Instagram Reels are short-form videos that help creators, businesses, influencers, and everyday users share entertaining or informative content. By connecting Instagram and Facebook through Meta’s account settings, you can share a Reel manually or enable automatic sharing for future videos.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explain how to share an Instagram Reel to Facebook, how to automatically cross-post Reels, how to share an existing video, and how to troubleshoot common problems. We’ll also cover privacy settings, Facebook Pages, and practical tips to help your videos reach the right audience.
Whether you’re using an Android phone, an iPhone, or a computer, you’ll find the information you need to get started.
Quick Answer: How Do You Share an Instagram Reel to Facebook?
To share an Instagram Reel to Facebook, connect your Instagram and Facebook accounts through Meta’s Accounts Center. Then, enable Reel sharing or select the Facebook sharing option when publishing an individual Reel.
Follow these basic steps:
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
- Tap the menu icon and open Accounts Center.
- Select Sharing across profiles.
- Choose your Instagram account under the sharing source.
- Select the connected Facebook account or available Page as the destination.
- Enable the option for sharing Instagram Reels, if available.
- Create and publish your Reel.
You can also share an individual Reel manually without enabling automatic sharing for every future video.
What Does Sharing Instagram Reels to Facebook Mean?
Sharing Instagram Reels to Facebook is a feature commonly called cross-posting. It allows you to publish or share video content from Instagram to a connected Facebook destination.
Instead of uploading the same video separately to both platforms, you can use Meta’s connected-account features to simplify the process.
For example, imagine you create a 30-second cooking video on Instagram. Your Instagram followers enjoy it, but you also have friends and family who mainly use Facebook. Cross-posting allows you to share the video with that audience, too.
Why Should You Share Instagram Reels on Facebook?
Cross-posting can offer several benefits.
- Reach a wider audience: Connect with people who use Facebook more frequently than Instagram.
- Save time: Avoid repeating the entire publishing process for every video.
- Maintain consistency: Keep your content active across multiple social platforms.
- Promote a business: Share product demonstrations, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes videos with potential customers.
- Increase content opportunities: Give existing videos another chance to attract views and engagement.
- Simplify social media management: Manage your content more efficiently using Meta’s built-in sharing options.
However, sharing a Reel to Facebook does not guarantee additional views or engagement. Results depend on your content, audience, privacy settings, and how people interact with the video.
What Do You Need Before Sharing an Instagram Reel to Facebook?
Before you begin, check that you have everything required.
1. An Instagram Account
You need access to the Instagram account containing the Reel you want to share.
Make sure you can log in and publish content normally.
2. A Facebook Account
You also need access to the Facebook profile or supported Page you want to use as the destination.
If you’re sharing to a business Page, ensure you have the necessary permissions to manage it.
3. Connected Accounts
Instagram and Facebook generally need to be connected through Meta’s Accounts Center for the built-in cross-posting workflow.
If your accounts aren’t connected, you’ll need to add or connect the appropriate accounts first.
4. Updated Apps and an Internet Connection
Install the latest available versions of Instagram and Facebook on your device. A stable internet connection also helps prevent interrupted uploads.
Keep in mind that some options differ according to account type, region, device, and the version of the app you’re using.
Step 1: Connect Instagram and Facebook Through Accounts Center
The first step is to make sure the correct Instagram and Facebook accounts are connected.
Accounts Center is Meta’s central place for managing supported connected experiences across its applications.
How to Link Instagram to Facebook
Follow these instructions on your Android phone or iPhone:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
- Tap the three-line menu in the top-right corner.
- Find and open Accounts Center.
- Look for the accounts or profiles connected to your account.
- If Facebook isn’t listed, look for an option to add an account.
- Follow the prompts to sign in to the appropriate Facebook account.
- Confirm the connection and review the accounts listed in Accounts Center.
Once the accounts are connected, you can explore the available sharing controls.
Important: Connecting accounts does not necessarily mean every Reel will automatically appear on Facebook. You may need to enable the relevant sharing setting separately.
What If Your Instagram and Facebook Accounts Are Already Connected?
