How to Repost a Reel on Instagram: Your Definitive Guide

So, you’ve stumbled upon an Instagram Reel that’s pure gold and you’re itching to share it with your own followers. But how exactly do you repost a Reel on Instagram? It’s not always as straightforward as hitting a simple “share” button, but fret not! This article is your definitive guide to navigating the world of Reel reposting, packed with insider tips and tricks to make you a Reel-sharing pro.

The short answer? You can’t directly repost another user’s Reel onto your main Instagram feed. Instagram doesn’t offer a native “repost” button for Reels like it does for Stories or regular posts (in some cases). However, there are several effective workarounds to share those captivating Reels with your audience. These methods primarily involve sharing the Reel to your Instagram Story, sending it in a Direct Message (DM), or using third-party apps (with caution!). Let’s dive into each method in detail.

Sharing a Reel to Your Instagram Story

This is the most common and widely accepted method for sharing a Reel. It allows you to showcase the content without directly posting it to your feed, maintaining the original creator’s credit.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Find the Reel: Locate the Reel you want to share.
2. Tap the “Share” Icon: Look for the paper airplane icon (the share icon) below the Reel, usually located on the right-hand side of your screen.
3. Select “Add Reel to Your Story”: A menu will pop up. Choose the option that says “Add Reel to Your Story.”
4. Customize Your Story (Optional): You now have the opportunity to personalize the shared Reel within your Story. You can:
   • Adjust the size and placement of the Reel by pinching and dragging.
   • Add text, stickers, GIFs, polls, questions, or drawings to enhance your Story and provide context.
   • Tag the original creator to give them proper credit and potentially encourage engagement.
   • Change the background color or add a background image for visual appeal.
5. Post Your Story: Once you’re satisfied with your Story, tap the “Your Story” button at the bottom left to share it with all your followers, or choose “Close Friends” for a more select audience.

Important Considerations:

• Account Privacy: If the Reel creator has a private account, you won’t be able to share their Reel to your Story. The “Add to Story” option will be greyed out or unavailable.
• Reel Visibility: The shared Reel will be visible in your Story for 24 hours, unless you add it to your Story Highlights.
• Sound: Make sure the sound is turned on both for the original Reel and when viewing your Story, as sound is a crucial part of the Reel experience.

Sending a Reel via Direct Message (DM)

Another simple way to share a Reel is by sending it directly to specific friends or groups via Direct Message. This is ideal for sharing content that you think a particular person would find interesting.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Find the Reel: As before, locate the Reel you wish to share.
2. Tap the “Share” Icon: Tap the paper airplane icon located below the Reel.
3. Select Recipients: A list of your followers will appear. You can either select individual recipients from the list or use the search bar to find specific users.
4. Add a Message (Optional): Consider adding a brief message to provide context or explain why you’re sharing the Reel.
5. Send the DM: Tap the “Send” button next to the recipient’s name.

Important Considerations:

• Privacy: The recipient will only be able to view the Reel if they also have access to it (i.e., the creator’s account isn’t private, or the recipient follows the creator).
• Direct Communication: This method is more personal than sharing to your Story and can be a great way to start a conversation.

Using Third-Party Apps (Proceed with Caution!)

While Instagram doesn’t offer a direct repost feature for Reels to your main feed, some third-party apps claim to provide this functionality. However, proceed with extreme caution when using these apps.

Risks Involved:

• Security Risks: Many third-party apps require you to log in with your Instagram credentials, potentially exposing your account to security breaches and unauthorized access.
• Violation of Instagram’s Terms of Service: Using unauthorized apps can violate Instagram’s terms of service, potentially leading to account suspension or permanent ban.
• Malware and Viruses: Some apps may contain malware or viruses that can harm your device and compromise your personal information.

Recommendation:

Generally, it’s best to avoid using third-party apps to repost Reels to your main feed. The risks often outweigh the potential benefits. Stick to the official methods of sharing Reels to your Story or sending them via DM.

Safe Alternatives (If Absolutely Necessary):

If you absolutely must repost a Reel to your feed, consider these safer alternatives:

1. Ask the Creator for Permission: The most ethical approach is to ask the original creator for permission to download and repost their Reel to your feed. Always give them prominent credit in your caption.
2. Screen Recording: You can screen record the Reel and then upload the recording to your feed. However, be mindful of video quality and always credit the original creator in your caption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about reposting Reels on Instagram, designed to provide further clarity and address common concerns:

1. Why can’t I directly repost Reels to my main feed like regular posts?

Instagram’s design philosophy emphasizes original content creation. The lack of a direct repost feature for Reels encourages users to create their own unique content rather than simply resharing others’ work. Also, Reels are more focused on quick entertainment, so sharing to stories makes more sense.

2. How do I tag the original creator when sharing a Reel to my Story?

When you add a Reel to your Story, tap on the screen to add text. Type the “@” symbol followed by the creator’s username. Their name will appear in a dropdown menu. Select their name to tag them.

3. Can I repost a Reel from a private account?

No, you cannot repost a Reel from a private account to your Story or anywhere else unless you are approved to see their content. Instagram’s privacy settings prevent unauthorized sharing of content from private accounts.

4. Does the original creator get notified when I share their Reel?

Yes, the original creator typically receives a notification when you share their Reel to your Story.

5. Can I download a Reel and repost it on other platforms like TikTok?

While technically possible through screen recording or third-party downloaders (use with caution!), this is generally frowned upon unless you have the creator’s explicit permission. Different platforms have different cultures, and directly reposting without adaptation can be seen as unoriginal.

6. What if I don’t see the “Add Reel to Your Story” option?

This could be due to a few reasons: the creator has a private account, the creator has disabled sharing for their Reels, or you may be experiencing a temporary glitch. Try updating your Instagram app or restarting your device.

7. How can I save a Reel for later viewing without reposting it?

You can save a Reel to your “Saved” collection by tapping the three dots (…) below the Reel and selecting “Save.” You can then access your saved Reels in your profile settings.

8. Is it legal to repost someone else’s Reel without permission?

While Instagram’s terms of service may allow for some limited sharing, it’s always best to seek permission from the original creator before reposting their content, especially if you plan to use it for commercial purposes. Copyright laws apply to Reels as well.

9. How do I give proper credit to the original creator when reposting a Reel?

Always tag the creator in your Story or caption. You can also mention their username in your text and give them a shout-out for creating the original content. A simple “Reel by @username” is a good starting point.

10. Are there any apps that are safe to use for downloading Reels?

As mentioned earlier, exercise extreme caution when using third-party apps. Look for apps with high ratings, positive reviews, and a clear privacy policy. However, remember that using such apps might still violate Instagram’s terms of service. Use them at your own risk.

11. What’s the best way to discover new and interesting Reels to share?

Explore the “Explore” page on Instagram, follow relevant hashtags, and engage with creators whose content you enjoy. The more you interact with Reels, the more relevant content Instagram will show you.

12. Can I share a Reel to my Facebook Story from Instagram?

Yes, when sharing a Reel to your Instagram Story, you typically have the option to simultaneously share it to your Facebook Story. Look for the option to connect your accounts when posting your Story.