How to Reshare an Instagram Post: Your Complete Guide
Want to easily share content you find on Instagram? This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to reshare an Instagram post, covering everything from using story shares to third-party apps and common troubleshooting tips.
Instagram, the visual behemoth of social media, thrives on sharing. While the platform doesn’t offer a native “reshare” button like X (formerly Twitter) for direct feed reposts, there are several clever workarounds to amplify content you love. Knowing how to reshare an Instagram post effectively is crucial for both individual users and businesses looking to engage with their audience and promote their brand.
Why Resharing Instagram Posts Matters
Resharing content on Instagram isn’t just about sharing something you find interesting. It’s a powerful tool with numerous benefits:
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Engagement: Resharing increases engagement with your followers by providing them with interesting and relevant content.
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Community Building: Sharing user-generated content (UGC) can foster a sense of community and appreciation among your followers.
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Brand Awareness: For businesses, resharing posts from customers featuring your products or services can significantly boost brand awareness.
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Content Curation: Resharing allows you to curate content relevant to your niche or interests, establishing yourself as a valuable source of information.
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Time Saving: When you’re short on time or lacking inspiration, resharing relevant posts provides fresh content without requiring original creation.
Methods for Resharing Instagram Posts
Here’s a breakdown of the common methods for sharing on Instagram, starting with the easiest and most universally applicable:
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Sharing to Your Instagram Story: This is the most common and straightforward method.
- Find the post you want to share.
- Tap the airplane icon (Direct message) below the post.
- Select “Add post to your story.”
- Customize your story with text, stickers, GIFs, and more.
- Post your story.
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Using Third-Party Apps: Several apps are available that allow you to directly repost to your feed. Popular options include Repost for Instagram and Regrann. Note: Always check the app’s privacy policy before installing.
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Taking a Screenshot: This is a less elegant solution but works in a pinch.
- Take a screenshot of the post.
- Crop the screenshot to remove any unwanted elements.
- Upload the cropped image to your feed.
- Crucially, credit the original poster in your caption!
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Saving and Reposting (Videos): For videos, you can use a screen recording tool (built-in on most smartphones) or a third-party download tool (with caution, concerning copyright) and then upload the video to your own feed, properly crediting the original creator.
Here’s a quick comparison of the different methods:
| Method | Ease of Use | Original Poster Credit | Feed Post | Story Post | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Share to Story | Very Easy | Automatic | No | Yes | Free |
| Third-Party App | Easy | Usually Automatic | Yes | Yes | Free/Paid |
| Screenshot | Medium | Manual (Required!) | Yes | Yes | Free |
| Save & Repost (Videos) | Difficult | Manual (Required!) | Yes | Yes | Free/Paid |
Key Considerations Before Resharing
Before you hit that share button, keep these points in mind:
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Credit the Original Poster: This is essential. Give credit where credit is due. Use the original username and consider tagging them in the image itself.
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Permission (if Required): Some accounts may have a specific policy about resharing their content. When in doubt, ask for permission first.
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Copyright: Be mindful of copyright laws. If you’re unsure about the copyright status of a post, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid resharing it.
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Image Quality: Resharing a low-resolution image can detract from your brand’s image. Ensure the quality is acceptable before sharing.
Common Mistakes When Resharing
Knowing how to reshare an Instagram post also means avoiding common pitfalls:
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Forgetting to Give Credit: This is the biggest mistake. It’s considered plagiarism and can damage your reputation.
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Sharing Without Permission: While not always legally required, it’s polite and respectful to ask for permission, especially for smaller accounts or personal content.
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Ignoring Image Quality: Resharing blurry or pixelated images can make your profile look unprofessional.
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Not Adding Context: Simply resharing a post without adding your own thoughts or commentary can make your feed feel impersonal. Engage with the content!
Best Practices for Effective Resharing
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Curate Relevant Content: Only share content that aligns with your brand’s values and interests your audience.
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Add Value with Your Captions: Provide context, insights, or your own perspective on the shared post.
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Engage with Comments: Respond to comments on your reshares and foster a conversation with your followers.
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Track Your Results: Monitor the performance of your reshares to see what resonates with your audience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Resharing Instagram Posts
Why can’t I share some posts to my story?
Some Instagram accounts, particularly private accounts, may disable the option for others to share their posts to stories. This is a privacy setting controlled by the account owner. You can only share posts from public accounts that haven’t disabled this feature.
Is it better to screenshot or use a third-party app to reshare?
Using a third-party app is generally preferable, as it often automatically includes the original poster’s username. However, screenshotting works as a fallback. Just be sure to manually credit the original creator in your caption. Always prioritize using reputable apps from trusted developers.
How do I reshare a reel on Instagram?
The process for resharing a reel is similar to resharing a regular post. Tap the airplane icon below the reel and select “Add reel to your story.” You can also download the reel (if the creator allows downloads) and repost it as your own reel, making sure to give prominent credit.
Can I reshare someone else’s story to my feed?
No, Instagram doesn’t allow you to directly reshare someone else’s story to your feed. Stories are designed to be ephemeral and only visible for 24 hours. You can, however, screenshot their story and share it as a post if you have their explicit permission.
What should I say in the caption when resharing a post?
A good caption should include:
- Credit to the original poster (e.g., “Repost from @username”).
- A brief summary of the post’s content.
- Your own thoughts or commentary.
- Relevant hashtags.
Are there any legal issues with resharing Instagram posts?
Copyright infringement can be a concern. Generally, resharing with proper credit falls under fair use, but it’s always best to ask for permission, especially if you’re using the content for commercial purposes. If you are uncertain about the copyright status of content, err on the side of caution.
How do I know if someone has reshared my post?
If someone shares your post to their story, you’ll typically receive a notification. However, if they screenshot and repost, or use a third-party app, you won’t automatically be notified unless they tag you in the caption or image.
What are some good apps for resharing Instagram posts?
Some popular apps include Repost for Instagram, Regrann, and Ingramer. Always read reviews and check the app’s privacy policy before downloading and using any third-party app.
How do I give proper credit when resharing a post?
The best way to give credit is to:
- Include the original poster’s username in your caption (e.g., “Photo by @username”).
- Tag the original poster in the image or video.
- Mention the source of the content.
How can I encourage my followers to reshare my posts?
- Create high-quality, engaging content.
- Use relevant hashtags.
- Run contests or giveaways.
- Ask your followers to share your posts in your captions.
- Share posts that are easily sharable (i.e. inspirational quotes).
Does resharing negatively affect my Instagram algorithm standing?
Not necessarily. Resharing can actually boost your engagement, which is a positive signal to the algorithm. However, relying solely on reshared content can make your feed appear less original and may affect your ranking negatively over time. A balance of original and curated content is ideal.
How do I reshare an Instagram post if I have a private account?
If your account is private, only your followers can see your posts and stories. When you reshare a post to your story, only your followers will be able to view it. This is because of your privacy settings. Content from a private account cannot be broadly reshared beyond the existing follower base.