Why You Should Start Linking Your Instagram Reels (And How To Do It Right)
Do you sometimes feel as if your Instagram Reels disappear the moment you hit ‘post’?
If you’re shaking your head yes, this blog post is for you!
For years, content creators have been stuck in a cycle: create, post, hope it performs, and repeat.
But, lucky for us, that model is changing due to a new Instagram Reels feature; a significant opportunity for small-business owners and content creators alike.
In a recent Community podcast episode, host and The Social Snippet’s co-founder Kristina Bartold highlighted a powerful shift: you can now link your Instagram Reels together— and it might completely transform your content strategy!
Let’s unpack what that means, and how to use it. Read on :) —
The Big Shift: From Single Posts To Content Machine
Instagram now allows creators to connect several Reels together into a series or journey.
Instead of treating each Instagram Reel as a standalone post, you can guide viewers from one video to the next, just like episodes in a show.
This is important because:
Viewers no longer need to search for ‘Part 2’.
You can categorize content by topic/theme.
You create an easy and accessible experience for audiences.
Instagram is ultimately prioritizing longer watch periods and deeper engagement, not solely quick views.
Why This Matters More Than Going Viral
Insider’s Tip: Stop chasing ‘going viral’ and start building connections!
Here’s why -
Retention is more powerful than reach - as previously mentioned, Instagram is rewarding content that keeps people watching longer and not just clicking once.
More watch time = greater trust - The longer someone is attached to your content, the faster they build a relationship with you!
Trust = conversions - Whether you sell services, products, or insights, people want to buy from creators they feel connected to.
In other words, one viral Instagram Reel might get attention, BUT a connected series builds a business!
What ‘Linking Reels’ Actually Does
When you link Instagram Reels:
Viewers can tap directly into the next piece of content.
Instagram creates a smooth viewing path.
Your content offers viewers a guided journey rather than random posts.
How To Use Instagram’s New Linking Reels Feature: A Tutorial
Step-by-step: Link a NEW Reel
Open Instagram and start crafting a Reel.
Edit your video as you normally would.
On the caption/share screen, click ‘Link a reel’.
Select the Reel you want to connect.
Add a short title (i.e. ‘Part 2’ or ‘Next’).
Tap OK, then Share.
DONE! Your Reel now has a clickable link to the next video.
Link an EXISTING Reel
Head over to your profile and open a Reel.
Tap the ⋯ (three dots) menu.
Select ‘Link a reel’ or ‘Add linked reel’.
Pick the Reel to connect.
Add a title, then Save.
Side-note: This works even for older posts.
Edit or remove a link
Open the Reel.
Tap ⋯ (three dots), then Edit linked reel.
Choose:
Change reel (swap it)
Unlink (remove it completely)
Key things to know:
You can only link ONE Reel at a time.
Titles are short (around 15 characters max).
Not available for: Close Friends Reels OR Subscriber-Only Reels.
PRO TIPS:
End ‘Part 1’ with an attention-grabbing cliffhanger.
Clearly tell viewers to watch ‘Part 2’.
Keep your titles consistent.
Build mini-series or tutorials.
When should you use Linked Instagram Reels?
Best for:
Tutorials/Step-by-step guides.
Storytelling videos.
Multi-part educational content.
Product demos or reviews.
5 Creative Ways To Use Linked Reels
1.Transform a single idea into a series
Instead of cramming everything into one video:
Break it into parts.
Link them together
For example: “How To Grow On Instagram (Part 1: Hooks)”, “Part 2: Content Strategy”.
2.Create a binge funnel
Guide your audience on a journey:
Awareness (problem) → Education (solution) → Offer (your product or service).
3.Revive past content
Take your best-performing Reel and:
Link it to new content.
OR build a series around it.
This is a significant way to expand your content’s lifespan!
4.Build a storytelling sequence
Great for:
Personal brands.
Coaches.
Case Studies.
In other words, share a story across multiple videos instead of one hurried post.
5.Collaborate with other creators
Here you can:
Link to partnership content.
Share audiences.
Cross-promote organically.
Final Thoughts
Linking Reels is more than just a new feature, but a powerful shift in how content works on Instagram.
If you use it strategically, you can:
Turn short video snippets into long viewing sessions.
Build stronger relationships with your audience.
And make your content work harder (without having to create more!)
Be sure to check out Kristina’s Communitypodcast episode ‘Link Your Reels Together For Longer Viewer Retention On Instagram’ for another helpful reference point on this topic!
As always, we would love to connect with you and hear what’s working best in your own business journey. Feel free to follow us on social media or reach out via our website — we’re happy to chat 😊