So you want to repurpose your YouTube videos into Instagram Reels?
You’ve spent hours creating that perfect long-form YouTube content. The lighting was just right.
The script was polished.
The editing was on point.
But now it’s just sitting there on YouTube, when you know it could be working harder for you across other platforms.
Maybe you’re hesitating because cutting down a 20-minute video into a 90-second Reel feels overwhelming. Or perhaps you’re worried that the essence of your message will get lost in translation.
You’re not alone in this struggle.
But transforming your YouTube content into Instagram Reels isn’t just possible—it’s a strategy that could exponentially grow your audience and impact.
Why you should repurpose from YouTube videos to Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels offer an incredible opportunity to reach new audiences who might never discover your YouTube channel.
With over 2.35 billion monthly active users on Instagram and the platform’s heavy push toward short-form video content, Reels receive significantly more distribution than regular posts.
The algorithm actively promotes Reels to users who don’t even follow you, putting your expertise in front of fresh eyes every day.
Repurposing content in general is simply smart business. Creating fresh content from scratch for every platform is exhausting and unsustainable.
The truth is, you don’t really know what kind of content is going to resonate better on which platform. I learned this firsthand back in 2020 when I created YouTube videos about note-taking. On a whim, I decided to repurpose some of that content on Medium. That simple decision to repurpose led me to launch a profitable five-figure course and add 3,000 email subscribers to my list in just 12 weeks. You can read about that journey here.
The magic of repurposing happens because different audiences consume content differently. What might get a lukewarm response on YouTube could go viral as a Reel. The algorithm, audience preferences, and even the time of day all factor into content performance.
The main differences between YouTube videos and Instagram Reels
The biggest mistake when repurposing content is to simply do stupid copy and paste.
So before you start chopping up your YouTube videos, understand that these platforms have fundamentally different content expectations:
YouTube videos:
- Longer format (often 7+ minutes)
- More detailed and comprehensive
- Usually watched with sound on
- Viewers often intentionally searching for specific information
- Higher production value expected
Instagram Reels:
- Ultra-short (15-90 seconds)
- Focused on a single point or hook
- Often watched with sound off (captions crucial)
- Viewers discovering content through scrolling
- Raw, authentic feeling often performs better than highly polished content
YouTube viewers have settled in for a longer, informational experience. Reels viewers are looking for quick entertainment or inspiration while scrolling.
What makes a good Instagram Reel?
To create Reels that stop the scroll, focus on these elements:
A powerful hook in the first 2-3 seconds is non-negotiable.
You literally have a blink to capture attention before they scroll past.
Clear, readable captions are essential since most people watch without sound. Make them concise and punchy.
One clear takeaway per Reel works best.
Don’t try to cram your 20-minute YouTube video’s worth of points into 60 seconds. Extract the single most compelling idea.
For example, a YouTube video titled “7 Productivity Techniques for Entrepreneurs” might become several Reels:
- “The one morning routine habit that doubled my productivity”
- “This 25-minute technique helped me finish my book in 30 days”
- “Stop doing this if you want to actually finish your projects”
The most successful Reels feel like they’re speaking directly to a specific pain point or desire.
Build Your Swipe File Of Winning Instagram Reels
The best way to create successful Reels is to study content that’s already performing well. Each platform has its own unwritten rules and patterns of success.
PRO TIP: Look for creators who are relatively new to Instagram but getting impressive engagement. Established influencers can often get away with content that wouldn’t work for smaller accounts because they already have momentum and audience loyalty.
Build a collection of Reels that resonate with you and analyze them. What hooks did they use? How did they structure their captions? What editing techniques made you stop scrolling?
Download my free template file of winning Instagram Reels formats here.
Simple workflow to turn YouTube videos into Instagram Reels
Okay, so now that you have these laid out…
You could either do this manually like a monkey.
Hire a VA that you need to train for weeks on Fiverr…
Or (my favorite way):
You could use AI and automation tools to make this process as smooth as butter.
Here’s an example:
As soon as you post on YouTube, an automation can help extract the most engaging clips and prepare them for Instagram Reels.
You can start creating automations that utilize specific prompts to save your time.
Tools like n8n, Make (formerly Integromat), or Zapier can help you build these workflows. Here’s a simple workflow that’s working right now:
1. Use YouTube Analytics to identify the highest-retention moments in your videos
2. Install a browser extension like Grain or Descript to easily clip those moments
3. Set up a prompt in ChatGPT like: “Create a catchy hook for Instagram Reel about [topic from video clip]. It should be under 150 characters and include an emotional trigger.”
4. Use an app like CapCut or Descript to add captions and trending sounds
For example, if your YouTube video is about email marketing strategies, your automation could identify the section where you explain your best-performing subject line formula.
The clip gets extracted, your AI prompt generates “The email subject line that gets 78% open rates (even from cold prospects),” and your editing tool adds captions.
Stop leaving money on the table by keeping your brilliant content trapped in one platform.
Your YouTube videos might contain dozens of potential viral Reels—you just need a system to extract them.
For more tips on how to repurpose your content and grow your audience with less work, sign up for my free emails below: