How to Use Instagram Reels’ New Linked Feature

Have you ever been utterly captivated by an Instagram Reel, only to feel a pang of frustration when it ends on a cliffhanger, forcing you to scavenge the creator’s profile for a elusive “Part 2”? That universally annoying experience is now a thing of the past. Instagram has officially launched its highly anticipated Instagram Reels linking feature, a powerful new tool that allows creators to connect their videos in a seamless, episodic format. This transformative update is designed to keep audiences engaged and watching more content, directly within the app.

How the Instagram Reels Linking Feature Works

This new functionality effectively acts as a “Next Episode” button for short-form video. When a creator links two Reels, a prominent prompt appears at the end of the first video, inviting viewers to continue watching the connected story with a single tap. This creates a Netflix-like binge-watching experience directly within the Instagram ecosystem. The feature is a direct response to creator feedback, addressing the long-standing challenge of maintaining narrative flow and viewer retention across multiple posts. It empowers storytellers, educators, and entertainers to build serialized content without losing their audience between installments.

The introduction of Reels linking signifies a strategic move by Meta to increase watch time and compete more fiercely in the short-form video landscape. By making it easier for users to discover related content, Instagram encourages deeper exploration of a creator’s profile, ultimately fostering stronger community bonds and increasing the overall time spent on the platform.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Linking Your Reels

The process to utilize this new Instagram Reels linking tool is intuitive and accessible to all users. You can link both new Reels during the upload process or add connections to your existing library of content.

To link a new Reel:

1. During the Reel creation process before sharing, tap on the new “Link a reel” option.
2. Select one Reel from your profile that you wish to connect to this new video.
3. Add a custom title for the link, such as “Next Up” or “Part 2”.
4. Tap “OK” and then “Share” to publish your newly linked Reel.

To link an existing Reel:

1. Navigate to the Reel on your profile you want to add a link to.
2. Tap the three dots (•••) on the right side of the screen.
3. Select “Link a reel” from the menu.
4. Choose the Reel you want to connect and add a title before confirming.

Managing and Editing Your Linked Content

Flexibility is key, and Instagram allows you to edit or remove your linked Reels at any time. If you need to change which Reel is connected or update the call-to-action title, simply go to the Reel, tap the three dots, and select “Edit linked reel”. From this menu, you can change the title or select a completely different Reel to link. If the feature isn’t performing as expected, you can fully remove the link by selecting the “Unlink” option within the same edit menu. This ensures creators have full control over their content narrative.

Must Know

How many Reels can I link to a single video?
You can only link one other Reel to a video at a time. The feature is designed for a direct “Part 1 to Part 2” connection rather than a hub linking to multiple episodes.

Is there a character limit for the link title?
Yes, the custom title you can add to the link has a limit of 15 words, allowing for clear and concise calls-to-action like “Watch the finale” or “See what happens next.”

Can I link a Reel from a different Instagram account?
No, the Instagram Reels linking feature currently only allows you to link to Reels that are on your own profile. You cannot link to content posted by other users.

Will linking Reels improve my reach and visibility?
While Instagram has not officially confirmed this, features that increase watch time and user engagement typically send positive signals to the platform’s algorithm, which may indirectly benefit a Reel’s overall performance and reach.

This update represents a fundamental shift in how stories are told on Instagram, transforming scattered posts into cohesive narratives and giving creators the tools to build captivating series that keep viewers coming back for more.

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