Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms today. People use it to share photos, videos, stories, reels, and messages with friends, followers, and customers. While browsing Instagram, it is common to find posts or stories that feel worth sharing again on your own profile. This is where reposting becomes helpful.
In this complete guide, we explain how to repost on Instagram step by step. You will learn how reposting works for posts and stories, which apps help with reposting Instagram content, and how to fix common reposting problems. We also answer common questions such as can you repost Instagram posts, how to allow others to repost your content, and why Instagram may not let you post. Everything is explained in simple language so it is easy to understand and follow.
What Does Reposting on Instagram Mean?
Reposting on Instagram means sharing someone else’s content like a photo, video, or reel on your own Instagram account. It is similar to retweeting on Twitter. When you repost, you are essentially showing your followers content that you did not create but want to share because it is interesting, funny, inspiring, or relevant to your account.
There are a few ways to repost on Instagram:
- Using a repost app: These apps let you share someone else’s post while giving credit to the original creator.
- Sharing to your Story: You can share a friend’s post directly to your Instagram Story by tapping the paper plane icon under the post and selecting Add post to your story.
- Manual reposting: Some users download the content and upload it again, but it’s important to credit the original creator to avoid copyright issues.
In short, reposting helps you share content you like with your audience while showing appreciation for the original creator.
Can You Repost Instagram Posts
You can repost Instagram posts, but Instagram doesn’t have a native repost button for feed content. This means you need to use other methods like apps, stories, or manual saving. However, reposting without permission can create legal and ethical issues because the original creator owns the content. Violating copyright can lead to your post being removed or your account being flagged.
Best Practices for Reposting Safely:
1. Always Ask for Permission
Before reposting someone else’s content, reach out to the original creator. Send a direct message or comment asking if you can share their post. This shows respect for their work and helps avoid copyright issues.
2. Give Proper Credit
Even with permission, always credit the original creator. Tag their account in your caption or on the post itself. For example: Photo by @username or Original post by @username. This makes it clear who owns the content.
3. Use Reposting Apps or Features
There are apps designed specifically for reposting Instagram content, such as Repost for Instagram or Regrann. These apps automatically include credit to the original creator, making reposting easier and safer.
If you want to share someone else’s feed post, consider using Instagram’s Add post to your story feature. This keeps the original post intact, shows the original creator’s username, and avoids copyright infringement.
5. Avoid Altering the Original Content
Do not crop, modify, or add elements to someone else’s content without permission. Altering the post can violate copyright and misrepresent the original creator’s work.
6. Respect Copyright Rules
Instagram enforces copyright, and reposting content without proper permission can lead to the post being removed or your account being restricted. Always follow the platform’s guidelines to stay safe.
Make sure the content aligns with your brand, page, or audience. Reposting irrelevant content can confuse your followers and reduce engagement, even if it’s legally safe.
Following these practices keeps your account safe and builds trust with content creators. It also shows professionalism if you’re using Instagram for marketing or business purposes.
How to Repost on Instagram Using Stories
This is the easiest and most popular way to repost Instagram content.
Step-by-Step: How to Repost Instagram Posts to Your Story
1. Open the Instagram app: Launch Instagram on your phone and log in if needed. Make sure your app is updated, as older versions may not have this feature.
2. Find the post you want to share: Navigate to the post you want to repost. This can be a photo or video from someone you follow or from a public account. Keep in mind you can only share posts from public profiles or accounts that allow sharing.
3. Tap the paper plane (share) icon: Below the post, you’ll see icons for like, comment, and share. Tap the paper plane icon, which is the same one used to send posts to friends via Direct Message.
4. Select Add post to your story: A menu will pop up with sharing options. Tap Add post to your story. This opens the Instagram Story editor with the post automatically inserted.
5. Customize your Story: You can now add your personal touch. Use Instagram’s tools to:
- Add text to give context or share your thoughts
- Use stickers or GIFs to make the Story more engaging
- Change the background color or resize the post within the Story
6. Share the Story: Once you’re happy with your Story, tap Your Story at the bottom of the screen. The post will now appear in your Story for all your followers to see.
This method works only if the account is public and the creator allows sharing.
How to Repost Instagram Story Without Being Tagged
A repost of an Instagram Story without being tagged refers to sharing someone else’s Story on your own Instagram Story without requiring them to mention or tag you. Normally, Instagram has a built-in feature for resharing Stories:
- If someone tags you in their Story, Instagram sends a notification, and you can simply tap Add This to Your Story to repost it.
- Without a tag, Instagram does not allow direct sharing from their app to yours.
So, reposting without being tagged means you are bypassing the official resharing feature and using alternative methods to share the content while keeping it visible on your Story.
