In today’s fast-moving world of social media, authors are no longer just writers—they are brands, personalities, and content creators. Instagram and TikTok have become two of the most powerful platforms for writers to build communities, promote their books, and share their creative journeys. But while Instagram has been around longer and offers a more polished, community-oriented environment, TikTok’s virality and algorithmic reach make it an indispensable platform for authors who want to grow their audiences fast.
So what happens when you’ve already spent time creating thoughtful, engaging Instagram Lives—and you want that content to go further? The answer: repurposing.
Repurposing Instagram Live videos for TikTok is a strategic move that allows authors to save time, expand their audience, and breathe new life into existing content. Instead of letting your recorded Lives sit untouched in your archive, you can turn them into bite-sized, viral-ready TikToks that attract thousands of new readers.
In this guide, we’ll explore exactly how to do that—from the why to the how, including tips on editing, captions, storytelling, and engagement strategies. By the end, you’ll have a full framework for transforming your Instagram Lives into powerful TikTok content that sells books and builds community.
1. Why Repurposing Content Matters for Authors
Before we dive into the technical side, let’s understand the “why.”
Authors are storytellers. Every Instagram Live, whether it’s a Q&A, a writing session, a character discussion, or a behind-the-scenes chat, is filled with stories and insights that resonate deeply with your audience. But if those stories only live on Instagram, you’re missing out on a massive audience on TikTok—a platform where book-related content is booming.
TikTok’s algorithm doesn’t care how many followers you have; it cares how engaging your content is. That means even new authors can reach millions of people if they present their content in an engaging, native format. Repurposing Instagram Lives into short, fast-paced TikToks lets you tap into that virality without needing to constantly create from scratch.
In essence:
- Save time by using what you’ve already made.
- Expand reach by meeting audiences where they are.
- Build brand consistency by sharing your story across multiple platforms.
- Boost engagement by offering bite-sized, digestible insights.
For authors who are balancing writing, marketing, and personal life, repurposing is the ultimate productivity hack.
2. Understanding the Differences Between Instagram Live and TikTok
To effectively repurpose your content, you first need to understand the cultural and technical differences between Instagram and TikTok.
| Feature | Instagram Live | TikTok |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Long-form (10–60 min) | Short-form (15–90 sec) |
| Tone | Conversational, casual, community-driven | Fast-paced, attention-grabbing, trend-oriented |
| Audience | Followers and loyal fans | Algorithmic discovery—new people |
| Aesthetic | Polished, cohesive feed | Raw, authentic, creative editing |
| Goal | Connection and conversation | Entertainment and discovery |
What this means for authors: your Instagram Live videos are perfect sources of deep, meaningful content—but TikTok is where you transform those insights into hooks, highlights, and moments that make people stop scrolling.
You’re not just reposting; you’re reimagining your content for a different environment.
3. Choosing the Right Instagram Live to Repurpose
Not every Live will make a great TikTok. You’ll need to choose wisely based on a few factors.
Ask yourself:
- Did this Live generate strong engagement (comments, questions, saves)?
- Did I share memorable insights, quotes, or emotional moments?
- Did I discuss something that aligns with current trends or hashtags (e.g., #BookTok, #AuthorLife, #WritersOfTikTok)?
- Does this Live have clear segments or highlights that can stand alone?
Some of the best Lives to repurpose include:
- Q&A sessions – where you answered reader questions.
- Writing tips – useful snippets like “how I overcome writer’s block” or “how I plan my book endings.”
- Book readings – excerpts from your novel or poetry that resonate emotionally.
- Behind-the-scenes – insights into your creative process, workspace, or publishing journey.
- Collaborations – interviews or joint discussions with other authors.
Once you identify strong Lives, download them and prepare to break them down into their most powerful moments.
4. Step-by-Step: How to Repurpose Instagram Live for TikTok
Here’s the full process—from downloading your Live to uploading your finished TikTok.
Step 1: Download Your Instagram Live
If you saved your Live to your camera roll after streaming, you’re already halfway there. If not:
- Go to your Instagram profile.
