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How to Post a Video from Facebook to Instagram: A Comprehensive Guide

Want to share that hilarious cat video you uploaded to Facebook with your Instagram followers? While there isn’t a direct, one-click “share” button from Facebook to Instagram for videos, don’t despair! There are several effective methods you can use to get your Facebook video onto your Instagram feed, stories, or reels. You can achieve this by downloading the video from Facebook and uploading it to Instagram, or by using third-party apps designed for this purpose.

Downloading and Uploading: The Classic Approach

This method offers the most control and is generally the safest, as you’re not relying on potentially unreliable third-party applications.

Step 1: Download the Video from Facebook

Navigate to Your Video: Find the video you want to share on your Facebook profile, page, or group.
Access the Options Menu: Look for the three dots (ellipsis) usually located in the top-right corner of the video post. Click on them.
Select “Download Video”: From the dropdown menu, choose the “Download Video” option. The video will be saved to your device’s storage. Note: Not all videos are downloadable. The uploader has the option to disable downloads. If you don’t see the download option, you’ll need to explore alternative methods mentioned later.

Step 2: Transfer the Video to Your Mobile Device (If Needed)

If you downloaded the video on a computer, you’ll need to transfer it to your mobile device (phone or tablet) to post it on Instagram. You can do this using various methods:

USB Cable: Connect your phone to your computer with a USB cable and transfer the video file.
Cloud Storage Services: Use services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. Upload the video to the cloud from your computer and then download it onto your phone through the respective app.
Email or Messaging Apps: You can email the video to yourself or send it through a messaging app like WhatsApp or Telegram. However, be aware that some services compress videos, which might reduce the quality.

Step 3: Upload the Video to Instagram

Open the Instagram App: Launch the Instagram app on your mobile device.
Choose Your Posting Format: Decide whether you want to post the video to your feed, as an Instagram Story, or as an Instagram Reel.
- Feed: Tap the “+” icon at the bottom of the screen, select the video from your gallery, and choose a filter or make edits as desired. Add a caption and tags, then tap “Share.”
- Story: Swipe right on the main screen or tap the “+” icon on your profile picture. Select the video from your gallery. You can add text, stickers, drawings, and music. Tap “Your Story” or “Close Friends” to share. Note: Instagram Stories have a time limit. For longer videos, you’ll either need to trim them or use an app to split them into segments.
- Reel: Tap the “+” icon at the bottom and select “Reel”. You can upload the video directly or record a new video. Instagram Reels offer various editing tools like adding music, effects, and text overlays. Tap “Share” to post.
Adjust Video Length (If Necessary): Instagram has different time limits for each posting format. Make sure your video adheres to these limits or use Instagram’s built-in trimming tool, or a video editing app, to shorten it.

Using Third-Party Apps: A Quicker Alternative

While the download-and-upload method is the most reliable, certain third-party apps promise to streamline the process of transferring videos from Facebook to Instagram. Exercise caution when using third-party apps, as they may request access to your personal information or not be entirely secure. Always check reviews and permissions before installing. We are not endorsing any specific app, but providing information about this option.

Research and Choose an App: Search for apps specifically designed for transferring videos between social media platforms. Read reviews and check the app’s permissions before installing.
Follow the App’s Instructions: Each app will have its own specific process, but generally, you’ll need to connect your Facebook and Instagram accounts within the app.
Transfer the Video: Select the video you want to share and follow the app’s instructions to transfer it to Instagram.

Important Considerations When Sharing Facebook Videos to Instagram:

Video Length Restrictions: Instagram has time limits for videos depending on the format (feed, story, reel). Ensure your video adheres to these restrictions, or you might need to trim it or split it into segments.
Video Quality: Downloading and re-uploading can sometimes impact video quality. Use the highest resolution possible when downloading from Facebook and ensure your Instagram upload settings are optimized for quality.
Copyright Issues: Be mindful of copyright. If the video contains music or content you don’t own, you might face copyright infringement issues on Instagram. Always give proper credit or obtain necessary permissions.
Privacy Settings: Respect the privacy of others. If the video includes other people, make sure you have their permission before sharing it publicly on Instagram.
Instagram’s Algorithm: Instagram’s algorithm favors certain types of content. Consider optimizing your video with relevant hashtags and engaging captions to increase its visibility.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of posting videos from Facebook to Instagram:

1. Why can’t I directly share a video from Facebook to Instagram?

Currently, Facebook and Instagram do not offer a direct sharing feature for videos, primarily due to different content formats, privacy settings, and strategic business decisions.

2. Can I post a Facebook Live video to Instagram after it ends?

Yes, after your Facebook Live video ends, you can save it to your device and then upload it to Instagram as you would with any other video.

3. How do I split a long video into segments for Instagram Stories?

There are several apps available for both iOS and Android that can automatically split long videos into 15-second segments (the standard length for Instagram Stories). Search for “video splitter for Instagram” in your app store.

4. Will the video quality be affected when I download and re-upload it?

Yes, downloading and re-uploading can sometimes reduce video quality. To minimize this, download the video in the highest resolution available and ensure your Instagram upload settings are set to “High Quality.”

5. What if I don’t see the “Download Video” option on Facebook?

The uploader of the video may have disabled downloads. In this case, you’ll need to ask the uploader to enable downloads or consider alternative screen recording methods (though this might further degrade the quality).

6. Can I share someone else’s Facebook video to my Instagram?

If the video is publicly available and the uploader has enabled downloads, you can download and share it. However, it’s always best practice to ask for permission from the original creator before sharing their content. Always give credit.

7. What are the video length limits for Instagram?

Feed: Up to 60 minutes (though shorter videos tend to perform better).
Story: 15 seconds per segment (videos longer than 15 seconds are automatically split).
Reel: Up to 90 seconds.

8. Are there any apps that automatically post Facebook videos to Instagram?

While some apps claim to automate this process, they often violate Instagram’s terms of service and may compromise your account security. It’s generally safer to stick to the manual download-and-upload method.

9. How do I add music to a video I’m posting from Facebook to an Instagram Reel?

After uploading your video to Instagram Reel, you can tap the music icon and select a song from Instagram’s music library. You can also use original audio from other Reels.

10. How do I add hashtags to my Instagram video post?

Type your hashtags directly into the caption of your Instagram post. Research relevant and trending hashtags to increase the visibility of your video.

11. Can I schedule a video post on Instagram after downloading it from Facebook?

Yes, you can use Instagram’s built-in scheduling tool (if you have a business account) or third-party social media management tools like Hootsuite or Buffer to schedule your video post.

12. Is it legal to share a Facebook video on Instagram?

Sharing a Facebook video on Instagram is legal as long as you have the necessary rights or permissions to do so. This includes owning the video content, having permission from the copyright holder, or the video falling under fair use guidelines. If you are unsure, it is always best to err on the side of caution and obtain permission before sharing the video.