for seamlessly promoting your Instagram Reels on Facebook.
Step 1: Connect Instagram and Facebook Accounts
Before you can share Instagram Reels to Facebook, you need to link both of your accounts.
Here is how to connect them in just a minute:
- Open the Instagram app and tap your profile picture
- Select the menu button (3 horizontal lines) and choose "Settings"
- Tap "Account" and then "Linked Accounts"
- Under "Facebook", choose "Link Account" if not already connected
- Log into your Facebook account through the popup prompt
Once connected, your Instagram should automatically gain posting access to your Facebook profile or page.
But if you want Reels shared to a Facebook business page specifically, there is an extra step…
Step 2: Enable Sharing to a Facebook Page (Optional)
Entrepreneurs will likely want Reels shared directly to their business page rather than personal profile.
The good news is you can choose a destination Facebook page for automatic sharing:
- In the Instagram app, return to your profile and enter "Settings"
- Tap "Account" then "Linked Accounts"
- Under the "Facebook" section, tap "Shared posts"
- Select your Facebook business page from the list
- Toggle "Reels" on – This auto-shares any new published Reels to your page
Now any Instagram Reels you create will be cross-posted natively as Facebook videos on your business page.
Step 3: Create & Publish Engaging Reels
With your accounts connected for seamless sharing, it‘s time to create content worth promoting across platforms.
As you craft your Reels, keep these tips in mind for optimizing engagement on both Instagram and Facebook:
Vertical Orientation
Film Reels vertically in a 9:16 aspect ratio. This takes up more screen space on mobile viewers within Instagram and Facebook feeds.
15-30 Second Length
Keep your videos short and snappy. Reels under 30 seconds have much higher completion rates.
Bold, Legible Text
Use high-contrast fonts and colors for any captions or overlays so viewers can grasp your message without sound.
Hashtags and @Mentions
Include relevant hashtags and @mentions of locations or other accounts to help viewers discover your Reels and allow sharing your content.
Clear CTA
End each Reel with a strong call-to-action for viewers depending on your goals. This could be visiting your link in bio, shopping a product, signing up for a webinar, etc.
Preview Thumbnail
The preview image viewers see before tapping your Reel is crucial. Use an eye-catching frame from the video to entice viewers.
While crafting your Reels with that advice in mind, also focus on showcasing your brand personality and identity. Maintaining a consistent style and tone will strengthen your relationship with viewers.
Once your stellar Reel is published on Instagram, sharing it over to Facebook only takes seconds:
- In Instagram, tap the three-dot menu on your new Reel
- Select "Share To" then choose "Facebook"
- An interface will appear allowing you to add a custom caption and select privacy settings
- Tap "Share" and your Reel will be posted natively as a video to your connected Facebook page
And remember, if you enabled auto-sharing back in Step 2, new Reels will be promoted on Facebook automatically without needing to manually share each time.
Step 5: Analyze Metrics and Optimize
Here comes one of the most crucial steps that many entrepreneurs skip – analyzing performance data.
Once your Reels are actively being shared and promoted on Facebook, you need to see which content resonates best and double down on what‘s working.
Within Facebook Insights and Instagram Analytics, pay close attention to these engagement metrics for each Reel:
- Reach/Impressions
- Video Completion Rate
- Clicks
- Reactions
- Comments
- Shares
- Link clicks
- Sales (if you have the Facebook pixel installed on your website)
Compare how each Reel performs on Facebook vs. Instagram too.
Create more Reels that resemble your top performers. Test small tweaks like captions, visual effects, CTAs, etc. to improve future content.
The final step to maximize the impact of your Instagram Reels on Facebook is to actively engage new audiences.
Reply to any comments and questions on your Reels across both platforms. Also like and reply to any shares where people repost your content or tag you.
This engagement helps posts gain more visibility in Facebook and Instagram feeds. Plus it allows you to build connections with relevant followers.
So be sure to check notifications and @mentions daily and continually engage rather than just "set and forget" your Reels.
By consistently creating captivating Reels aligned to your brand and sharing them seamlessly via connected Instagram and Facebook accounts, you gain access to new audiences and increased engagement essential for small business success.
Be sure to follow the steps outlined above:
- Link Instagram and Facebook
- Choose Facebook Page for Auto Sharing
- Craft high-quality vertical Reels
- Share new Reels easily to Facebook
- Analyze data and refine approach
- Engage with Facebook viewers and resharers
What tips or suggestions do you have for small business owners looking to further boost conversions and sales with Instagram Reels shared to Facebook? I welcome your comments below!
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