- Tap “Menu” → “Archive” → “Live Archive.”
- Select the Live you want.
- Tap “Download” (this saves it to your device).
Note: Lives are usually saved in vertical format, which works perfectly for TikTok.
Step 2: Identify Key Moments
TikTok thrives on short, impactful clips. Watch your Live and take notes on:
- Moments with strong emotion or humor.
- Quotable phrases or writing advice.
- Audience reactions or your responses.
- Storytelling moments with a clear hook.
A good TikTok moment should make viewers feel something—inspiration, curiosity, or empathy.
Step 3: Trim and Edit
Use tools like:
- CapCut (free and perfect for TikTok-style edits)
- InShot
- Adobe Premiere Rush
Keep each clip between 15 and 60 seconds, and add:
- Captions (many watch without sound)
- Text overlays highlighting key quotes
- Background music that fits the tone
- Smooth cuts to maintain attention
Pro tip: Start your video with a hook within the first 2 seconds—something like:
- “Every writer makes this one mistake…”
- “Here’s how I finally finished my first novel…”
- “Let me tell you what my editor taught me about rejection.”
Step 4: Adapt for TikTok’s Aesthetic
TikTok users prefer authenticity over perfection. If your Instagram Live feels too “polished,” don’t worry—make it more relatable:
- Add subtitles manually for accessibility.
- Use TikTok filters lightly or add trending sounds.
- Add quick transitions or jump cuts to keep the pace.
Step 5: Upload Strategically
When uploading to TikTok:
- Write an intriguing caption (e.g., “This advice changed how I write my endings ✍️ #WritingTips #BookTok”)
- Include relevant hashtags like:
- #AuthorTok
- #BookTok
- #WritersCommunity
- #IndieAuthor
- #WritingJourney
- Post when your audience is active (typically evenings and weekends).
Remember: TikTok rewards consistency. Post repurposed clips regularly, maybe 2–3 times per week.
5. How to Turn Long Lives into a Series
One Instagram Live can generate dozens of TikToks if you plan wisely.
Here’s how:
- Break the Live into themes – For example, a 30-minute Live on “How I Build Characters” could become:
- TikTok 1: “3 Ways to Make Readers Care About Your Protagonist”
- TikTok 2: “How I Name My Characters (and Avoid Clichés)”
- TikTok 3: “The Secret to Writing Realistic Villains”
- Label your series – Add numbers like “Part 1,” “Part 2,” etc. This encourages binge-watching.
- Link your videos – In your caption, say “Watch Part 2 on my profile!”
- Repurpose viewer questions – Each audience question in the Live can become a new TikTok segment.
This turns one 30-minute session into weeks of content, maximizing every word you spoke.
6. Tips for Optimizing Engagement on TikTok
Even if your clips are great, TikTok’s algorithm values certain behaviors. To ensure your repurposed content performs well, follow these engagement strategies:
Use Captivating Hooks
Your first line determines if viewers stay. Examples:
- “I made this mistake in my first novel—don’t repeat it.”
- “Every author needs to hear this.”
- “This scene almost got cut from my book.”
Encourage Interaction
Ask questions like:
- “Writers—how do you handle rejection?”
- “Would you read a story like this?”
- “What’s your favorite writing ritual?”
This sparks conversation and boosts comments (a key signal for TikTok’s algorithm).
Leverage Trending Sounds
Find a sound that matches your video’s emotion (inspirational, nostalgic, mysterious) and use it quietly in the background. Even subtle use of trending audio can boost reach.
Add Value in the Caption
If you gave advice in the video, summarize or expand on it in the caption. People often save posts for later reading.
Be Consistent
Posting regularly (2–5 times a week) helps TikTok’s algorithm learn who to show your content to. Consistency builds familiarity, and familiarity builds trust.
7. Examples of Repurposing for Different Author Types
1. Fiction Authors
Turn Lives about your writing process into short TikToks showing:
- How you developed your main character.
- Sneak peeks into your world-building notes.
