Knowing how to repost on Instagram isn't always easy when you're dealing with a platform that changes its style regularly. Instagram loves an update, and reposting isn't immune to algorithm changes.

Reposting takes Reels, Stories, and standard posts from other people and posts them to your profile. You have a surprising amount of control over what you can repost on Instagram - but it's not always the best idea to hit that button on every piece of content.

If you need to fill in the blanks on your content calendar, sharing user-generated content on your feed is a great way to do it. You can even use reposts to make sure your own content gets the spotlight it deserves.

Used carefully, reposts can create a more complete picture of your brand for your followers. Used too often, they can leave your followers wondering if you've given up on creating original content.

In this guide, we'll explain how reposting your content and other people's content on Instagram works, and whether you want to put it on Stories or your grid.

We'll also look at the tools that can make reposting on Instagram easier, so you can get started right away.

In this article, we cover:

Why reposting is important on Instagram

Reposting on Instagram is an easy way to increase your brand's visibility, just as any activity on the platform helps attract an audience. The logic goes that when you share content from other users, you're expanding your reach to new audiences. This practice helps you build relationships with other accounts and your followers.

Let's say you're a fashion brand, and you've asked customers to post an Instagram photo of themselves wearing one of your products. The post appears on their own Instagram account, but you want to repost it on Instagram through your own feed so that other potential customers can see it, too.

This is a great marketing strategy, as it will drive other Instagram users to your brand. It's a great way to collect and highlight brand endorsements.

That said, brands can't afford to rely too heavily on reposting. Reposted content can save you time and effort in the short term, but it can also come with reputation risks that could affect you in the future. You don't always need to create original content, but you do need to be smart about the content you repost.

For example, an interior design influencer might repost content to their story in the form of a series of Instagram posts from other accounts. However, if that influencer doesn't do their research on those other accounts, they could be reposting a bot or, worse, an abusive profile.

Some might see using a repost on Instagram as a bit lazy, but it's actually great for your content strategy if you do your due diligence on those you repost.

If you do it right, you can build community and increase engagement. It's also a nice way to show appreciation for other creators.

After all, when you repost, you're giving the original creator exposure. This can lead to collaborations and partnerships down the road. It's a great way to find new brand ambassadors!

The most important thing to remember here is to give credit when you repost. Not only is it the polite thing to do, but it can also help you avoid getting into an embarrassing Instagram feud with another user.

How to repost on Instagram: Reposting to your Instagram Story

Reposting an Instagram post to your Instagram Story is easy. You can share content to your Story in just a few steps.

Reposting from grid to Story

Reposting typical feed posts involves the following steps:

  1. Find the post you want to share
  2. Tap the paper airplane button below it — it's next to the like and comment buttons
  3. Select “Add to your Story” from the pop-up menu
  4. Customize with text, stickers, or drawings
  5. Tap “Your Story” and your repost is done

You can also use the airplane icon to share an Instagram post with close friends, or even send it to specific users via direct message. This allows you to share content more privately.

The nice thing about sharing an Instagram post to your Story is that your repost will automatically include a credit and link to the original poster. This is great because you don't have to remember to manually tag their account.

You can also use this repost feature to share your own grid posts on stories. This is always a good idea, as there are many Instagram users who only look at stories and won't see your post otherwise — especially if it's buried by the algorithm. It's also a great way to add external links to your website or shop.

We'll take a closer look at this particular scenario later in this guide. For now, let's assume you're reposting someone else's content.

For example, you might decide to share an Instagram post in which someone mentioned your brand and tagged your account.

On the other hand, maybe someone mentioned your company using branded hashtags — or perhaps you're a content creator and saw a post in your feed that you think your followers would find interesting.

These are both great reasons to repost.

Reposting an Instagram Story

When someone mentions you in their Story, you'll get a notification in your direct messages. Open the message and tap “Add this to your Story” to repost it.

There's a bit of a catch here, as you can't reshare someone else's Story unless you've been tagged in it.

The workaround is to take a screenshot of the Story and share it, or use a reposting app. We'll discuss these tools later in this guide.

How to repost on Instagram: Reposting to your grid

There are other ways to repost on Instagram, but most are more complicated than reposting to your Story.

