- Reels are made on Instagram first, then shared to Facebook using the Share to Facebook toggle.
- A professional Instagram account (Business or Creator) linked to a Facebook Page is required.
- Use 9:16 aspect ratio, MP4 or MOV format, and keep files under 300 MB for best playback.
- Enable Share to Feed so your Reel appears in both the Reels tab and your Facebook feed.
- Facebook displays a center-cropped 1:1 square of your cover photo as the feed thumbnail.
- Coinis creates and publishes Reels to Facebook and Instagram directly, with AI-generated copy and creatives.
What is a Reel and Where It Can Be Posted
Reels are short vertical videos. They live on Instagram but can reach Facebook audiences at the same time.
Why Reels matter for both Instagram and Facebook
Reels get broad organic reach on both platforms. Meta surfaces them in the Reels tab and, when eligible, in the main feed. One piece of content, two audiences.
Where Reels originate
Reels are created on Instagram. Facebook does not have a standalone Reel creation workflow. You build the video on Instagram first, then push it to Facebook.
How they appear on Facebook vs Instagram
On Instagram, Reels appear in the Reels tab and, if you enable it, in your feed. On Facebook, Meta uses a center-cropped 1:1 square of your cover photo as the feed thumbnail. The full 9:16 video plays when a viewer taps it.
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Prerequisites Before Posting a Reel to Facebook
Get these in order before you hit share.
Instagram professional account required
You need a Business or Creator account on Instagram. Personal accounts cannot share Reels to Facebook. Switch account type inside Instagram Settings under "Account type and tools."
Creating your Reel on Instagram first
Open Instagram. Tap the + icon and select Reel. Record or upload your clip. Trim, add audio, apply effects. When the video is ready, tap Next to reach the sharing screen.
Reel specifications and best practices
Per Meta's developer documentation, use these specs for clean playback on both platforms:
- Format: MP4 or MOV
- Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical, full screen)
- Duration: 3 seconds to 15 minutes
- File size: Up to 300 MB
- Video codec: H.264 or HEVC
- Audio: AAC at 48 kHz
Shoot or export at 9:16. Any other ratio risks cropping on Facebook.
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How to Share a Reel to Facebook from the Instagram App
Four steps. Takes under a minute once your accounts are linked.
Step 1: Create or find your Reel on Instagram
Tap + and select Reel. Upload your clip or record directly. Apply edits, captions, and music. When you're satisfied, tap Next.
Step 2: Access the sharing options
On the share screen, look below the caption field. You'll see a toggle labeled "Also share to Facebook." Tap it.
Step 3: Select Facebook as your destination
Toggle on the Facebook option. If your Facebook account is not yet linked, Instagram will prompt you to connect. Authorize the connection and confirm your Page.
Step 4: Add caption and adjust privacy settings
Write your caption. Set your audience to Everyone, Friends, or a custom option. Tap Share. The Reel posts to Instagram and simultaneously pushes to your connected Facebook Page.
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Enabling Share to Feed When Creating a Reel
The share_to_feed toggle is your main distribution control.
Using the share_to_feed option during upload
Before you tap Share, toggle on "Share to Feed." This tells Meta to distribute the Reel to both your feed and the Reels tab, not just the Reels tab alone.
What happens when share_to_feed is enabled
When enabled, the Reel is eligible to appear in both the Reels tab and the main feed. Per Meta's documentation, actual distribution also depends on your account privacy settings and Meta's algorithm. Eligibility is not a guarantee of feed placement.
How the Reel appears on your Facebook feed
Facebook shows the Reel as a post on your connected Page or profile. The thumbnail is a center-cropped 1:1 square from your cover photo. Viewers tap to watch the full vertical video.
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After You Post: Managing Your Reel on Facebook
How Facebook displays your Reel
Facebook surfaces the Reel in your Page's video section and, when eligible, in followers' feeds. The Facebook Reels tab can also pick it up.
Engagement visibility and analytics
Likes, comments, and shares from both platforms are tracked separately. Check Instagram Insights for reach and plays on the Instagram side. Facebook Page Insights shows engagement from Facebook viewers.
Editing or deleting a Reel shared to Facebook
You cannot swap the video after publishing. You can edit the caption from Instagram. To remove it from Facebook specifically, delete the cross-posted version from your Facebook Page directly. Deleting on Instagram removes it from both.
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Speed Up Your Reel Creation with Coinis
Create production-quality Reels faster with AI
Coinis generates on-brand creatives from your product URL. Choose a style, refine the copy with AI Copywriting, and export a Reel-ready asset. No design software needed.
From concept to Facebook in minutes
Coinis publishes directly to Facebook and Instagram. Build the creative, add your caption, and hit publish from one place. The Brand Profile keeps every Reel consistent with your brand voice automatically.
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Or post it for free.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a professional Instagram account to share Reels to Facebook?
Yes. Only Business or Creator accounts on Instagram can share Reels to a connected Facebook Page. Personal Instagram accounts do not have this option. You can upgrade for free inside Instagram Settings under Account type and tools.
Can I share a Reel to Facebook after I have already posted it on Instagram?
Yes. Open the Reel on Instagram, tap the three-dot menu, and select Share to Facebook. The option is available as long as your Instagram account is linked to a Facebook Page.
Why is my Reel not showing on my Facebook feed after sharing?
Facebook feed placement depends on Meta's algorithm and your account privacy settings. Enabling Share to Feed makes the Reel eligible for feed distribution, but it does not guarantee placement. Make sure your Page is public and that your linked Facebook account has completed Page Publishing Authorization if required.
What aspect ratio should I use for a Reel I plan to share to Facebook?
Use 9:16 vertical. Per Meta's documentation, this is the recommended aspect ratio for Reels. Any other ratio may be cropped. Keep your file in MP4 or MOV format and under 300 MB.