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Introduce your videos to new audiences and maximize your content reach by reposting YouTube videos to Instagram.
Your YouTube subscribers might not be following you on Instagram, so resizing and reposting videos can help you share your content consistently while saving valuable time. You can even grow your following by reaching new viewers outside your YouTube subscriber base. All you have to do is change the aspect ratio of your YouTube videos to suit Instagram using an online video resizer.
Read on to explore how to change aspect ratio of videos from YouTube, how to resize videos for Instagram, and how to share videos on Instagram Stories, Reels, and feed posts with Clipchamp.
How to resize YouTube videos for Instagram Stories, Reels, and posts
When repurposing from YouTube to Instagram, the first step is to download your video from YouTube. You can use other creators' YouTube videos too, but make sure you have their permission. It’s also good practice to credit the original poster in the video description so you don’t breach any copyright rules. Follow the below steps to learn how to make Instagram Stories, Reels, and feed posts from YouTube videos using the Clipchamp aspect ratio changer.
Step 1. Import your YouTube video
To import your downloaded YouTube video, click on the import media button in the your media tab on the toolbar to browse your computer files, or connect your OneDrive.
Drag and drop your YouTube video onto the timeline or click on the add to timeline button.
Step 2. Change the aspect ratio of your video
Resize your YouTube video without losing quality by using the online video resizer in Clipchamp. Click on the size button on the floating toolbar inside the stage to change the video dimensions. Hover your cursor above the options inside the aspect ratio changer to preview. Select the 9:16 ratio for Instagram Reels and Stories, or the 1:1 ratio for Instagram feed and carousel posts. Click on your preferred dimension to instantly adjust the aspect ratio.
Your video will now have a black border. This is known as letterboxing and is used to keep the original dimensions of the footage without cropping any visuals.
Click on the fill button to remove the black borders. You can also make any changes to your video’s position, size, or rotation using the floating toolbar.
You can also use the freehand tool on the video preview to drag the video to a new center location.
If you don't want to make your video fit the new frame size, you can create a blurred border in the background. Click on the effects tab on the property panel, then click on the blur fill effect.
You can also drag and drop a background video or image from the content library onto the timeline.
Step 3. Save and share your video to Instagram
Export your YouTube video for Instagram by clicking on the export button then select a video resolution. Your video will automatically download to your device, or you can connect to cloud storage.
Head over to your Instagram app and tap on your profile. Next, tap on the + button and select either Reel, Story, or Post. Follow the tutorials below for a step-by-step guide on each type of Instagram video.
How to share a YouTube video on Instagram feed posts
Once you’ve converted your YouTube video to the 1:1 square aspect ratio for Instagram, create a new feed post by following these steps.
Download your resized YouTube video onto your device.
Open Instagram, tap on the + button and post will be the default option.
Tap on your video file inside the camera roll.
Tap on the next button at the top right of your screen.
Edit your video by adding captions or other effects.
Tap on the next button at the bottom right of your screen.
Enter your post details then tap the share button.
For more information on sharing YouTube videos as Instagram posts, read the Instagram ultimate guide.
How to share a YouTube video on an Instagram Story
You can share links to YouTube videos on Instagram Stories, so that your viewers can tap on the link and be redirected to a YouTube channel or specific video. Learn how to add a YouTube link to an Instagram Story by following the steps below.
In the YouTube app on your device, open a video and tap share then tap copy link on your chosen video.
Open the Instagram app, tap on the + button, then tap Story.
Tap create in the middle left side of the screen.
Tap on the sticker icon at the top of the screen.
In the search field type “link” then tap on the link sticker.
Paste the copied YouTube URL into the “add link” URL field.
Tap “customize sticker text” to enter text that will show instead of the raw URL.
Add a screenshot, stickers, text or whatever visual you want in the background.
Tap the arrow button then tap the share button.
How to post a YouTube video on Instagram Reels
Convert your video to the 9:16 mobile aspect ratio, then learn how to make Reels from YouTube videos by following these steps.
Download your resized YouTube video onto your device.
Open Instagram, tap on the + button, then tap Reel.
Tap on your video file inside the camera roll.
Add music, text, or other effects by tapping the icons at the bottom of the screen.
Once you’ve finished editing your Reel, tap on the next button at the bottom right of your screen.
Enter your Reel details then tap the share button.
For more information on how to post a YouTube video on Instagram, read the Instagram ultimate guide.
Posting YouTube videos to Instagram best practices
Respect Instagram’s community guidelines
Stay on Instagram's good side by ensuring that the content you download from YouTube complies with Instagram’s community guidelines. Avoid posting content from YouTube to Instagram that's likely to be flagged for copyright infringement. Ensure no inappropriate or offensive material is included and respect the privacy and rights of others.
Optimize your video format
Before you post a YouTube video on Instagram, consider Instagram’s preferred specifications. Instagram supports various formats, but it's generally best to use MP4 files with a minimum frame rate of 30 FPS (frames per second) and a minimum resolution of 720 pixels. Remember, Instagram Stories, Reels, and feed posts have different aspect ratios. Stories work best with a 9:16 vertical format, while posts are more flexible and support square (1:1 ratio), portrait (4:5 ratio), landscape (16:9 ratio), and vertical (9:16 ratio) orientations. Keeping these format finesses in mind ensures your content looks great and feels right at home on Instagram.
Edit for engagement
Once you have the YouTube video URL, it's time to download and edit your video. Short, captivating, and to-the-point content usually performs better, so use a YouTube video trimmer to cut the length. Utilize the editing tools in Clipchamp to trim unnecessary footage, add engaging transitions, and ensure your video tells a compelling story within Instagram's time limits – 60 minutes for feed posts, 60 seconds for Stories, and 90 seconds for Reels.
Use hashtags and tags wisely
Include relevant Instagram hashtags to increase the visibility of your post. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but using 5 to 10 relevant and trending topics is often more effective. Also, tagging other accounts, when appropriate, can increase engagement and even open collaboration opportunities.
Write a compelling video caption
A well-written caption can boost your video engagement and followers. The description should complement the video, add context, and encourage viewers to engage. Ask questions, share interesting facts related to the video, or include a call-to-action, like inviting viewers to comment or check out the full video on YouTube. A well-crafted caption isn't just text, it's a tool to optimize your Instagram videos for better reach and engagement.
Consider the best time to post
Timing is key on Instagram for optimal reach and views. Research and identify when your audience is most active. Generally, mornings on most weekdays and Saturdays, afternoons on Fridays, and evenings on Sunday are the best times to post on Instagram. However, this can vary based on your specific audience demographic.
Monitor and respond to engagement
Keep an eye on how your audience interacts with your videos. Reply to comments, engage with your followers, and use Instagram's analytics to understand what drives higher likes and views. Proactive social media engagement boosts your post’s visibility and also helps to build a loyal community.
Want to post YouTube videos to TikTok? Check out the ultimate guide to TikTok videos then learn everything you need to know about YouTube Shorts.
Post YouTube videos on Instagram today using Clipchamp or download the Clipchamp Windows app for free.
