Instagram Reels and TikTok are two of the most popular short-video platforms today. Many creators post content on both apps to reach a bigger audience and boost engagement. While Instagram does not offer a direct “Share to TikTok” button, you can still upload your Reels to TikTok by downloading your video and reposting it manually.
This guide explains every method you can use, including how to share Reels without a watermark, how to add music again on TikTok, and what to do if Instagram won’t let you save your Reel.
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Can You Share Instagram Reels to TikTok Directly?
No—there is no built-in option to share a Reel from Instagram directly to TikTok.
Instead, you must:
- Download or save your Reel from Instagram
- Upload the video to TikTok manually
This process works whether the Reel is:
- Your own video
- Or someone else’s (if they’ve allowed downloading or sharing)
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How to Share Your Own Instagram Reel to TikTok
This is the easiest method because Instagram allows you to save your own Reels without restrictions.
Step 1: Open Instagram and go to your profile
Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
Step 2: Open the Reel you want to share
Go to the Reels tab and tap the video.
Step 3: Tap the three dots (⋯)
This opens more options.
Step 4: Choose “Save to device” or “Download”
Your reel will be saved to your phone’s gallery.
Note:
Some Reels may save with music removed due to copyright restrictions. You can add new audio inside TikTok later.
Step 5: Open TikTok and tap the “+” button
This starts a new video upload.
Step 6: Tap “Upload”
Select the Reel you downloaded from your gallery.
Step 7: Edit the video
You can:
- Add music
- Add effects
- Trim the video
- Insert captions
Step 8: Post the video
Add a caption and hashtags, then tap Post.
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How to Share Someone Else’s Reel to TikTok
You can only download another person’s Reel if they have enabled “Allow downloading.”
Option 1: Download directly (if the Save option is available)
- Open the Reel
- Tap the Share arrow
- Select Save or Download
Then upload it to TikTok normally.
Option 2: Use screen recording
If downloading is disabled, you can still share the content using your phone’s built-in screen recorder.
On iPhone
- Swipe down → tap Screen Recording
- Play the Reel → stop recording
- Trim the video in Photos
- Upload to TikTok
On Android
- Swipe down → tap Screen Recorder
- Record the Reel
- Stop and save
- Upload to TikTok
Important:
Always give credit to the original creator when reposting someone else’s work.
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How to Share Reels to TikTok Without the Instagram Watermark
If you download a Reel after it has been posted, Instagram sometimes adds a tiny label. To avoid this:
Method 1: Save the Reel before posting it
When creating the Reel:
- Tap the Download icon before posting
- Save the clean version to your gallery
- Upload the clean video to TikTok
This gives you a watermark-free version.
Method 2: Use a professional editing app
Apps like:
- CapCut
- InShot
- VN
…allow exporting videos without any logos.
Method 3: Trim the screen-recorded version
If you used screen recording, crop out the username overlay.
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How to Add Music Again When Sharing a Reel to TikTok
Many saved Instagram Reels lose music because of copyright rules. To add new audio on TikTok:
Step 1: Upload the Reel to TikTok
Tap + → Upload → Next
Step 2: Tap “Add sound”
Choose:
- TikTok trending sounds
- Saved audios
- Your own uploaded audio
Step 3: Adjust volume
You can reduce the original sound to 0% and use TikTok’s audio instead.
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How to Share Reels to TikTok Automatically (Scheduling Tools)
Some third-party tools allow you to schedule and auto-publish your content to multiple platforms:
- Meta Business Suite (Instagram only)
- Hootsuite
- Buffer
- Later
- Sprout Social
These tools still cannot auto-post to TikTok and Instagram simultaneously, but they help you schedule both separately using one dashboard.
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Why You May Not Be Able to Share a Reel to TikTok
Here are common reasons:
The Reel does not have download permission
Creators may disable downloads.
Copyright-protected audio
Instagram blocks music when saving.
App is outdated
Update Instagram and TikTok to fix missing features.
No storage space
Your phone cannot save large videos.
Business accounts restrictions
Some music cannot be used unless you switch to a personal account.
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Tips for Better Cross-Posting Between Instagram Reels and TikTok
To get the best reach and engagement:
Avoid using TikTok watermarks on Instagram
Instagram reduces reach on watermarked content.
Keep videos short and engaging
Both platforms reward short-view content.
Add platform-specific text
Use TikTok’s own captions and effects for better visibility.
Post at peak times
Your audience may be active at different times on each app.
ALSO READ: How to see who viewed your TikTok story