If both accounts are already listed, you don’t need to connect them again.
Proceed to the next step and configure cross-posting.
Step 2: Enable Automatic Instagram Reel Sharing to Facebook
Do you want every eligible new Reel to be shared on Facebook without manually selecting the option each time?
Automatic sharing is the most convenient choice when you regularly publish videos on both platforms.
How to Turn On Automatic Reel Sharing
- Open Instagram.
- Go to your profile.
- Tap the three-line menu.
- Open Accounts Center.
- Select Sharing across profiles.
- Under Share from, choose the Instagram account you use to publish Reels.
- Under Share to, select the connected Facebook account or supported destination.
- Look for the option labeled Your Instagram reels or similar wording.
- Turn on the sharing control if it is available.
- Return to Instagram and check the settings before publishing your next Reel.
The exact labels may vary. If your interface has moved to updated Meta account settings, look for the equivalent cross-posting or connected-experience controls.
Meta provides account-sharing controls through Accounts Center, although the available features can differ between accounts. <Cite refs={[“turn905459search1″,”turn905459search2”]}/>
How Can You Confirm Automatic Sharing Is Enabled?
Return to the sharing settings and check that the relevant Reel-sharing control is turned on for the correct Instagram account and Facebook destination.
You can also publish a test Reel that is suitable for both audiences, then check your Facebook profile or Page to confirm whether it appeared.
Remember that automatic sharing settings generally control future eligible content. Don’t assume that turning the feature on will automatically publish every Reel you posted in the past.
Step 3: Share a New Instagram Reel to Facebook Manually
If you prefer to decide which videos appear on Facebook, manual sharing is a better option.
It allows you to share selected Reels without automatically cross-posting everything you publish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open Instagram on your phone.
- Tap the create button or swipe into the Reel creation interface.
- Record a new video or select a suitable clip from your gallery.
- Edit your video by trimming clips, adding text, or applying available effects.
- Tap Next to continue to the publishing screen.
- Add a caption, hashtags, and a cover image if desired.
- Look for Share to Facebook, Also share on Facebook, or a similar option.
- Select the connected Facebook destination if the option is available.
- Review your sharing and audience settings.
- Tap Share to publish your Reel.
If the Facebook sharing option doesn’t appear, verify that the correct accounts are connected and check the available cross-posting settings.
Should You Edit Your Reel Before Sharing It?
Yes, taking a few moments to polish your video can make it more appealing.
Consider these improvements:
- Start with an interesting opening.
- Remove unnecessary pauses.
- Add readable captions when appropriate.
- Choose a clear cover image.
- Write a concise description.
- Check that important text isn’t hidden by interface elements.
A well-edited Reel is easier to understand and more likely to hold viewers’ attention, although performance is never guaranteed.
Step 4: How to Share an Existing Instagram Reel to Facebook
What if you’ve already published a Reel on Instagram and now want to share it with your Facebook audience?
You may be able to share an existing Reel directly, depending on the options available to your account.
Method 1: Use Instagram’s Sharing Options
- Open Instagram and visit your profile.
- Find the Reels tab.
- Open the Reel you want to share.
- Tap the share icon or three-dot menu, depending on the interface.
- Look for an option to share the Reel to Facebook.
- Select the appropriate destination if prompted.
- Follow the instructions to complete the sharing process.
Not every account or existing Reel will display the same options. If you cannot find a direct Facebook-sharing feature, try the next method.
Method 2: Share the Reel Link
You can share a link to an Instagram Reel through Facebook when the Reel’s visibility and sharing permissions allow it.
Follow these steps:
- Open the Instagram Reel.
- Tap the share icon.
- Choose Copy link if available.
- Open Facebook.
- Start a new post on your profile or Page.
- Paste the link into the post.
- Add a short explanation or caption.
- Review the audience and publish the post.
This method shares a link to the Instagram Reel rather than necessarily uploading a separate native Facebook Reel.
People who open the link may need to sign in or meet the Reel’s visibility requirements to view it.
Method 3: Upload the Original Video to Facebook
If you have the original video file, you can upload it directly to Facebook as a Reel.
- Open Facebook.