- Emotional readings of book excerpts.
2. Nonfiction Authors
Highlight key takeaways from your Lives:
- Life lessons.
- Personal development insights.
- Real-life experiences that inspired your book.
3. Poets
Your Live readings can become powerful, emotional TikToks.
Add captions, gentle background music, and dim lighting to create intimacy.
4. Self-Published Authors
Show the reality of indie publishing:
- Your book cover design journey.
- How you formatted your manuscript.
- Your honest sales and marketing tips.
By tailoring your repurposing style to your genre and personality, you’ll attract the right kind of readers who appreciate your authenticity.
8. Tools and Apps to Make the Process Easier
Here’s a quick list of tools to streamline your repurposing workflow:
| Purpose | Tool | Why It’s Useful |
|---|---|---|
| Editing | CapCut, InShot, VN Editor | Easy trimming, captions, TikTok-friendly features |
| Transcription | Otter.ai, Descript | Converts your Live audio into text to find quotable parts |
| Scheduling | Later, Metricool | Plan posts across Instagram and TikTok |
| Thumbnail creation | Canva | Design consistent cover images |
| Analytics | TikTok Creator Studio | Track performance and engagement |
If you plan ahead with the right tools, you can turn your Instagram Live library into a long-term TikTok content strategy.
9. The Storytelling Mindset: From Long Form to Short Form
The hardest part for many authors is condensing deep, reflective ideas into short-form content. But think of TikTok as micro-storytelling. Each clip should deliver one clear idea with emotional impact.
For example:
- In your Live, you might have talked for 10 minutes about overcoming writer’s block.
- For TikTok, distill that into 20 seconds: “The reason you can’t write isn’t because you’re lazy—it’s because you’re scared of writing something bad. Write badly first. That’s how good writing begins.”
It’s not about losing depth—it’s about distilling truth.
10. Using TikTok to Drive Readers Back to Instagram (and Your Books)
Repurposing goes both ways. Once your TikToks gain traction, use them to bring people back to Instagram and your author platform.
Include call-to-actions like:
- “Watch the full Live on my Instagram.”
- “Check my link in bio for my latest book.”
- “Follow me on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes.”
This creates an ecosystem between platforms—TikTok brings new eyes, Instagram deepens relationships, and your website or Amazon page converts readers into buyers.
11. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even great authors can make missteps when repurposing. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Posting full-length Lives on TikTok – Too long, not engaging enough.
- Ignoring captions – Accessibility and attention matter.
- Reposting without editing – Adapt visuals and pacing.
- Overusing filters or effects – Keep it natural.
- Forgetting storytelling – Even in short clips, there must be a beginning, middle, and end.
12. Bonus: How to Repurpose TikTok Back to Instagram
Once you’ve edited great short videos for TikTok, don’t stop there! Upload those same clips to:
- Instagram Reels
- Stories
- Your feed
This multiplies your visibility without extra effort. Just remove the TikTok watermark (tools like “SnapTik” can help) to keep Instagram’s algorithm happy.
13. The Long-Term Benefits for Authors
Repurposing Instagram Lives for TikTok is more than a marketing trick—it’s a sustainable content ecosystem. Over time, this strategy:
- Builds brand authority in your niche.
- Creates a consistent content stream without burnout.
- Expands your audience beyond one platform.
- Increases book sales through storytelling and connection.
Ultimately, you’re transforming your Live sessions into timeless pieces of inspiration that continue to reach new readers every day.
14. Final Thoughts
Social media is no longer optional for authors—it’s a storytelling extension of your voice. Instagram gives you depth and connection; TikTok gives you reach and virality. Together, they create a powerful synergy that no traditional book tour could ever match.
Repurposing your Instagram Lives for TikTok is not just smart marketing—it’s creative recycling. It allows you to give your stories new shapes, new rhythms, and new audiences.
So go back to your Live archive, find that golden moment where you said something raw, true, or inspiring—and turn it into your next viral TikTok. Your future readers are scrolling right now, waiting to discover you.
Leave a Reply