Instagram Repost Button: Use It and Win More Reach

Good news, content mortals: you just got a time-saving, reach-boosting superpower. Instagram has finally launched a native repost button for feed posts and Reels. That means fewer screenshots, fewer sketchy third-party apps, and more ways to keep your content calendar full without burning out. If you create for a living (or a very committed hobby), here's how to ride the wave early and do it right.

What Changed (And Why You Should Care)

Instagram introduced a native Repost button for feed posts and Reels, rolling out globally.
Reposts appear in a dedicated Reposts section on your profile and can surface in followers' feeds.
You can add context via an "Add a thought" note before you publish a repost.
Comments on your repost show up to you as DMs for easier moderation and replies.
You can only repost if the original creator allows reposts of their content (and the account is public).

Translation: less grunt work, more reach, and cleaner credit to the original creator. Cross-platform parity at last.

How to Repost on Instagram (Using the New Button)

Open any public post or Reel you want to share.
Tap Repost (the circular arrows).
Tap the speech bubble by your profile photo to Add a thought (optional).
Hit Save. Your repost will appear in the dedicated Reposts tab and may show in your followers' feeds.

Where Your Reposts Live (And How Replies Work)

Your reposts are grouped under a Reposts section on your profile - handy for anyone checking what you've cosigned lately. When people comment on your repost, those messages appear to you as DMs, so you can keep conversations tight and personal.

Repost Rules and Limitations

You can only repost if the creator has enabled reposts and the account is public.
Private account posts and ads can't be reposted to your Story or feed.
If you don't see the feature yet, the rollout may still be in progress for your region/account.

How to Repost a Feed Post to Your Instagram Story

Tap the paper airplane under the post or Reel.
Select Add to Your Story.
Customize with text, GIFs, stickers, captions - go wild, but on-brand.
Choose Story (or Close Friends) and post.

Note: You can only share to Story from public accounts, and not from ads.

How to Repost a Story (When You're Tagged)

Open the DM you received with the tagged Story.
Tap Add to Story.
Add your flair (text, stickers, etc.) and share.

If you weren't tagged, ask for permission first - then use a screen recording if needed.

Other Reposting Methods That Still Matter

Reposting a Story When You Weren't Tagged

Ask for explicit permission from the creator.
Use your phone's screen recording to capture, then upload to your Story.
Tag and credit the creator clearly.

Reposting an Image Post (Screenshot Method)

With permission, take a screenshot of the post.
Tap + to upload as a new post.
Crop to remove UI edges; keep it clean.
Credit the creator at the top of your caption and tag them.

Reposting a Reel (Without the Repost Button)

With permission, you've got two solid options:

Remix: Your video plays alongside the original in split screen - great for reactions, commentary, humor.
Sequence: The original plays first, then your clip - ideal for context, follow-ups, tutorials.

Or, with permission, you can save and re-upload the original (best if the creator sends you the file), then tag and credit them.

Reposting an In‑Feed Video

Share to Story: Paper plane → Add to Story → post (public accounts only).
Repost to Feed: Ask permission → obtain video (ideally from the creator) → upload and credit.

Why This Is a Big Deal for Creators

Consistency without chaos: Fill your calendar even on low-energy days.
Social proof that sells: UGC and customer love build trust fast.
Second life for gold: High-quality posts get a repeat run to catch new eyeballs.
Community glow-up: Featuring fans and collaborators deepens loyalty.
Network effects: Reposts often reach the original creator's audience too.

Your Smart Strategy With Reposts

Mine events and milestones: Reshare attendee posts from launches, tours, meetups.
Monitor mentions, tags, and hashtags: Your notifications are a content goldmine.
Create a "green-light" hashtag: Encourage fans to use a tag that signals permission to repost.
Build themed series: Weekly "Fan Friday" or "Creator Spotlight" anchors expectations and boosts engagement.
Pair reposts with commentary: Add context, teach a tip, or share a takeaway - don't just mirror.
Mix in Remixes/Sequences: Add personality and value to trending Reels.
Track what travels: Save high-performing repost formats and double down.

Permission, Credit, and Legal Stuff (So You Don't Get Weird DMs)

Always ask permission before re-uploading someone's content to your feed. Reposting via the native feature respects their settings; re-uploads require explicit consent.
Credit clearly at the top of the caption: "Credit: @username" or "Via @username." Tag in the media too.
Don't edit photos without permission. If you must, confirm changes beforehand.
Commercial use? If you're using UGC in ads or paid promotions, get written permission and consider a simple license. Model/property releases may be needed depending on the content and jurisdiction.
Disclosure: If there's any material connection (free product, payment, affiliate), follow advertising disclosure rules in your region.

Copy-Paste Permission DM Template

"Hey [Name]! We love your post about [topic]. With your permission, we'd like to repost it on our [Instagram/feed/Story] with full credit and a tag. Reply 'YES' to approve."

Brands Already Doing Reposting Right

GoPro: Built on UGC, with ongoing community challenges that spotlight creator content.
Airbnb: Regularly elevates guest photos and tags listings, turning stays into social proof.
Behance: Curates creator work like a digital gallery, showcasing illustrators and designers.
Etsy: Features makers' products, plus a hashtag that signals permission to reshare.
Lili Origin: Reshares customer Stories and includes direct product links for frictionless buying.

Pro Tips to Win With Instagram Reposts

Lead with credit in your first three caption lines (before truncation).
Choose posts with proven engagement to boost your odds in the feed.
Match your vibe: Repost content that fits your aesthetic and audience expectations.
Add value: A quick insight or takeaway makes a repost feel fresh, not lazy.
Combine with Close Friends: Preview bonus context or behind-the-scenes for superfans.
Keep a permissions trail: Screenshots of approvals save headaches later.

How This Stacks Up With Other Platforms

TikTok: The repost button popularized frictionless sharing, often used to amplify trends or friends' content.
X (formerly Twitter): Retweets normalized quick signal-boosting - Instagram is now meeting creators where they are: fast curation plus clear credit.

Instagram had been testing similar functionality in the past, and the formal launch finally puts creators on equal footing with the platforms where reposting is second nature.

FAQs (Real Questions, Real Answers)

Is there a repost button on Instagram now?

Yes. You'll find Repost on eligible feed posts and Reels from public accounts that allow reposting.

How do I repost someone's Instagram post to my feed?

Use the new Repost button. If you're re-uploading the media as a new post instead, get explicit permission, then upload and credit/tag the creator.

How do I repost to my Story?

Tap the paper airplane on a public post or Reel → Add to Your Story → customize → share.

Why can't I repost a post?

The account might be private, the creator may have disabled reposting/sharing, or the feature hasn't rolled out to you yet.

How do I allow others to repost my Story?

Go to Settings → Privacy → Story and enable Allow sharing to story. Keep your account public if you want maximum shareability.

What's the difference between Remix and Sequence for Reels?

Remix: Split-screen; both videos play together. Great for reactions, commentary, and duets.
Sequence: Original plays first; your clip follows. Best for context, tutorials, and thoughtful replies.

The Bottom Line

Instagram's native repost button is a gift to creators: less busywork, more reach, and credit baked in. Use it to highlight your community, stretch your best content further, and ship more consistently - without cloning yourself. Curate boldly, credit clearly, and keep the momentum rolling. Your audience (and your sanity) will thank you.