Method 1: Screenshot or Screen Recording (Most Common)
This is the simplest and most widely used method to repost Instagram Stories without being tagged. It works because you are manually capturing the content instead of using Instagram’s built-in sharing feature.
For Photos:
1. Open the Instagram Story: Go to the Story you want to repost. Make sure it’s fully loaded so the screenshot captures the full image clearly.
2. Take a Screenshot on Your Phone
- iPhone: Press Side Button + Volume Up (on newer models) or Home + Power (on older models).
- Android: Usually Power + Volume Down together (some models may vary, check your device instructions).
3. Crop the Screenshot: Open your photo gallery and crop the image to remove the Instagram interface, like the username, story progress bar, and other overlays. This makes the post cleaner and more professional.
4. Post on Your Story
- Open Instagram → Tap the + icon → Select the screenshot.
- You can add stickers, text, music, or GIFs to make it engaging.
- Share it as your Story.
Extra Tip: Try to screenshot during good lighting or a clear frame to reduce quality loss.
For Videos
1. Open the Story Video: Play the video fully so that you capture the part you want.
2. Use Screen Recording
- iPhone: Swipe down from the top-right → Tap the Screen Record button.
- Android: Swipe down → Find Screen Recorder or use a built-in recording feature.
3. Stop Recording: Once the Story ends, stop the recording.
4. Edit if Needed: You can trim the start or end of the video, remove Instagram UI, or add text and music before posting.
5. Upload to Your Story: Open Instagram → Tap + icon → Select the video → Add stickers or text → Share.
Extra Tip: Make sure your screen recording is in landscape or portrait mode matching the Story format for better viewing.
Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps to Repost Instagram Stories
Using third-party apps to repost Instagram Stories means you use a separate app (not Instagram) to save someone else’s Story to your phone and then share it as your own Story.
Instead of taking a screenshot or recording the screen, the app downloads the Story file directly, keeping it clearer and easier to repost.
Step-by-Step Process
- Download a trusted Story reposting app: Look for apps with good reviews and many downloads on Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Avoid apps that seem suspicious or ask for unnecessary permissions.
- Log in with your Instagram account: To access Instagram Stories through the app, you usually need to log in. This allows the app to fetch Stories that you have permission to view.
- Search the username of the Story you want to repost: Inside the app, enter the Instagram handle of the person whose Story you want to repost. You should see a list of their current Stories (if the account is public or you follow them).
- Download the Story: Choose the Story (photo or video) and save it to your phone. Most apps will keep the original quality intact better than screenshots or screen recordings.
- Repost on Instagram: Open Instagram → Tap the + icon → Upload the downloaded Story from your phone → Share it as your Story.
Pros:
- Preserves quality better than screenshots.
- Can work for some private accounts if you have access.
Cons:
- Privacy risk if the app is untrusted.
- Instagram may block some third-party apps over time.
Method 3: Sharing Public Posts Directly
Sharing Public Posts Directly on Instagram is a feature that allows users to take posts from accounts set to public and share them to their own Instagram Story. This helps spread content while giving credit to the original poster. You can add personal touches like text, stickers, or music, making the story more engaging for your followers.
- Automatic credit: You don’t have to tag or mention the original poster manually. Instagram ensures that the creator is recognized.
- Clickable username: Viewers of your Story can tap on the username to visit the original poster’s profile: This is useful for discovering new content or following the creator.
- Protects content ownership: Since the original creator is always credited, it prevents other users from taking credit for someone else’s work.
- Maintains transparency: Your followers know exactly who created the post, which keeps sharing honest and ethical.
- Engagement for the original poster: The creator may get more followers, likes, or comments from people seeing their post through your Story.
Important Notes:
- Works only for public accounts.
- Private accounts cannot be shared unless you are tagged.
- Instagram automatically adds the original poster’s username, so they get credit.
Example:
You share a travel photo from a public account in your Story. Instagram automatically adds a tag at the bottom that says “@username”. Your followers can click it to see the full post on the original account. You don’t have to write anything extra Instagram does it for you.
How to Use Repost App on Instagram
Repost App for Instagram is a tool that allows users to share posts from other Instagram accounts to their own feed or stories while giving credit to the original creator. It is commonly used by individuals, influencers, and brands to share content without taking credit for someone else’s work.
1. Download and Install the App: First, download the Repost App from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Once installed, connect it to your Instagram account by logging in or following the on-screen instructions.
2. Copy the Instagram Post Link: Open Instagram, find the post you want to repost, tap the three dots (options) on the top-right corner, and select Copy Link.
3. Open the Repost App: The Repost App will automatically detect the copied link. Open the app, and the post you copied will appear ready to repost.
4. Customize Credit and Placement: Before reposting, you can adjust where the original creator’s credit appears on the post, such as top, bottom, or watermark style. This ensures proper acknowledgment.