- Find the Reel creation option.
- Select or upload your original video.
- Add a description and cover image.
- Choose your audience.
- Review the available publishing settings.
- Publish the video.
Facebook supports creating Reels from uploaded videos, although the available editing and publishing options may vary. <Cite refs={[“turn905459search4”]}/>
Use your original video file whenever possible. Downloading a video from another platform may reduce quality, add a watermark, or create music-rights complications.
Step 5: How to Share Instagram Reels to a Facebook Page
If you’re a content creator, business owner, or social media manager, you might want to publish Reels to a Facebook Page rather than your personal profile.
This can help you keep business content separate from personal updates.
Connect the Correct Facebook Destination
- Open Instagram and navigate to Accounts Center.
- Check the accounts available for connected sharing.
- Review which Facebook destination is selected.
- If Page sharing is supported for your account, confirm that you have the required Page access.
- Select the appropriate destination in the available sharing settings.
- Enable Reel sharing or select the Page when publishing an individual Reel.
If your Facebook Page does not appear, verify your permissions and account connections. Some Page-related publishing workflows depend on account type and the access granted to the person managing the Page.
What Type of Reels Should Businesses Share?
Businesses can use Reels to communicate useful information in a visual format.
Examples include:
- Product demonstrations
- Customer testimonials, with appropriate permission
- Tutorials and how-to videos
- Frequently asked questions
- Behind-the-scenes clips
- New product announcements
- Short educational videos
- Event highlights
Focus on videos that provide genuine value rather than publishing repetitive promotional content.
Step 6: Check Your Facebook Reel Audience and Privacy Settings
One of the most important things to understand about cross-posting is that your Instagram and Facebook audiences may not be identical.
For example, your Instagram account might be private, while your Facebook profile has different audience settings. Sharing a Reel across platforms can therefore affect who is able to see it.
Facebook provides audience controls for Reels, including options such as Public and Friends where available. <Cite refs={[“turn905459search0”]}/>
How to Change Your Facebook Reel Audience
The exact settings can differ by device, but you can generally check them by following these steps:
- Open Facebook.
- Go to Settings & privacy.
- Open Settings.
- Look for the Reels section under Audience and visibility.
- Find the default audience setting.
- Choose the audience you want for future Reels, where the option is available.
- Save your changes if prompted.
You may also be able to adjust the audience for an individual Reel when publishing it.
Which Audience Should You Choose?
| Audience | Who can see the Reel? | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Public | Anyone, including people who aren’t your Facebook friends | Public creators, businesses, and broad reach |
| Friends | Your Facebook friends | Personal content for people you know |
| Friends except… | Your friends, excluding selected people | More limited personal sharing |
| Other available custom options | Depends on the option and your settings | Specific privacy needs |
The available choices depend on your account and Facebook’s current settings.
Before publishing, check your audience carefully. A Reel shared with a wider audience on Facebook may reach people who don’t follow you on Instagram.
Step 7: How to Share Instagram Reels to Facebook From a Computer
Most Instagram cross-posting controls are easiest to access through the mobile app. However, you can use a computer for certain sharing and publishing tasks.
Can You Automatically Cross-Post Reels From a Desktop?
The precise automatic-sharing controls may not be available in every desktop interface.
For the most straightforward setup, use the Instagram mobile app to connect your accounts and configure the available sharing settings.
If you’re managing business content, Meta Business Suite may provide additional publishing tools depending on your account and permissions.
How to Upload a Reel to Facebook on a Computer
If you have the original video saved on your computer, you can upload it directly to Facebook when the Reel publishing option is available.
- Open Facebook in your browser.
- Navigate to the relevant profile or Page.
- Open the available video or Reel creation interface.
- Select the original video file from your computer.
- Add a description and other available details.
- Choose your audience and publishing options.
- Review the post and publish it.
If you want to cross-post an existing Instagram Reel, using a saved original video can be more reliable than trying to access a mobile-only sharing control from a desktop browser.
Step 8: Why Is My Instagram Reel Not Sharing to Facebook?
Sometimes, you follow the instructions correctly but your Reel doesn’t appear on Facebook.
Don’t worry. A few common issues can prevent cross-posting from working as expected.
Problem 1: Instagram and Facebook Aren’t Connected Correctly
Solution: Open Accounts Center and confirm that the correct Instagram and Facebook accounts are connected. Check the selected sharing source and destination.
Problem 2: Automatic Reel Sharing Is Turned Off
Solution: Return to Sharing across profiles and look for the Reel-sharing control. Enable it if you want future Reels to cross-post automatically.
If you only want to share one video, use the manual sharing option instead.
Problem 3: You’re Using the Wrong Facebook Account
Solution: Check the destination carefully before publishing. If you manage multiple Facebook profiles or Pages, make sure you’re selecting the intended one.
Problem 4: Your Internet Connection Is Unstable
Solution: Switch to a reliable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection and reopen the app. If the Reel is still processing, give it time to finish uploading.
Avoid repeatedly publishing the same video, as this may create duplicates.
Problem 5: The App Is Out of Date
Solution: Check your device’s official app store for Instagram and Facebook updates. Install any available updates and try again.
Problem 6: Music or Audio Isn’t Available on Facebook
Solution: Review the audio used in your Reel. Music licensing and availability may differ between Instagram and Facebook.
If the original soundtrack cannot be shared, consider using audio you have permission to use on both platforms or publishing a version with suitable original audio.
Problem 7: Your Reel Has a Visibility or Eligibility Restriction
Solution: Review the Reel’s privacy settings, account restrictions, and any notices shown in the app. Some content may not be eligible for every sharing option.
If the issue persists, consult Meta’s official Help Center.
Step 9: How to Fix Instagram-to-Facebook Cross-Posting Errors
If your Reel still isn’t appearing on Facebook, work through this checklist.
- Confirm that you’re signed in to the correct Instagram account.
- Check that the intended Facebook destination is connected.
- Review automatic sharing settings.
- Try sharing one Reel manually.
- Check your Facebook audience settings.
- Update both apps.
- Restart your device if the apps appear unresponsive.
- Check for notifications or restrictions affecting your account.
- Try again once the connection is stable.
If the problem continues, check Meta’s official help resources for your particular account type.
Avoid giving your login details to unofficial troubleshooting services. You should not need to disclose your password or authentication codes to resolve a normal cross-posting problem.
Step 10: Best Practices for Sharing Instagram Reels to Facebook
Cross-posting makes publishing easier, but the quality and relevance of your content still matter.
Use these tips to make your Reels more effective across both platforms.
Write a Clear Caption
A useful caption tells viewers what the video is about and why they should watch.
For example, instead of writing “New video,” try a more informative caption such as “Learn three easy ways to organize your workspace in under five minutes.”
Keep the wording natural and avoid stuffing captions with unrelated keywords.
Use Relevant Hashtags
Hashtags can help describe your video’s topic and make it easier for viewers to understand its context.
Choose a small number of relevant hashtags rather than adding a long list of unrelated terms.
For a cooking Reel, suitable examples might include #EasyRecipes, #HomeCooking, or #CookingTips.
Create an Appealing Cover Image
Choose a cover image that clearly represents your video.
Use readable text, a recognizable subject, and a composition that remains understandable when displayed as a small thumbnail.
Make Your Video Easy to Watch
Consider adding captions, keeping important text away from interface controls, and ensuring that the audio is clear.
Many viewers watch videos without sound, so on-screen text can help communicate the main point.
Check Your Results
After sharing your Reel, review the insights or performance information available to your account.
Depending on your account type and platform, you may be able to assess views, reach, reactions, comments, or other engagement measures.
Use these observations to learn what your audience finds useful or entertaining.
Step 11: Should You Automatically Share Every Instagram Reel to Facebook?
Automatic sharing is convenient, but it isn’t always the right choice.
