If you want to start using Instagram to promote your YouTube videos, you're totally in the right place! While you may be building your audience on YouTube, chances are you have an audience on Instagram as well that would absolutely benefit from seeing your videos.

This week, we're digging into how you can post your YouTube videos to Instagram without any crazy equipment or fancy apps so you can start getting more views asap. And stick around cause I'm also sharing my 5 secret strategies to getting Instagram followers over to YouTube!

So first things first, let's get that YouTube video over to Instagram. Unfortunately, you can't post to Instagram from your computer so we're going to have to actually get started by making a transfer.

Step #1: Transfer Your Video to Your Phone.

Now if you're using an iOS device and a Mac computer, this is a super simple process. All you have to do is AirDrop it. Simple as pie. If you're not, don't worry. We have a workaround

First, you'll need to add your video to a Google Drive on your computer. Google Drive is a free to use platform and it will keep your file secure. Once it's in your drive, download the Drive app to your phone. You'll find the video in your drive on your phone where you can download it.

Click the video above to see the full process!

Step #2: Shorten Your Video for Instagram.

In most cases, you're going to want to shorten the video clip. You can do this right inside your photos app or use a third party app like CutStory. And you have a few options as well.

Clip to 15 seconds for Instagram Stories.
Clip to 60 seconds for the Instagram Feed.
Don't clip it and upload the entire video to IGTV.

Here's the thing though. If you upload your entire video, that doesn't count towards views on YouTube. So instead, focus on creating clips that will entice your followers to head to YouTube.

Step#3: Create a Call to Action.

Unless you have more than 10k followers, you're not able to use the swipe up feature on Instagram and there's no workaround for that. So what you need to do is actually give people a call to action! This means telling your audience the video is linked in your IG bio and then actually including that link so that can go there.

Take Polls.

Using your Instagram Stories, you can actually take polls on people's interest. Ask them if they want to learn more about a certain topic you're talking about. If they say yes, you'll be able to see that and you can then connect with them.

Send them a link to your video and follow up. Ask what their biggest takeaway was. This shows Instagram that you're engaging and helps boost you on Instagram.

Create Feed Posts.

Sure, it's fun to create Instagram stories, but feed posts are just as important. Create a value packed post to create some interest in your viewer and then send them to your video! You can also engage with the comments on that post, which again, boosts your ranking on Instagram.

Share Your YouTube Comments.

This is a fun one! When people comment on your YouTube video, take screenshots of the comment and share them on Instagram! This is a great way to show that you're providing value to your audience.

Ask for Instagram Shares.

I know, asking can be hard! But you've got this. During your filming process, ask your viewer to grab a screen shot and share it on Instagram and tag you. Once they've done that, you can give them a shout out on Instagram, thanking them for the support. Not only is this great for engagement but for networking too!

Film an IGTV Video.

Just because you don't want to post the full video on IGTV doesn't mean you don't want to use IG TV! Create a shorter video with your phone during your filming process that will be specifically for IGTV. Share what the video is about, why it's important and a small taste of what they'll expect and then send them to Instagram using a link!

The bonus of using IGTV is that you can use clickable links in the description AND they also show up on your feed! Alright, friend. Get out there and start promoting your video on Instagram. And if you're following me (@trena_little), say hello! Let me know what you thought of this lesson!