5. Share on Instagram: Tap Repost, and the app will redirect you to Instagram. You can add a caption, hashtags, or tag people before sharing it on your feed or story.
Best App for Reposting Instagram Content
One of the best apps for reposting Instagram content is the Repost app. This app makes it easy to share photos, videos, carousels, and Reels from other Instagram accounts directly to your profile. You just copy the link of the post you want to share and paste it into the app. The app then prepares the content for reposting while keeping it high quality. It automatically adds credit to the original creator, ensuring proper acknowledgment. This helps maintain a good relationship with other creators and avoids copyright issues.
The Repost app also offers useful features for content management. You can customize how the credit appears, save posts for later, and track your repost history. This makes it a convenient tool for marketers, influencers, and small businesses looking to share user-generated content or highlight posts from others. Overall, it saves time and simplifies the process of sharing Instagram content while keeping it professional.
How to Repost Something on Instagram Reels
Reposting something on Instagram Reels is a bit different from regular feed posts because Instagram doesn’t have a direct repost button like some other platforms. However, there are a few ways to do it, safely and effectively. Here’s a clear, step-by-step explanation:
- Open Instagram and find the Reel you want to repost.
- Tap the paper airplane icon (share button) under the Reel.
- Select Add Reel to Your Story.
- Customize it if you want (add text, stickers, or tags).
- Tap Your Story to post it.
This method shares the Reel to your story instead of your feed, and the original creator is automatically credited.
Option 2: Repost to Your Feed Using Third-Party Apps
If you want the Reel to appear on your profile feed:
- Copy the Reel link by tapping the three dots (…) and selecting Copy Link.
- Use a repost app like Repost for Instagram, InSaver, or similar apps available on iOS or Android.
- Open the app and paste the link. The app will prepare the Reel for reposting with proper credit to the original creator.
- Post it on your feed like a normal Reel.
Make sure to credit the original creator in your caption to stay ethical and avoid copyright issues.
Option 3: Download and Re-upload (With Permission)
- Ask the original creator for permission to repost their content.
- Download the Reel using apps or websites that allow Reel downloads.
- Re-upload it on your profile as a new Reel.
- Mention the original creator in the caption, e.g., Original content by @username.
This method is riskier if you don’t have permission, so always give credit.
✅ Tip: Instagram is testing a repost feature for Reels, which may allow easier reposting directly to your feed in the future. Until then, using stories or a repost app is safest.
How to Allow People to Repost Your Post on Instagram
Allowing people to repost your Instagram post means you give other users permission to share your content on their Instagram Stories or through repost apps. When someone reposts your post, your username is shown, and more people can see your content. This helps in growing followers, likes, and overall engagement.
Steps to Allow People to Repost Your Post on Instagram:
Step 1: Open Instagram
- Launch the Instagram app on your phone and go to your profile by tapping your profile picture at the bottom right corner.
Step 2: Select Settings
- Tap the three horizontal lines at the top right corner, then select Settings and privacy.
Step 3: Go to Reels and Posts or Story Sharing
- Look for Interactions → Story sharing or directly Reels and Posts settings.
- Here, you can control who can share your posts.
Step 4: Enable Sharing
- Turn on Allow others to share your posts to their story or Reposts.
- You may also choose if you want everyone, followers, or only close friends to share your content.
Step 5: Save Changes
- Once enabled, your followers can tap the paper plane icon under your post and select Add post to your story.
- Now your post can be reshared while showing your username for credit.
How to See Reposts on Instagram
Seeing reposts on Instagram can be a bit tricky because Instagram doesn’t have a dedicated repost feature like Twitter’s retweet. People usually repost content in three ways: using a third-party app, sharing to Stories, or manually re-uploading with credit. Here’s a detailed explanation of each method and how to see them:
1. Reposts via Instagram Stories – Full Explanation
Instagram Stories allow users to share posts from other accounts directly into their own Story. This is the most common way people repost on Instagram without using any third-party app.
When you can see these reposts:
- The account that shared the Story must be public, meaning anyone can view their content.
- If the account is private, only people who follow them can see their Stories.
- You need to follow the account that shared the Story to see it appear in your feed.
How to find reposted posts in Stories:
1. Open Instagram. At the top of the home feed, you will see a row of circular profile pictures. These are the Stories of the accounts you follow.
2. Look for the account that may have reposted a post. Reposted content usually appears inside their Story along with the original poster’s username tagged on it.
3. Tap on the Story to view it. You can see the post they shared along with any text, stickers, or edits they may have added.
Other details to know:
- When a post is shared to Stories, it disappears from that Story after 24 hours, unless the account adds it to their Story Highlights, which are permanent collections of Stories on their profile.