The best approach depends on how you use Instagram and Facebook.
| Your situation | Recommended approach |
|---|---|
| You regularly publish similar content on both platforms | Enable automatic sharing if available |
| You want different content on each platform | Share Reels manually |
| You use Instagram mainly for personal content | Review privacy and audience settings first |
| You manage a business Page | Confirm Page access and the correct publishing destination |
| You use licensed or platform-specific music | Review audio availability before cross-posting |
| You want to test content before sharing broadly | Start with manual sharing |
For many creators, a combination of automatic and manual sharing works well. You can automate routine posts while keeping more personal or specialized content under your direct control.
Step 12: Frequently Asked Questions About Sharing Instagram Reels to Facebook
1. How do I share an Instagram Reel to Facebook automatically?
Open Instagram, go to your profile menu, and select Accounts Center. Find Sharing across profiles, select your Instagram account as the source, choose your Facebook destination, and enable the Reel-sharing option if available.
2. Can I share an Instagram Reel to Facebook after posting it?
Yes, if Instagram provides a direct sharing option for that Reel. Open the Reel, check its sharing menu, and select Facebook if available. Alternatively, share the Reel’s link or upload the original video to Facebook.
3. Why can’t I see the option to share Instagram Reels to Facebook?
Your accounts might not be connected correctly, the feature may be unavailable for your account, or the setting may have moved. Check Accounts Center, update both apps, and verify that you selected the correct Facebook destination.
4. Can I share Instagram Reels to my Facebook business Page?
This may be possible when the appropriate Page and Instagram account are connected and your account has the required permissions. Check your connected-account settings and available Page publishing options before sharing.
5. Will sharing an Instagram Reel to Facebook reduce its quality?
Cross-posting may produce differences in how a video appears or plays on each platform. For the best results, use a high-quality original video, avoid unnecessary re-uploads, and check that your audio and video are suitable for both platforms.
Conclusion: Share Instagram Reels to Facebook With Confidence
Learning how to share Instagram Reel to Facebook can help you save time, connect with different audiences, and maintain a consistent social media presence.
The simplest approach is to connect your accounts through Meta’s Accounts Center and enable automatic Reel sharing if the feature is available. If you prefer more control, share individual Reels manually or upload the original video to Facebook.
Before publishing, check your destination, privacy settings, audio rights, and caption. If a Reel doesn’t appear on Facebook, verify your connected accounts and sharing settings before trying again.
Whether you’re sharing funny clips with friends, educational videos with followers, or promotional content for a business, the right cross-posting workflow can make managing both platforms easier.
Start by checking your Accounts Center settings and sharing one suitable Reel. Once you confirm that everything works as expected, you can choose the method that best fits your content strategy.
Summary: Key Takeaways
- Connect your accounts: Link Instagram and Facebook through Accounts Center.
- Enable automatic sharing: Turn on the Reel-sharing option if you want eligible future Reels to cross-post.
- Share manually: Select Facebook when publishing an individual Reel, if the option is available.
- Share existing videos: Use Instagram’s sharing menu, copy a Reel link, or upload the original video to Facebook.
- Check your destination: Make sure you’re sharing to the correct Facebook profile or Page.
- Review privacy settings: Confirm who can see your Reel on Facebook.
- Troubleshoot errors: Check account connections, app updates, internet access, and audio availability.
- Improve your content: Use clear captions, relevant hashtags, attractive covers, and high-quality video.
- Protect your account: Use official Meta settings and never share your password or verification codes with unofficial helpers.
With these steps, you can share Instagram Reels to Facebook more efficiently and choose the cross-posting method that works best for you.
Suggested SEO details
-
SEO title: How to Share Instagram Reel to Facebook: Step-by-Step Guide
-
URL slug:
how-to-share-instagram-reel-to-facebook-a-step-by-step-guide -
Meta description: Learn how to share Instagram Reels to Facebook automatically or manually. Follow easy steps, connect your accounts, fix sharing issues, and manage privacy.
-
Primary keyword: how to share Instagram Reel to Facebook
-
Related keywords: share Instagram Reels to Facebook automatically, cross-post Instagram Reels, share Instagram video to Facebook, Instagram Facebook linking, Instagram Reel not sharing to Facebook, share Reels to Facebook Page
-
Suggested schema: Article and FAQPage, where eligible and consistent with Google’s current structured data guidelines.