How to Stitch on Instagram

Stitching a video on Instagram is one of the most effective ways to join a trending conversation, collaborate with other creators, and seriously boost your engagement. This feature lets you seamlessly pair your own video clip with someone else's, creating one continuous Reel. In this guide, we'll walk through exactly how to create a Stitch, share proven strategies for making your content stand out, and give you ideas for your next viral hit.

What Exactly is an Instagram Stitch?

The Stitch feature, popularized on TikTok, allows you to take a 1-5 second clip from another creator’s public Reel and record your own video immediately after it. The final product is a single, fluid Reel that combines the original content with your addition, reaction, or commentary. It's different from Instagram’s Remix feature, which places your video side-by-side or on top of the original. A Stitch is sequential - their video plays first, then yours.

When you Stitch a video, Instagram automatically credits the original creator in the caption and provides a link back to their Reel, promoting collaboration and giving credit where it's due. The original creator must have Stitches enabled on their Reel for you to be able to use it.

Why Should You Bother with Instagram Stitch?

Stitching isn't just another feature, it's a powerful tool for growth and creativity. Adding it to your content strategy helps you connect with your audience in a genuine, timely manner. Here’s why it’s so effective:

• Tap into Trends Instantly: Hopping on a viral trend or a trending conversation is the fastest way to get in front of new eyeballs. Stitching lets you do this without having to create a video from scratch. You're entering a conversation that’s already happening.
• Boost Engagement and Reach: Stitches are highly shareable by nature. They often create a dialogue, prompting comments and reactions. Because you’re interacting with another creator's content, you also have the potential to reach their audience as well as your own.
• Create Content with Less Effort: Let’s be honest: creating original video content every single day is exhausting. Stitches reduce the load. Instead of conceptualizing an entire video, you only need to come up with a clever reaction or addition. The first half of the work is already done.
• Build a Community: Stitching is collaboration in its most organic form. By using another creator’s Reel, you are showing appreciation for their content and opening the door for interaction. This can lead to new followers, partnerships, and a stronger sense of community around your brand.

Step-by-Step: How to Stitch on Instagram

Ready to create your first Stitch? The process is straightforward and built right into the Instagram Reels editor. Follow these clear steps to get started.

1. Find a Reel to Stitch

First, find a Reel that inspires you. It must be a public Reel, and the original creator must have the Stitch feature enabled for that video. You’ll know you can Stitch it if the option is available in the next step.

2. Open the Share Menu and Select "Remix"

Tap the three-dot menu (...) at the bottom-right corner of the Reel. This will open a menu of options. From here, tap "Remix." Don't worry, you’ll choose the Stitch option next.

3. Choose “Stitch” from the Remix Options

After tapping "Remix," Instagram will show you two options: "With original video" (the classic Remix) or "Stitch video." Tap "Stitch video" to proceed.

4. Trim the Original Clip

Now you’ll see the original creator’s Reel with a timeline editor at the bottom. Use the slider tool to select the exact section you want to use in your Stitch. The clip can be up to 5 seconds long. Pick the most impactful, funny, or thought-provoking moment that will serve as the perfect setup for your addition. Once you’re happy with the clip, tap "Next."

5. Record Your Video

This is your time to shine! The screen will shift to the Reels recording interface. You’ll record your video just like you would any other Reel. This is where you can add your reaction, answer a question, debunk a myth, or provide the punchline to a joke. You can use all the standard Reels tools here: apply AR effects, use the timer, or change the speed.

6. Edit and Finalize Your Reel

Once you’ve recorded your clip, tap "Next." Now you'll be in the final preview and editing screen, where you can see the original clip and your addition flowing together as one video. Here, you can:

• Add text overlays to provide context (users often watch without sound!)
• Use stickers, like polls or question boxes.
• Add a trending song or your own audio over the entire video.
• Record a voiceover to explain your thoughts.

Make sure the final product is cohesive and compelling. When your masterpiece is ready, tap "Next" one last time.

7. Write a Caption and Share

You’re at the finish line! On the final share screen, write an engaging caption. You’ll notice Instagram has automatically added an "Stitch with..." credit to the original creator. Add relevant hashtags to expand your reach, tag any people or brands, and choose your cover image. When you're all set, hit "Share" to post your Stitch to your profile.

Best Practices for Creating a Great Stitch

Knowing how to Stitch is only the first step. Creating a Stitch that actually stops the scroll and gets people to engage requires a bit of strategy. Here are a few tips to elevate your Stitch game.

Add Real Value or a Unique Twist

The most successful Stitches aren't just lazy reactions. They add something new to the conversation. Your goal should be to provide either educational, entertainment, or inspirational value. Did someone share a cooking "hack"? Stitch it and try it for yourself to see if it works. Did another creator voice a controversial opinion? Stitch it with your own well-reasoned perspective. Don't just repeat what others are saying - add your unique spin.

Keep It Short and Punchy

Attention spans on social media are incredibly short. Your addition should get right to the point. The best Stitches have a clear setup (from the original clip) and a quick, satisfying payoff (from your addition). Avoid a long, rambling intro. Hit them with your reaction, comment, or punchline immediately.

Master the Art of the Hook

Even though the Stitch starts with someone else’s video, your part needs to grab attention fast. Use a text hook on-screen at the very beginning of your clip. For example, if you're reacting to a "life hack" video, your on-screen text could be "I CAN'T believe this actually works" paired with a shocked facial expression. This tells viewers what to expect and gives them a reason to keep watching.

Pick the Perfect Segment to Trim

The 5-second clip you choose from the original video is the foundation of your Stitch. Choose carefully. Find the exact moment that poses a question, makes a bold claim, or sets up a joke perfectly. The art is in finding a clip that feels incomplete without your response. This choice sets up a narrative that viewers will stick around to see resolved.

Viral Stitch Ideas You Can Try Today

Stuck on what kind of content to Stitch? Don’t worry. Here are some proven formats that work exceptionally well.

• The "Fact or Cap" Test: Find videos that make strong claims or share "mind-blowing facts." Stitch them with your own research or test to either verify or debunk them.
• Reacting to Hot Takes: Find a video where a creator shares a controversial opinion related to your niche. Stitch it with your agreement, disagreement, or a nuanced perspective. This format is great for sparking debate in the comments.
• Answering a Question: Look for videos where someone asks an open-ended question to their audience, such as "What's one marketing tip you wish you knew sooner?" Stitch it with your answer. You are providing direct value while participating in a larger conversation.
• Continuing a Story or Joke: Some videos end on a cliffhanger or set up a punchline. Stitch them to provide a funny, surprising, or creative ending. This shows your cleverness and sense of humor.
• Show a "Before and After": Find a tutorial or hack video. Stitch it by first showing their instructions and then showcasing your own successful (or hilarious) result.
• "Tell Me Without Telling Me": Someone might say, "Tell me you're a small business owner without telling me." You can Stitch that with a clip of you surrounded by shipping boxes at 2 a.m. It's relatable and humorous.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to Stitch on Instagram opens up a world of creative possibilities for connecting with trends, engaging new audiences, and growing your platform. By moving beyond just the technical steps and focusing on adding real value and personality, you can turn this simple feature into a cornerstone of your content strategy.

Of course, making great Stitches is only one part of building a great social presence. The other part is staying consistent. To help with that, we rely heavily on a visual content calendar to plan our content shoots and posting schedule in advance. Using Postbase lets us see every video - Reels, Stitches, Stories, and TikToks - in one clean view, so we know exactly what is going live and when, keeping us on track without the chaos of managing it all in spreadsheets.