The exception is if you're tagged in a post. In this case, you can select the post from your tagged photos tab, tap the three dots, and then select “Add to profile.”

If you haven't been tagged, reposting an image from someone else's feed to your own grid takes a few steps. Here's how to do it:

  1. Find the post you want to share
  2. Take a screenshot of the post
  3. Open Instagram and create a post
  4. Select the screenshot from your camera roll
  5. Crop the image to show only the original post
  6. Add a caption and tag the original creator

While this works fine for single still images, it's not so great for Reels. However, there is another workaround.

If you've already reposted an image or Reel to your Story, you can go to that post in your Stories, tap “More,” and then tap “Share as a post…” This will allow you to share the post on your grid, complete with a text-only credit to the original poster. However, you'll still need to add a link tag so that your followers can easily find their profile. This also works well for Reels, which will still play when reposted this way.

When reposting to your grid, it's important to ask for permission before sharing someone else's content. With grid posts, it's often assumed that the content belongs to the account on which it appears. Getting that prior permission from the original poster is the polite thing to do and will help you avoid copyright issues.

You can also use third-party apps to repost. These apps make the process easier by reposting the original caption for you, and adding a repost icon to credit the creator. They also tend to preserve image quality better than screenshots.

Whatever reposting method you choose, make sure to add your own thoughts in the caption. This will give your followers context as to why you're sharing the original post.

Always remember to tag the original creator in your reposted content. Whether you do it in the post caption or by tagging them in the Story image, including the creator lets them know you've reposted and could lead to further engagement.

How to repost on Instagram: Reposting an Instagram Reel

Reposting Instagram Reels can boost your engagement and reach new followers.

Reposting a Reel to Stories

Sharing a Reel is easy when you're reposting to Stories. Just tap the paper airplane icon below the Reel and select “Add to your Story.” You can add stickers, text, or links before you post.

Reposting a Reel to your grid

If you want to repost someone else's Reel to your grid, things are more complicated.

You could share that Reel to your Story first, then go into that post and tap the paper airplane icon, then tap “More…” to share it as a grid post.

Alternatively, you can use a third-party app to save the video to your camera roll. This allows you to upload it to your grid as a new post, just be sure to clearly credit the original creator.

You could also consider doing a remix — that's when you take someone else's Reel and add your own Reel next to it. To find the remix option, go to the Reel you want to remix and then click on the three dots in the right-hand corner.

You can also repost your own Reels. This is a great way to reshare popular content or reach followers who may have missed it the first time around. Simply download the Reel from your profile and re-upload it.

How to repost on Instagram: Reposting your own content

In this section, we'll look at the specific reasons why you might repost your own content on Instagram and the strategies that will take that content to the next level.

Promoting your own grid post on your Instagram Story

One of the most common types of reposts you'll see in your Instagram feed is the classic “grid post to Story promotion” pipeline.

Here's how it works. A brand or individual posts an image or video to their grid. It sits there for an hour or two before being published as a Story as well.

It's a simple strategy because it doubles the attention your post gets and reaches followers who didn't see the update in their feed. Maybe they're only looking at Stories, or your grid posts just aren't being picked up by the algorithm.

When you repost to Stories, you can also add clearly labeled product links that go directly to your website — something you can't do with the grid post. Similarly, you also have the option to add things like locations and countdowns. These can be really helpful depending on the content of the post.

To share a post from your own account to your Story, the process is the same as above. Just tap on the paper airplane and add the post to your Story.

Don't forget to add the all-important links and any other relevant text or stickers. For example, a simple “new post” or “coming soon” sticker can be a nice touch.

Reposting historic content to your grid

Another way to repost your own content is to repost an old grid post that did really well. This is valuable content.

You could share this post the same way you did the first time, by simply pulling the original content from your camera roll, if you still have it, and sharing it through the Instagram app.

If not, you could use the screenshot method or download third-party tools to help you (such as a reposting app).

Alternatively, you could improve the post by adding a little more current context — perhaps an update on how things have changed since your original post.

You could also add a call to action, such as an invitation to discuss the post.

