Instagram has launched a new feature that allows creators to link multiple Reels in a series, facilitating easier navigation through related content. First reported by TechCrunch, the update addresses a highly requested capability already available on competing platforms TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

The new “Link a Reel” function enables creators to connect their Reels into organized series after posting. Creators can establish these connections either when adding captions to new content or by accessing the overflow menu on previously shared Reels.

Viewers can navigate between connected Reels using a new button located at the bottom left of the video interface. The organized content will also appear in a dedicated folder displayed on the creator’s profile.

This update brings Instagram in line with features already implemented by competitors. On YouTube, creators can organize videos into playlists, while TikTok offers grouping options for content categories like cooking videos, storytelling content, or instructional content.

User Benefits

The new linking feature addresses numerous practical challenges faced in the content ecosystem. 

Viewers no longer need to manually search through a creator’s profile to find continuation videos, streamlining the consumption experience. Content creators benefit from simplified organization tools when producing episodic or series-based content. The feature enables more cohesive storytelling across multiple short-form videos, allowing narratives to develop beyond single Reel limitations. 

Additionally, creators can now implement thematic grouping of similar content types, making their profiles more navigable and content specific. Instagram appears to be emphasizing episodic short-form content as part of its strategy to increase engagement metrics.

For creators, multi-part series can increase overall engagement by encouraging viewers to watch multiple connected videos.

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