- If someone tags you in a reposted Story, Instagram sends you a notification, and you can view it even if you missed it in the Stories bar.
- Stories reposts don’t appear in the main feed of the account doing the repost, only in the Stories section.
2. Using Third-Party Tools
Some apps or websites track reposted content publicly, but they are not officially supported by Instagram, so be careful when using them.
Important: Instagram doesn’t provide a built-in repost tracking system, so you can only see reposts manually or via tags/stories.
Why Won’t Instagram Let Me Post or Repost?
When Instagram won’t let you post or repost, it means the platform is temporarily or permanently blocking your ability to share content. This can happen due to app issues, violations of community guidelines, or technical problems. Instagram restricts certain actions to maintain user safety, prevent spam, and ensure compliance with its rules.
1. Technical or App Problems
Sometimes Instagram may be working fine, but issues with your app can prevent posting. Common causes include:
- Outdated App: New Instagram features or bug fixes often only work on the latest version. Using an old version can cause the post button to freeze or fail.
- App Glitches: Temporary bugs in the app can block posting, even if your phone is new and your internet connection is stable.
- Corrupted Cache/Data: Instagram stores temporary data (cache) to load faster. Over time, this data can become corrupted and stop posts from uploading.
- Device Issues: Low storage, outdated operating systems, or phone-specific bugs can also interfere with posting.
Solution: Update the app, restart your phone, clear the cache (on Android), or reinstall the app (on iOS or Android).
2. Internet or Network Issues
Instagram needs a stable internet connection to work properly. Even if your feed (photos and posts from others) loads, uploading your own photos, videos, or reels uses more data and requires a stronger connection.
- Slow Network: If your internet is slow or unstable, uploading large photos, reels, or videos may fail. For example, a small picture may load, but a high-resolution video needs more speed and can get stuck or fail to upload if the connection is weak.
- Network Restrictions: Some public Wi-Fi networks, like those in cafes, airports, or schools, may block Instagram uploads for security or bandwidth reasons. Even if you can browse Instagram, you might not be able to post anything.
- Switching Networks: Sometimes your current network is the issue. Switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data, or from mobile data to Wi-Fi, can solve the problem. This often works because one network might be slow or have restrictions, while the other is faster and more reliable.
3. Instagram Limits or Restrictions
Instagram Limits or Restrictions happen when Instagram tries to prevent spam or automated activity. You may face posting problems because of:
- Action Blocks: If Instagram notices unusual activity, like posting too many times quickly, following or unfollowing lots of people at once, or using automation tools, it may temporarily block certain features of your account.
- Account Age or Status: New accounts or accounts that Instagram suspects of spam may have limits. For example, a brand-new account may not be able to post many times in a row until Instagram trusts it more.
- Temporary Restrictions: These blocks are not permanent. They usually last a few hours or a few days, depending on the activity Instagram detected.
In short, Instagram puts these limits to make sure everyone uses the platform normally and to prevent spam or bots.
4. Content Violations
Instagram can stop a post from being published if it thinks the content breaks its rules. This can happen because of:
- Copyrighted Content: If you use music, videos, or images that you do not have permission for, Instagram may block the post.
- Inappropriate Content: Posts with nudity, violence, hate speech, or anything that goes against Instagram’s community guidelines can be prevented from being shared.
- Restricted Hashtags: Some hashtags are banned or temporarily blocked by Instagram. If you use these, your post may not appear or could be blocked.
In short, Instagram checks that your content follows its rules, and if it thinks something is not allowed, it can stop your post from going live.
5. Server or System Issues
Sometimes, the problem is not your phone or account it’s Instagram itself. This can happen because of:
- Server Downtime: Instagram sometimes experiences outages or technical problems. During these times, you might not be able to post, upload stories, or share content.
- Feature Bugs: New features, like Reels or reposting tools, can have temporary glitches, especially right after an update.
- Check for Issues: You can see if Instagram is down for everyone by visiting websites like Downdetector or checking Instagram’s official social media accounts. This helps you know it’s a system problem, not an issue with your account.
In short, sometimes Instagram itself is having technical problems, and there’s nothing wrong with your device or content.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to repost on Instagram is important for both personal users and businesses. Whether you want to repost posts, stories, or reels, there are safe and easy ways to do it. For stories, using Instagram’s built-in features is the simplest option. For feed posts, repost apps work well. Always make sure to give credit, respect creators, and follow Instagram’s rules.
At Webtopping, we make reposting on Instagram simple and effective. We guide users on the best ways to share stories, posts, and reels while staying within Instagram’s guidelines. By reposting correctly, we help increase engagement, strengthen your community, and keep your Instagram profile active without any extra effort.
