Reposting content on Instagram is one of the most effective ways to fill your content calendar, build community, and showcase user-generated content (UGC) without having to create everything from scratch. But Instagram's native sharing options have always been a bit limited compared to platforms like Twitter or Facebook, and many users are not sure of the best way to do it properly — or legally.
This guide covers every method for reposting both feed posts and stories on Instagram, from the built-in story share feature to third-party reposting apps, and explains how to do it in a way that respects the original creator.
Why It Matters
Sharing other people's content — when done correctly — builds goodwill, strengthens relationships with your audience, and positions your brand as a curator of great material in your niche. For businesses, UGC reposts (sharing posts where customers tag or feature your product) can be especially powerful because they act as authentic social proof.
However, reposting without permission or credit can damage your reputation, violate Instagram's terms of service, and in some cases infringe on copyright. Understanding how to repost the right way protects you and the creators whose work you share.
What You Need Before You Start
To repost a Story, the story must have been shared to a public account, and you must have been tagged or mentioned in it — or you must use a third-party app. To repost a feed post, you will need either a third-party app or you need to use Instagram's "Add to Your Story" native feature. Always get permission from the original creator before reposting their content, especially if you have a business account or are using the content commercially.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Decide What You Want to Repost
Before reposting anything, view the original post and decide whether it is appropriate for your brand. Check that the content aligns with your values, that the original account is reputable, and that there is nothing in the post — caption, comments, or imagery — that could reflect poorly on your brand.
Step 2: Ask for Permission
Send a DM to the original creator asking for permission to repost their content. This is not always legally required (especially for sharing via story), but it is good practice and often builds a positive relationship with the creator. Many creators will appreciate the gesture and may even re-share your repost.
Step 3: Repost to Your Story Using the Native Share Feature
The simplest native method is to share a post to your Instagram Story. Open the post you want to share, tap the paper airplane icon (the share button) beneath the post, and select Add post to your story. The post will appear as a sticker on your story canvas. You can resize it, move it, and add text or stickers around it. When you are happy with how it looks, tap Your story to share it.
This method works for public posts. If the account is private, you will not see the option to share their post to your story.
Step 4: Repost a Story You Were Tagged In
If someone tags you in their story, you will receive a notification in your Instagram DMs. Open the DM, and you will see the option to Add this to your story. Tap it, and the original story will appear on your story canvas as a sticker. Customize it as needed and share. Note that this option is only available while the original story is still live (stories expire after 24 hours).
Step 5: Use a Third-Party App for Feed Reposts
Instagram does not have a native way to repost feed content to your own feed while preserving the original image and giving credit. For this, you need a third-party app. Popular options include Repost for Instagram (available on iOS and Android), Later's repost feature, and Buffer's Instagram tools.
To use Repost for Instagram: copy the link of the post you want to share (tap the three dots on the post and select Copy link), open the Repost app, paste the link, select the post, choose how you want to credit the original poster (the app adds a watermark by default), and tap Repost to Instagram. The app will copy the image and caption to your clipboard, then open Instagram where you can paste and customize before publishing.
Step 6: Screenshot Method (Last Resort)
If you do not want to use a third-party app, you can screenshot the post and share it as your own image. However, this method has a significant downside: the image quality may be lower, and you need to make absolutely sure you clearly credit the original creator in your caption. Do not crop out their username from the screenshot. This method is generally considered the least professional and should be a last resort.
Step 7: Credit the Original Creator
Regardless of the method you use, always credit the original creator. In your caption, tag their account using the @ mention. A simple format like "📸 @username" or "Reposted from @username" is widely recognized and appreciated. If you use a screenshot, add their username as visible text on the image itself.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
The "Add post to your story" button is not appearing. This happens when the post belongs to a private account or when the original user has disabled sharing in their settings. You cannot share private posts. For public posts where sharing is disabled, the only option is to ask the creator to enable it.
My repost is showing a low-quality image. This is common with the screenshot method. Use a dedicated repost app to preserve the original image quality.
The third-party app is not finding the post when I paste the link. Make sure you are copying the link from within the Instagram app (not the browser), and that the post is from a public account. Some apps also require you to be logged in to their service.
I got a copyright complaint after reposting. If the original creator filed a copyright claim against your post, take it down immediately and contact them to resolve it. Even if you gave credit, creators have the right to control how their content is used.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Reposting
Build a UGC collection strategy. Instead of reposting randomly, create a system for collecting and reposting user-generated content. Encourage customers to tag your account or use a branded hashtag. Then review tagged posts weekly and select the best ones to repost with permission.
Add your own commentary. When you repost someone else's content, add your brand's perspective in the caption. This transforms a simple share into a meaningful contribution and makes your account feel more curated rather than just aggregating other people's work.
Use stories for quick shares, feeds for evergreen content. Stories are perfect for time-sensitive reposts — a customer review, an event mention, a trending post. Your feed is better suited for high-quality UGC that genuinely represents your brand.
Keep a repost record. Note which accounts you have reposted, when, and what permission you obtained. This protects you if a dispute arises and helps you identify creators you might want to build a longer-term relationship with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to repost someone's photo on Instagram?
Instagram's terms of service give each user ownership of their content. Reposting someone's photo without permission can technically violate copyright law. The safest approach is always to ask for permission first. Using Instagram's native story share feature is generally considered acceptable because Meta's platform enables it by design, but you should still credit the creator.
Can I repost a Reel?
You can share a Reel to your story using the same paper airplane share button. To repost it to your own feed or Reels tab, you need permission from the original creator and a third-party tool, as Instagram does not currently offer native feed-to-feed reposting.
What is the best repost app for Instagram?
Repost for Instagram is one of the most popular free options. For business users, tools like Later and Buffer offer repost features as part of broader social media management platforms. The right choice depends on whether you want a standalone repost tool or something integrated with your scheduling workflow.
Do I need to credit the creator if their content does not have a watermark?
Yes, absolutely. The absence of a watermark does not mean the content is free to use without attribution. Always tag or mention the original creator, regardless of whether the image has a visible watermark.