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How to Repost a Story on Instagram (New Update): A Comprehensive Guide

So, you want to amplify the content gracing your Instagram feed? You’ve landed in the right place. Reposting stories is a potent tool for engagement, collaboration, and showcasing your brand’s (or personal brand’s) essence. Here’s the lowdown on how to repost a story on Instagram after the most recent updates, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve. The ability to easily share content created by others is a fundamental feature of Instagram.

The method for reposting a story on Instagram hinges on whether you’ve been tagged in that story or want to repost a public story. The core principle remains the same: Instagram prioritizes sharing within the platform to boost engagement and keep users scrolling.

If You’ve Been Tagged: This is the most straightforward scenario. When someone tags you in their story, you’ll receive a notification in your Direct Messages (DM). Open the DM from that user. Below the story preview, you’ll see a button labeled “Add to Your Story.” Tap this button. This will open the story in the Instagram Story editor, where you can resize, reposition, add text, stickers, GIFs, and all the creative flourishes you desire. Once you’re happy with your edit, tap “Your Story” at the bottom left of the screen to publish it to your own story.
Reposting Public Stories (Mention Method): Officially, Instagram doesn’t offer a direct “repost” button for public stories you haven’t been tagged in. However, there’s a workaround, albeit one that necessitates the story being engaging and potentially relevant to your audience. You can take a screenshot or screen recording of the story (if it’s a video). Be mindful of any copyright implications. Then, create a new story and upload the screenshot or recording. Crucially, mention the original poster by typing “@” followed by their username. This gives them credit and potentially encourages them to engage with your reposted story.

Delving Deeper: Beyond the Basics of Reposting

While the fundamental process is quite simple, mastering the art of story reposting requires a little more insight. Let’s explore some nuances and considerations.

Strategic Story Reposting: Why and When?

Reposting isn’t merely about sharing content; it’s about strategic content curation. Ask yourself:

Does this content align with my brand or personal brand? Reposting irrelevant content dilutes your message.
Does it provide value to my audience? Reposts should be informative, entertaining, or inspiring.
Does it acknowledge and amplify other users? Strategic reposting can foster relationships and build community.

Think of reposting as adding to the conversation, not just echoing it.

The Ethical Considerations of Reposting

While the technical aspect is straightforward, the ethical dimension deserves attention. Always ensure you’re:

Giving Credit: Mentioning the original creator is not optional; it’s crucial.
Respecting Privacy: If the content is from a private account, don’t repost it without explicit permission, even if you have a screenshot.
Avoiding Misrepresentation: Don’t repost something out of context or in a way that could mislead your audience.

Transparency and respect are paramount in the digital landscape.

Leveraging Reposts for Maximum Impact

Here’s where the real art comes in. Don’t just mindlessly repost. Add your own spin!

Add Context: Use text overlays to explain why you’re sharing the story or to add your own commentary.
Use Polls and Questions: Engage your audience by adding interactive elements to your repost.
Drive Traffic: If the original story includes a link, encourage your audience to check it out.
Create a Theme: Strategically repost stories that align with a specific theme or campaign to create a cohesive narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Reposting Instagram Stories

Here are some of the most common questions about reposting stories on Instagram, along with detailed answers from an expert perspective:

Why can’t I repost a story even when I’m tagged?
Several reasons could be at play. First, the account that tagged you might be private, and they haven’t approved you as a follower. Second, the user might have disabled the option to allow others to reshare their stories. Third, it could be a temporary glitch with Instagram itself. Try restarting the app or checking your internet connection.
Is there a way to repost a story from a public account without being tagged?
As mentioned earlier, no direct “repost” button exists for public stories you aren’t tagged in. Your best bet is to take a screenshot or screen recording (if it’s a video), upload it to your story, and mention the original account with “@username.”
How can I tell if someone has reposted my story?
If someone reposts your story where you were tagged, you’ll see it in your Direct Messages – the same place you receive the original tag notification. If someone reposts your story via screenshot, you won’t receive a direct notification unless they mention your account in their story. You might, however, see an increase in views or engagement on your original story.
Can I repost a story to my feed instead of just my story?
No, Instagram doesn’t natively allow you to repost stories directly to your feed. Stories are designed for ephemeral content, while feed posts are meant to be more permanent. The screenshot method is the only viable workaround, and it will look like an image or video post, not a repost.
How do I control who can repost my stories?
You can adjust your story settings to limit who can reply to your stories or reshare them. Go to Settings > Privacy > Story. Here, you can customize who can reply to your stories (everyone, people you follow, or no one) and disable story sharing altogether.
Are there any apps that let me repost stories more easily?
While numerous third-party apps claim to offer enhanced reposting features, proceed with caution. Many of these apps violate Instagram’s terms of service and could compromise your account’s security. Stick to the methods provided by Instagram itself.
What’s the best way to add my own commentary when reposting a story?
Use the text tool in the Instagram Story editor. You can add text overlays, captions, or even record a short video to add your thoughts. Consider using a contrasting font color and background to make your commentary stand out.
Can I repost multiple stories at once?
Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t offer a batch reposting feature. You’ll need to repost each story individually. This actually encourages you to be more selective and thoughtful about what you share.
Does reposting a story affect the original story’s view count?
No, reposting a story doesn’t directly affect the original story’s view count. However, if your repost generates more traffic to the original poster’s profile, it could indirectly lead to more views on their other content, including the original story.
Why does the “Add to Your Story” button disappear sometimes?
The “Add to Your Story” button might disappear if the original story has expired (stories disappear after 24 hours), if the user deleted the story, or if the user changed their privacy settings to prevent resharing.
Is it possible to repost a story from a computer?
While you can view Instagram stories on a computer using the web version, you can’t directly repost them. Reposting is primarily designed for mobile devices.
How can I use reposting strategically to grow my brand or business on Instagram?
- Showcase user-generated content (UGC): Repost stories from customers or fans using your products or services.
- Collaborate with influencers: Repost stories from influencers who mention your brand.
- Run contests and giveaways: Encourage users to tag you in their stories for a chance to win. Reposting the entries can boost visibility.
- Highlight positive reviews and testimonials: Repost stories where customers praise your brand or products.
- Amplify important announcements: Repost stories from relevant organizations or partners sharing news related to your industry.
- Behind-the-scenes: Repost employee stories to humanize your brand.

By thoughtfully implementing these strategies, you can wield the power of reposting to cultivate a thriving online presence and unlock a multitude of opportunities.