By Viralnoise

Remember when we talked about why creators can't afford to miss platform updates? Here's exactly why staying on top of these changes matters. Instagram just rolled out a game-changing feature that transforms how creators can tell stories on the platform, and early adopters are already seeing the benefits.

The new linked Reels feature lets you connect multiple short-form videos into sequential series, basically turning Instagram into a platform for web series and episodic content. Think of it as Instagram's answer to the viral storytelling formats that have been dominating TikTok.

What you'll learn in this article:

• How to use Instagram's new linked Reels feature to create binge-worthy content

• Strategic ways to boost retention and engagement across multiple posts

• Why this update signals Instagram's bigger play against TikTok

• Practical applications for different types of creators

• How to leverage Instagram's new retention insights alongside linked content

What Linked Reels Actually Mean for Creators

Instagram's linked Reels feature addresses a major pain point creators have faced for years: how to keep viewers engaged across multiple related videos without losing them to the algorithm. Previously, Instagram creators had to rely on clunky segues (i.e. "come back for part two") if they wanted viewers to follow the thread of a multi-Reel tale. When learning how to make a reel that keeps audiences engaged, creators often struggled with this disconnect between related content pieces.

Now, creators can seamlessly connect related content during the editing process, either through the captions page or via the menu showing previously shared Reels. A new button will connect linked Reels, allowing viewers to seamlessly transition from episode to episode.

This isn't just a convenience feature. It's a fundamental shift that transforms short-form video into a platform for broader, serial storytelling. Instead of hoping viewers will hunt through your profile for the next part of your story, you're guiding them directly through your content journey using proven storytelling techniques.

Strategic Ways to Leverage Sequential Storytelling

Build Compelling Narrative Arcs

Think of each linked Reel as an episode in your personal series. The key to mastering how to tell a story across multiple short videos is creating content that feels incomplete without the next part. Whether you're creating:

• Tutorial series

"Part 1: Prep," "Part 2: Application," "Part 3: Final Results"

• Behind-the-scenes content

Link your process videos to show the full journey

• Travel diaries

Connect location-specific content into comprehensive trip guides

• Recipe series

Link preparation, cooking, and tasting into complete culinary experiences

Visual storytelling becomes even more powerful when you can guide viewers through a complete narrative arc rather than hoping they'll piece together your content on their own.

Boost Retention and Engagement Metrics

Sequential Reels are performance goldmines for boosting instagram reel views and overall engagement. When viewers move from one linked Reel to the next, you're essentially extending their session time with your content. This extended engagement signals to Instagram's algorithm that your content is valuable, potentially boosting your reach.

Each transition between linked Reels counts as continued engagement, which can significantly improve your overall performance metrics including:

• Total watch time across your content

• Completion rates for your series

• Profile visits and follows from engaged viewers

• Comments and shares from invested audiences

Organize Content Thematically

Linking isn't just for sequential storytelling. You can use it to create thematic collections that make your content more accessible and structured. For example:

• Makeup tutorials

Link different looks for specific occasions or seasons

• Fitness routines

Connect beginner, intermediate, and advanced versions of workouts

• Business tips

Link related advice into comprehensive guides

• Product reviews

Connect initial impressions, detailed testing, and final verdicts

This organization method helps viewers find exactly what they're looking for while keeping them engaged with related content.

The Bigger Picture: TikTok vs. Instagram

Learning from TikTok's Success

Earlier this year, TikTok viewers became enraptured by The Group Chat, a series spread out across dozens of short videos. 80 million views later, The Group Chat has catalyzed a revival of the long-dormant web series format.

Instagram clearly took notes. The linked Reels feature is designed to capture this same sequential storytelling magic that made The Group Chat and similar series go viral on TikTok. Once common on YouTube, web series have now found new audiences by appealing to the Gen Z denizens of TikTok.

But Instagram isn't just copying; they're trying to improve on the format by making the connections more explicit and user-friendly.

