Link Reels on Instagram: Everything You Need to Know

Introduced to compete with TikTok, Instagram Reels has quickly become a go-to for creators and budding filmmakers. Many now share multiple reels as part of a mini-series to keep viewers hooked.

Until recently, connecting reels wasn’t smooth; creators had to rely on captions or comments. Instagram has now solved this with the Link a Reel feature, letting you connect reels directly with a single tap. It’s perfect for tutorials, story arcs, or ongoing series.

Keep reading to learn what Instagram’s Link a Reel feature is, how it works, and tips to use it effectively.

What Is Instagram’s Link a Reel Feature?

The Instagram Link a Reel feature lets you attach one reel to another by adding a custom tappable button beneath the reel. Viewers can tap the button labeled “Watch Part 2” or a custom title to continue watching the next video. It works like a playlist your audience can enjoy.

Once a reel is linked, a button appears at the bottom of the screen, making it easy for viewers to move to the next piece of content.

How to Link an Existing Reel When Posting a New One

If you shared part 1 of your reel series a while ago, it may be buried in your profile. Existing followers will move to part 2, but new viewers could miss part 1 and lose context.

This is where Instagram’s Link a Reel feature shines. It lets you link Part 2 to Part 1 so new viewers can watch the full story without searching your profile. Here’s how:

1. Open Instagram and create or upload a new reel.
2. When on the share screen, tap Link a Reel.
3. Next, select the existing reel you want to link.
   
4. Now, add a title for the linked reel. You can use “Part 1” or “Previous Part.” There’s a strict 15-word limit.
5. Then, tap OK to confirm.
6. Tap Share to post the new reel.
   

You can change the title of the linked reel at any time or unlink it altogether later.

How to Link Two Existing Reels

Instagram also lets you link two existing reels, ensuring older posts don’t get overlooked. Here’s how:

1. Open the Instagram reel you want to link to another reel.
2. Now, tap the three-dot button.
3. Select the “Link a Reel” option from the menu that appears.
   
4. Next, select the reel you want to link, give it a title, and tap OK.
   

How to Edit, Change, or Unlink a Linked Reel

If you linked the wrong reels or want to update a title, here’s how to edit or unlink them:

1. Open the linked reel and tap the three-dot button.
2. Select the “Edit linked reel” option from the menu that appears.
3. Here, tap the title box to edit the linked reel title.
   
4. To unlink the reel, tap Unlink.
5. To change the linked reel, tap “Change reel” and then select the new reel.
   

Limitations You Should Know

While the Link a Reel feature, without a doubt, is a powerful feature for creators, it does have a few limitations you must be aware of:

• You can link only one reel at a time.
• The feature may not appear for Close Friends or subscriber-only reels.
• Titles are limited to 15 characters.
• You can’t preview or test the link button before posting.
• Instagram doesn’t currently provide dedicated insights for linked button clicks.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Link a Reel

Linking reels isn’t enough. You need a strategy to keep viewers engaged. Here are some practical tips:

• Plan your series: Outline how many parts your content will include beforehand to maintain consistency.
• Use clear titles: A simple “Part 2” or “Next” works best, so viewers instantly know what to expect.
• Hook your viewers: Try to end each reel with a teaser or cliffhanger to encourage people to tap through.
• Link older content: Revive your evergreen videos by linking them to new, relevant posts.
• Monitor performance: Keep an eye on your Reels Insights to see how linked reels affect watch time and engagement.

Link, Create, and Keep Viewers Watching

Instagram’s Link a Reel feature makes it easier than ever to guide viewers through your content journey. Whether you’re telling stories, teaching, or building a series, this update helps you boost watch time and keep your audience engaged.

Have you tried Linked Reels yet? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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