Are you a video creator? Do you know your way around posting to video platforms like YouTube? Then you’ll be glad to know that videos can be shared all across social media. In fact, many video creators are flocking to social media giants like Instagram to promote their content.

Since Instagram has already become a household name for where people can post visuals like videos and photos (with or without fun and exciting filters), promoting, say, YouTube videos to the platform would be great for your cause. But with that said, how is it possible to use Instagram to promote your video content?

In this article, we’ll show you 8 effective ways to promote your YouTube videos (and channel) on Instagram.

1. Take Advantage Of Direct Message Groups

Instagram has rolled out a new feature in the past year where people can look for and join direct message – or DM – groups on the platform. These groups are a closed list of members who will post content in niches that are exclusive. As an active member of a group, you’re tasked to post new content, and then message others in the group to like and comment on the video. All you have to do is message your favorite influencers in that niche and ask if they would like to take part in a DM group.

YouTuber Nancy Badillo suggests that DM groups will not only be tasked to like and comment on your video post on Instagram, but they’ll also be tasked to share the video as a way to increase engagement in the original source: your video. So, it definitely pays to be in a DM group that will not only be loyal to you, but also to what you have to offer (which is video content).

To join a DM group on Instagram, here’s what to do:

• Tap the Message/Lightning Bolt icon on the right-hand side of your screen.
  
• Next, in the Search bar, type in a niche or hobby that you’re interested in. Once you confirm, you’ll see different accounts that fall under that niche or hobby.
  
• Click on an account name, and you’ll be sent to the Messaging section of their Instagram.
  
• Then, you can send a quick message, asking them politely if you can join their DM group. Be sure to:
  
  • Tell them who you are.
    
  • Let them know what you do (or what interests you like) on your Instagram. AND
    
  • Say “thank you” for reading your message.

2. Tag Accounts That Repost Videos Like Yours

If you see that there are many Instagrammers like you creating and posting content similar to yours, be sure to tag them when promoting your video.

According to Social Media Examiner, the act of tagging someone – or a brand – on Instagram can be done in or on the image of your original post. With that said, you can tag multiple accounts on that one original post, so that there is more buzz – more buzz means more promotion. 

3. Redirect People From Instagram Feed To YouTube

Believe it or not, you can redirect people from Instagram to YouTube by placing the link in your Instagram bio. When editing your profile, you have the chance to change up your bio by adding a link to your YouTube channel.

One great example is YouTube content creator Amy Landino, who has over 65K followers on Instagram. In her bio, you’ll see a link to her new YouTube video.

In the same token, if you’re a YouTuber, why not advertise it in your Instagram bio? Whether it’s the link to your latest video, your most popular video to date, or your YouTube channel in general, you can share the link inside your bio.

4. Post Branded Content On Instagram

Branded content has already become a gold mine for many influencers, especially YouTubers. So, when you promote your videos on Instagram, be sure to find sponsorships that will sync with your niche.

Image source: Tribe

Marketing Mag suggests that you target your audience as you look for a sponsor (or sponsors) to help you promote your video content. Even as you allow people to repost it, be sure to have your logo visible on your content so that the right person gets credited for the original post. Also, make sure that your online security is reliable. Download AdGuard VPN so no one can access your browsing history, messages, or work files, even when you’re using public Wi-Fi. AdGuard VPN is also indispensable if Instagram or YouTube is blocked in the country you’re in.

5. Practice Active Publishing

While posting regularly on Instagram is key, it’s also important to know when the best times and days to post are. In other words, just like you would plan your video creation, you’ll also need to plan when to promote said videos.

According to Sprout Social, as of May 2021, the consensus on the best publishing times seems to be the following:

• Tuesdays from 11 AM to 2 PM, and
• Monday through Friday in the 11 AM window

While the weekends are also a good opportunity for promoting videos, Sunday is considered the “worst day” to publish any content. So, it’s best to look at the “Insights” section on Instagram.

6. Use Effective Hashtags

Now, when it comes to hashtags, you can’t just use a lot of hashtags without thinking about them. In fact, it’s important to use the CORRECT hashtags in order for your video promotion to be relevant in the first place, rather than come off as spammy.

Referring again to Sprout Social, your best bet is to use 1 to 3 hashtags per post. Plus, you’ll have to go for the best performing hashtags, so that your post is relevant to your niche. You can pick the best hashtags by doing one of the following:

• Look at your favorite Instagrammers (those with thousands and millions of followers), and see hashtags that they frequently use in their posts.
  
• Type in a topic, niche, or hobby in the Search bar. Then, tap on the “Tags” section of the search results. In the search results, find the most relevant ones for your video.

7. Take Advantage Of IGTV And Stories

To grow your fans and viewers, make sure to incorporate your YouTube content into IGTV. Post relevant videos to your niche, behind-the-scene videos, or just sneak peeks of upcoming YouTube videos.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to cross-promote your IGTV video by sharing it in Stories!

8. Share Video Links in Stories

Finally, besides adding the video link to your bio, you can also add video links to Stories. Just keep in mind that your account needs to be verified or have at least 10K followers.

To add a link to your Story, use the chain link icon in the top menu of your Story screen. Once you add a link to your Instagram Story, viewers can open that linked content by swiping up on your Story.

Conclusion

Ultimately, your presence on Instagram will improve your overall growth on YouTube. By taking into account these 8 tips, you’ll be able to leverage the power of Instagram as a means to promote your video content.

Good luck!

About the author: Elizabeth Hines is a writer and editor at UK Writings and Academized. She is also a contributing writer for Dissertation writing. As a content writer, she writes articles about the latest tech and marketing trends, innovations, and strategies.