How to repost content in Instagram
Originally posted in May 2017 and updated August 2025 because things have changed a little…
How can or should I repost content in Instagram?
It’s something I’ve been asked a lot over the past ten years, especially now that Instagram has launched a new ‘repost’ function. It wasn’t quite what we were looking for, but since its launch I’ve managed to find some good use cases. I’ll go through them a bit later.
Let’s start with what are the ways you can repost in Instagram?
Stories
You can share content from public accounts directly into your Stories by simply tapping on the plane icon at the bottom of the Post or Reel you want to share. This will bring up options to share to Story or in a Chat (scroll down to see where to find the share icon).
Sharing this way, rather than screenshotting or screen recording allows you to maintain the original creator's handle and provide context or add your personal touch in the accompanying caption or Story text.
To your own Grid
There are some third-party apps that will allow you to do this, but I don’t recommend sharing your Instagram login with anyone if you can help it.
You can ask the original poster to add you as a collaborator to any post that’s about you or features you and this automatically shares the post to your grid and allows you to see all the insights.
You could also screenshot from your phone, crop and repost or you can download images via a browser on your desktop using the right mouse button.
Whatever way you do it, you should ask permission and give credit.
Remixing Reels
While you can share Reels to your Stories easily enough, sometimes you might find you want to share a post in a more significant way. Reels has its own way of reposting, allowing you to ‘remix’ or ‘sequence’ someone else’s Reel.
Remixing on Instagram Reels is similar to creating a duet. It allows you to respond to or interact with another user's Reel by placing your video alongside theirs. Check out the funny Shabaz Says who uses this function a lot.
How it works:
Find a Reel you'd like to remix.
Tap the three dots on the Reel and select "Remix this Reel"
You can then add your own text, stickers and more to the Reel.
You can also record your own video, to appear side-by-side with the original.
This feature is great for collaborations or adding reactions and commentary to other people’s content.
NEW Remix for Instagram
This should have rolled out everywhere by now. At the bottom of posts you will now see a little circle of arrows (see pic above). Tapping this will allow you to share public posts to your own profile in a new section for Reposts. You can also use this to collate your own posts into a new space. Read my Instagram post below to see what I think and to get some tips.
What are the rules?
Everybody has a different take on this stuff but I am one of those people who likes to colour within the lines when it comes to content. Being honest and respectful is always the best way to go with business so with that in mind, I've got a few suggestions below.
Always credit the source using an @mention so they know you’ve used their content. Sometimes you can follow a path back to the original source if you like or you can say @blahblah via @blahblah2
Outside of the remix feature, think carefully before you mess with other people’s images ie. crop, add filters or words to it. This goes particularly for photographers' and artists’ work. Ask.
Ask permission if there’s a child in the photo unless it’s clearly a product shot with a model (sometimes bloggers will use their own children though so if you're unsure just ask).
Don’t repost images from private accounts that you follow unless you have permission.
When it comes to the caption, you do not have to use their words or hashtags. You can use the image to emphasise your own point, as long as it’s clear that the image is reposted and not your original work.
Reposting inspirational quotes
These may work well for your brand. Most quotes you find online are free to use, as long as you attribute the words to the right person. What you don’t have to do, is repost blurry or poorly designed graphics - you should just remake your own graphics in your own design style with the same quote but that’s a tip for another day.
If you’d like to learn more about Instagram or any other social media channels, I would love to chat so please get in touch.
❤️ Hi I’m Erika ✌️ I’m a marketing specialist with a stack of qualifications and almost 30 years marketing experience.
I’m well-placed to help you navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of marketing and social media.
I work with you one-on-one or create fun and action-oriented workshops and webinars for groups, organisations and businesses.
Book a free discovery call with me or simply email me to get the conversation started.
