Reposting on Instagram has become a key part of social media strategy, especially in a digital world where content creation takes time and consistency is everything. Whether you’re a business trying to boost brand awareness or an individual looking to engage with your audience, knowing how to repost effectively can help you build credibility, grow reach, and save time — all without compromising quality.
But let’s face it — Instagram is always evolving. What worked six months ago may not be the best route today. And while Instagram offers some built-in reposting features, it doesn’t have a universal repost button like other platforms. That means you’ll need to understand various techniques to reshare content properly — from Stories and Reels to static feed posts — while also following etiquette, giving credit, and choosing the right content.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- Why reposting matters on Instagram
- Step-by-step methods for reposting to Stories, Reels, and your feed
- Reposting your own content
- Cross-posting to other platforms
- Best practices for resharing content responsibly
- Tools that simplify the process
- FAQs about Instagram reposting in 2024
Why Reposting on Instagram Still Matters
Reposting is more than just a quick fix for slow content days — it’s a strategy.
Whether you’re curating user-generated content (UGC) or reviving old posts that still deliver value, reposting can help you:
- Boost visibility: Sharing others’ content helps you tap into their audience and expand your reach.
- Build trust: User-generated content serves as social proof. When customers talk about you, potential buyers listen.
- Save time: You don’t need to reinvent the wheel for every post. Reusing high-performing or relevant content saves time.
- Engage followers: Reposting allows you to share different perspectives, helping your profile feel more community-driven.
- Promote your own content: Stories can breathe new life into old grid posts and drive traffic to them.
But there’s a balance. Oversharing content you didn’t create can make your profile feel lazy or impersonal. Reposting is most effective when it’s intentional and adds value to your feed.
How to Repost to Your Instagram Story
The simplest way to repost on Instagram is through Stories — and fortunately, Instagram makes this one easy if the original content is public.
Reposting Someone’s Post to Your Story
To share a standard feed post from another user:
- Find the post you want to reshare.
- Tap the paper airplane icon under the image or video.
- Select “Add post to your Story.”
- Customize the Story with text, GIFs, tags, or stickers.
- Tap “Your Story” to publish.
What’s great about this method is that Instagram automatically links back to the original post and tags the user. That means less manual work for you and instant credit for the creator.
Reposting Reels to Your Story
The same process applies for Reels:
- Tap the paper plane icon under the Reel.
- Choose “Add reel to your Story.”
- Resize the Reel as needed (it usually appears as a clickable preview).
- Add text, effects, or emojis before sharing.
Note: You can’t share Reels from private accounts or those that restrict resharing.
Reposting a Story You’re Tagged In
If someone tags you in their Story, you’ll get a DM notification that gives you the option to repost:
- Open the direct message where the tag appears.
- Tap “Add to Your Story.”
- Customize and share as needed.
This feature only works if you were tagged. If not, you’ll need a workaround, like taking a screenshot or using a third-party tool.
How to Repost to Your Instagram Feed (Grid Posts)
Unlike Stories, reposting to your main Instagram feed is more complex because Instagram doesn’t offer a native button for it.
Option 1: Manual Repost with Screenshot
If you’re looking to repost an image from another user:
- Take a screenshot of the post.
- Open Instagram and create a new post.
- Crop the screenshot to remove extra UI elements.
- Add a caption, and tag the original creator.
- Hit publish.
This works best for still images, not videos or carousels.
Option 2: Repost via Third-Party App
Several apps allow you to repost content while retaining quality and automatically adding attribution. Some top options include:
- Repost for Instagram
- Regrann
- Later
- Preview App
These apps typically require you to copy the post link, open the reposting tool, and then post it back to Instagram with credit.
Option 3: Share a Story Post to Your Feed
If you’ve already shared something to your Story, you can tap the Story again, click “More,” and select “Share as Post.” This method works for Reels and feed posts and makes reposting to your grid much easier.
When You’re Tagged in a Post
If someone tags you in a post, here’s how you can reshare it to your grid:
- Go to your profile and tap the “Tagged” tab.
- Select the post.
- Tap the three dots in the top corner.
- Choose “Add to profile grid.”
Always confirm with the original poster before doing this unless it’s part of a collaboration agreement.
How to Repost Instagram Reels
Reels are Instagram’s favorite child right now, so resharing these can help you increase engagement and visibility.