New Retention Insights Signal Bigger Changes

Instagram recently added new retention insights for Reels, giving creators detailed data about where viewers drop off in their videos. This isn't coincidental timing. These new analytics tools work hand-in-hand with linked Reels to help creators understand:

• Which parts of their series perform best

• Where viewers typically stop watching

• How to optimize content for better completion rates

• Which linking strategies drive the most engagement

These insights suggest Instagram is serious about competing with TikTok's storytelling capabilities and wants to give creators the tools they need to succeed.

The Minidrama Market Opportunity

The stakes are high. Minidrama studios have cashed in on that revival, especially in China, where the minidrama industry approached $7 billion in revenue in 2024. Instagram clearly wants a piece of this massive market, and linked Reels is their entry point.

For creators, this means Instagram is likely to continue investing in features that support sequential content, making now the perfect time to start experimenting with series-style content.

Practical Applications for Different Creator Types

For Educational Creators

Transform your tutorials into comprehensive learning journeys:

• Break complex topics into digestible, linked episodes

• Create prerequisite content that links to advanced techniques

• Develop troubleshooting series that address common problems

• Link theory explanations to practical demonstrations

For Lifestyle and Beauty Creators

Build immersive experiences around your content, whether you're a daily vlogger or occasional lifestyle creator:

• Link morning and evening routines for complete day coverage

• Connect product reviews with application tutorials and wear tests

• Create seasonal series linking outfit planning, shopping, and styling

• Develop transformation series showing before, process, and after content

• Turn your typical vlog content into themed series that viewers can binge-watch

For Business and Marketing Creators

Turn insights into actionable learning paths:

• Link strategy videos with implementation guides and results

• Create case study series showing real-world applications

• Develop troubleshooting content addressing common business challenges

• Connect beginner concepts with advanced tactics

For Entertainment and Comedy Creators

Keep audiences coming back for more:

• Develop character-driven series with ongoing storylines

• Create reaction series linking different topics or trending content

• Build anticipation with cliffhangers and "to be continued" moments

• Link sketch comedy into longer narrative arcs

Next Steps: Start Building Your Linked Content Strategy

Ready to turn your Instagram presence into a binge-worthy experience? Here's your action plan:

Audit Your Existing Content

• Review your recent Reels for content that could be naturally linked together

• Identify topics you've covered that could be expanded into series

• Look for tutorial or educational content that could benefit from sequential organization

Plan Your First Linked Series

• Choose one topic you can break into 3-5 connected Reels

• Script out your narrative arc to ensure each part leads naturally to the next

• Create compelling episode titles that encourage viewers to continue

Test and Analyze

• Publish your first linked Reel series

• Monitor the new retention insights to see where viewers engage most

• Track how many viewers complete the full series versus individual Reels

Optimize and Scale

• Use your analytics to identify what worked best

• Plan additional series based on successful topics and formats

• Experiment with different linking strategies (sequential vs. thematic)

The linked Reels feature represents Instagram's most significant update for creators in months. Early adoption of platform features often leads to increased visibility as algorithms favor new formats. Don't wait for everyone else to catch on. Start building your linked content strategy now and position yourself ahead of the curve.

The era of disconnected short-form content is ending. Sequential storytelling is here to stay.

Sources:

Tubefilter. "Instagram wants to host the next Group Chat, so it's letting you link your Reels." https://www.tubefilter.com/2025/08/22/instagram-reels-short-form-web-series-sequential-linked/

TechCrunch. "Instagram now lets creators link multiple Reels in a series." https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/21/instagram-now-lets-creators-link-multiple-reels-in-a-series/

Social Media Today. "Instagram Adds Reels Linking." https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-adds-reels-linking/758350/

Social Media Today. "Instagram Adds Retention Insights for Reels." https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-adds-retention-insights-reels/758464/

Hindustan Times. "How to use Instagram's linked reel feature to create multi-part content." https://www.hindustantimes.com/technology/how-to-use-instagrams-linked-reel-feature-to-create-multi-part-content-101756103742605.html

TableTalk. "Instagram's New Linking Reels Feature and How Creators Can Use It to Grow." https://www.tabletalkshk.com/creators/blog/instagrams-new-linking-reels-feature-and-how-creators-can-use-it-to-grow

Threads. Instagram Creators Official Account. https://www.threads.com/@creators/post/DNqcz7fgz_o