How to repost TikToks to Reels and YouTube Shorts

Cross-posting is the easiest way to grow on three platforms with one video. The key is a clean file and a few small adjustments for each app.

Step 1: get a clean copy

If the video is private, see How to save your own TikTok without the watermark.

Step 2: check the basics

• Format: vertical 9:16, ideally 1080×1920 — what TikTok usually serves.
• Length: check each platform's current maximum before uploading. Shorts in particular has stricter length rules than TikTok, so trim longer videos into a clean cut.
• On-screen text: TikTok's captions, stickers and text added in-app are baked into the video. Make sure they still make sense out of context.

Step 3: adapt for each platform

Instagram Reels

• Upload natively from the Instagram app — don't share a TikTok link.
• Rewrite the caption for Instagram: shorter hook, relevant hashtags.
• If the sound is a licensed song, consider swapping it for one from Instagram's music library.

YouTube Shorts

• Upload from the YouTube app and add #Shorts to the title or description.
• Give it a searchable title — YouTube leans on search more than TikTok does.
• Check the audio: some tracks are claimed or muted on YouTube.

Step 4: track what works

Post at the times each audience is active, and compare results after a week. A hook that works on TikTok may need a faster start on Shorts or a stronger caption on Reels.

Only repost your own work

Reposting other people's TikToks without permission can get your account penalised and may infringe their copyright. Ask first, and credit clearly when they say yes.