How To Link Reels on Instagram

Instagram

Sep 19

Have you ever done a video series or Part 1 and 2 video on Instagram Reels? Instagram now allows you to link to another Reel in the app, so that you can easily connect sequential or relevant content for your audience.

Why Link Reels?

1. Create Series & Build Suspense

Rather than cramming everything into 30 seconds, you can split content across multiple Reels and let your audience “click through.” This encourages users to watch more of your content, increasing engagement.

2. Increase Session Time

When users tap from one Reel to another, they stay longer in your content ecosystem. That tells Instagram your content is relevant and engaging, which may help with reach.

3. Organize Thematic Content

You can treat each Reel as an “episode.” For educational or storytelling content (tutorials, multi-step guides, behind-the-scenes), linked Reels help keep things structured yet connected.

How to Link Reels on Instagram (Step-by-Step)

Open the Instagram app and go to the Reel you want to link.
Tap the three dots (“…”) on the Reel to access options.
Select “Link to another Reel.”
Instagram will open a prompt or selection screen for picking which Reel to link next.
Choose the Reel you want to connect, and confirm the link.
The UI will now show a small “▶️ Next Reel” or similar cue so viewers can tap through.

Best Practices & Tips

Stay consistent in style. Use visual or audio branding cues (such as colors, transitions, or voiceovers) to help users recognize that the Reels are part of a series.
Number your parts. Titles like “Part 1,” “Episode 2,” or “Step 3 of 4” help users follow along.
Optimize video descriptions. Mention the series context and include calls to action (e.g., “Watch next part” or “Start from Part 1”).
Cross-promote on Stories or feed. Let your followers know that they can tap through multiple Reels for the full content.
Use engaging hooks early. Since viewers may drop off, make sure each Reel starts with a strong hook that makes them want to tap through.
Link backward where relevant. Sometimes it’s useful to let users go in reverse (e.g., “Back to Part 1”) so they don’t lose the sequence.

Creative Ideas for Linked Reels

Tutorials / How-to’s: Break the process into multiple steps.
Storytelling / Mini-documentaries: Use each Reel as a “chapter.”
Before & After / Transformations: Link from “before” to “after” and vice versa.
Event Highlights: Each Reel can cover a segment of a larger event.
Product Demos: Show feature-by-feature or use-case-by-use-case across multiple Reels.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Linking to Reels that don’t fit the narrative or feel jarring.
Overcomplicating. Don’t expect users to tap through too many in a row (limit to 3-5).
Forgetting to add “Part #” or context in titles.
Neglecting to promote the series outside the Reels (in your bio, Stories, or feed).