Sharing a Reel to Stories
This is the easiest method. Just tap the airplane icon and choose “Add to Story.”
If the Reel is from a public account and allows resharing, it will post as a clickable video preview.
Reposting a Reel to Your Feed
You have a few options:
- Use a third-party tool to download the Reel and upload it as a new post. Make sure you tag and credit the original creator.
- Remix the Reel: Tap the three dots on the Reel > select “Remix this Reel.” This allows you to create a split-screen response or reaction video alongside the original.
- Download and repost your own Reel: If your content did well previously, reposting it again after a few months can revive engagement.
How to Repost Your Own Instagram Content
There’s no rule that says you can’t shine a spotlight on your older posts. Reposting your own content is a great tactic, especially if:
- You’re promoting a product or event again.
- Your audience has grown since the original post.
- The content is evergreen and still relevant.
Grid to Story
This is the most common repost path:
- Tap the airplane icon below your own grid post.
- Select “Add to your Story.”
- Add text, links, countdowns, or product tags.
This is a great way to drive traffic to your post while adding new layers of interactivity.
Reposting Historic Content to Your Grid
Let’s say you want to reshare an old high-performing post:
- Pull the image or video from your camera roll if available.
- Or take a screenshot of the old post and repost it as a new update.
- Add a new caption to reflect current context, updates, or stories.
This strategy is especially useful during seasonal campaigns or product relaunches.
Reposting Instagram Content on Other Platforms
Don’t stop at Instagram. You can stretch the life of your content by sharing it across other platforms like Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, newsletters, or blogs.
How to Do It
- Tap the paper airplane under the post.
- Select “Share to…” or “Copy Link.”
- Paste the link into your desired platform (blog post, email, etc.).
- Customize the caption or surrounding text to fit that audience.
This is a great way to drive traffic to your Instagram profile from other channels.
Best Practices for Reposting on Instagram
Not all reposts are created equal. Here are some key guidelines to follow:
1. Always Get Permission
Before reposting content (especially to your feed), DM the original poster to ask for their approval. This isn’t just polite — it helps you avoid copyright issues.
Story mentions are the exception. If someone tags you, you can safely assume it’s okay to share to your Story.
2. Always Credit the Creator
No matter where you’re reposting, tag the original creator and give them credit in the caption. This builds goodwill and makes collaborations easier down the line.
3. Choose Relevant Content
Only repost content that aligns with your brand identity and provides value to your followers. Random reposts dilute your message.
4. Add Your Own Commentary
Don’t just copy-paste. Add your take, your insight, or your story behind why you’re reposting. Make it personal.
5. Maintain a Balanced Feed
Don’t rely too heavily on reposts. They should complement your original content, not replace it. A good rule is 70% original, 30% reposted.
Best Tools for Reposting on Instagram
Here are some tools that can help you automate or improve the reposting process:
1. Repost for Instagram
- Free and easy to use
- Adds auto credit and repost icon
- Works with both images and videos
2. Later
- Social media scheduler
- Includes repost functionality
- Supports tagging and captions
3. Preview
- Great for feed planning and aesthetics
- Lets you repost and organize content in a grid format
4. Tailwind for Instagram
- Reposting, scheduling, and analytics
- Recommended for influencers and brands
FAQs About Reposting on Instagram
Q: Can I repost someone’s Instagram photo to my feed directly from the app?
No, Instagram doesn’t have a native repost button. Use a screenshot or repost app, and always give credit.
Q: How do I reshare an Instagram Story I’m tagged in?
Open the DM notification, tap “Add to Your Story,” customize, and post.
Q: What if I can’t repost a post to my Story?
The account may be private, or resharing may be disabled.
Q: Is reposting old content bad for engagement?
Not at all! If the content is still relevant and performed well in the past, reposting it with a new spin can boost engagement.
Q: How do I repost Instagram content to other platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn?
Tap the share icon, choose “Share to…” or “Copy link,” and paste where needed.
Final Thoughts: Repost with Purpose
Reposting on Instagram isn’t just about filling gaps in your calendar. It’s a strategic tool that, when used thoughtfully, can help you engage followers, build community, and boost content performance.
Just remember: ask for permission, give credit, share strategically, and use the right tools to make life easier. With these tips, you’ll be able to repost content confidently, ethically, and effectively — without burning out or boring your audience.
Want help picking the best repost app or planning a repost calendar? Let me know and I can guide you further!