Reposting Instagram content on other platforms

Of course, you can also share an Instagram post on other social media platforms, or in other places like a blog or newsletter.

The paper airplane button will take you to the sharing links for your chosen social media account, including platforms like Facebook and X.

Many newsletter or blog platforms also give you the option to embed an Instagram post, complete with image, credit, and caption. All you have to do is click on the trusty paper airplane and then copy the link. This is a great way to repost content, as it will bring people in from other platforms.

Best practices for reposting on Instagram

Reposting on Instagram requires some thought, so we've created these guidelines to help you oversee the process.

Get permission

First, always ask for explicit permission before sharing someone else's content.

DM the original poster and explain why you'd like to repost their image or video.

Then give credit where it's due. Tag the original creator in your post and mention them in the caption. It shows respect and helps build connections with other users.

This is especially true for all reposts on your network, but not so much for Story sharing. Most creators like to see their content shared on Stories, and most design engaging content with the expectation that it will be shared. Most importantly, when sharing on Stories, the relevant tags and links tend to be built in as well.

Share relevant content

Make sure your content is appropriate for your brand and your target audience. Choose posts that align with your Instagram strategy and provide value to your followers.

Reposting is a way to highlight brand mentions and user-generated content. This can help you find new brand ambassadors and build an engaged community.

Use third-party tools

Are you struggling to find the time to repost great content? It might be worth using a reposting app to make the process easier. A reposting tool can help you maintain image quality and automatically add attribution, all from your phone. Two billion people use Instagram, most of them from their phones. So why shouldn't you?

Strategize your reposting to create valuable content

We've talked a lot about the value of reposting, but remember not to overdo it. Mix in original content to keep your feed fresh and interesting. If your followers see nothing but reposts, they'll quickly get bored.

Aim for a balance that works for your account and goals, and when you repost, add your own thoughts or context. This will help personalize the reposted content, making it more relevant to your audience.

Keep an eye on your analytics to see how the reposted content is performing. This can help guide your future reposting strategy and help you choose the most engaging posts.

Tools to make reposting on Instagram easier

Want to make reposting on Instagram easier? You're in luck. There are several handy tools that can streamline the process.

Many third-party apps offer easy reposting capabilities. Just search for reposting in your app store, and you'll find a few popular options.

For a more integrated approach, check out social media management tools like Brandwatch. They offer reposting along with other social media management features like scheduling, social listening, and rich data insights.

Frequently asked questions

Reposting content on Instagram can be tricky. Here are answers to some common questions about resharing posts, stories, and Reels.

How do I repost someone else's photo or video to my Instagram feed?

You can't repost directly in the Instagram app. To reshare a post:

  1. Take a screenshot of the post you want to share
  2. Create a new post and upload the screenshot
  3. Credit the original creator in your caption

Or you can use a third party reposting app to simplify the process.

What's the process for sharing an Instagram Story that mentions me?

When someone mentions you in their Story, you'll receive a notification. To reshare:

  1. Open the notifications section
  2. Tap “Add This to Your Story”
  3. Customize the Story with stickers or text if you want
  4. Share it to your own Story

Can I repost Instagram Reels, and if so, how?

Yes, you can repost Reels. Here's how:

  1. Find the Reel you want to share
  2. Tap the paper airplane icon
  3. Select “Add reel to your Story”
  4. Resize or reposition the Reel as needed
  5. Add additional text or stickers
  6. Share to your Story

What are the steps to repost a tagged post on my Instagram profile?

If you're tagged in a post:

  1. Go to your profile and tap the tagged photos icon
  2. Select the post you want to share
  3. Tap the three dots menu
  4. Select “Add to Profile”
  5. Choose where it should appear on your profile grid

Why might I not be able to reshare a post on Instagram?

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to reshare:

  1. The post was published on a private account
  2. The user has turned off post sharing
  3. You don’t follow the account
  4. Instagram has restricted resharing due to policy violations

Is there a new method to repost to my Instagram Story in 2024?

As of October 2024, the basic method for reposting to Stories hasn't changed much.

You still tap the paper airplane icon, then select “Add post to your Story.”

Instagram updates features frequently, so keep an eye out for new sharing options in the app.