How to Repost an Instagram Video: The Ultimate Guide

So, you’ve stumbled upon an Instagram video so captivating, so hilarious, or so downright insightful that you simply must share it with your own followers. You’re not alone. Reposting is a vital part of Instagram culture, amplifying content and connecting creators with wider audiences. But how exactly do you navigate the often-murky waters of reposting Instagram videos? The short answer: There isn’t a direct “repost” button built into Instagram, which means you’ll need to leverage third-party apps or use screen recording for Stories. However, let’s unpack the most effective methods, explore the ethical considerations, and address those burning questions you probably have.

Mastering the Art of the Instagram Video Repost

While Instagram lacks that one-click repost button, several tried-and-true methods exist. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, so choosing the best approach depends on where you want to repost the video (Story, Feed, Reels) and your comfort level with third-party apps.

1. Reposting to Your Instagram Story: The Screen Recording Route

This method is arguably the simplest and requires no additional apps. However, it comes with caveats: the video quality can be slightly reduced, and you absolutely must credit the original creator.

• Step 1: Find the Video. Locate the Instagram video you want to repost.
• Step 2: Screen Record. Initiate screen recording on your device. (On iPhones, this is typically found in the Control Center. On Android, the process varies depending on your phone model, but a quick Google search for “screen recording [your phone model]” will get you there).
• Step 3: Play the Video. Play the video in full while screen recording.
• Step 4: Crop and Edit. Open the screen recording in your phone’s photo/video editor. Crop out any unnecessary elements, such as the Instagram interface.
• Step 5: Add to Your Story. Create a new Instagram Story and upload the cropped video.
• Step 6: Give Credit! This is the most crucial step. Tag the original creator directly in your Story. Use text overlay or the mention sticker to ensure proper attribution. You can add text like “Video via @[creator’s username]” or “Big shoutout to @[creator’s username] for this amazing video!”

2. Utilizing Reposting Apps: A Streamlined Solution

Numerous third-party apps are designed specifically for reposting Instagram content. These apps often provide a smoother experience, allowing you to download videos directly and repost them with automatic attribution. Some popular options include:

• Repost for Instagram: (iOS and Android) One of the most widely used and reliable apps.
• Regram: (Android) A straightforward option for quickly reposting content.
• InShot: (iOS and Android) While primarily a video editor, InShot also offers reposting functionality.

Here’s the general process:

• Step 1: Download and Install: Download and install your chosen reposting app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
• Step 2: Grant Permissions: Grant the app the necessary permissions to access your Instagram account and media library.
• Step 3: Find the Video: Open Instagram and find the video you want to repost. Copy the video’s link.
• Step 4: Paste the Link: Open the reposting app and paste the copied link. The app should automatically fetch the video.
• Step 5: Customize and Repost: The app will typically allow you to customize the repost, adding a caption or choosing where to repost it (Feed, Story, etc.). The app will also automatically include attribution to the original creator.

Important Note: Be mindful of the permissions you grant to third-party apps. Always choose reputable apps with positive reviews and a clear privacy policy. Also, some apps may require a subscription for full functionality.

3. Manually Downloading and Reposting: When All Else Fails

While not ideal due to the extra effort involved, manually downloading the video (if permitted by the original poster) is an option. Some websites and browser extensions can assist with downloading Instagram videos. However, proceed with caution, as some of these resources may be unreliable or even contain malware.

• Step 1: Find a Reputable Downloader: Use a trusted website or browser extension designed for downloading Instagram videos.
• Step 2: Download the Video: Follow the instructions on the downloader to download the video to your device.
• Step 3: Upload to Instagram: Create a new post (Feed, Story, or Reels) and upload the downloaded video.
• Step 4: Mandatory Credit: This is absolutely non-negotiable. Explicitly credit the original creator in your caption or within the video itself. Failing to do so is a major ethical breach and could lead to copyright issues.

Ethical Considerations: Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

Reposting is a powerful tool, but it comes with a responsibility to respect the original creator’s work. Always, always, always credit the source. This isn’t just good etiquette; it’s essential for fostering a positive and supportive community on Instagram.

• Proper Attribution: Tag the original creator directly in your post, story, or Reel.
• Ask Permission: If possible, reach out to the creator and ask for permission to repost their video. While not always required (especially for public accounts), it’s a courteous gesture that demonstrates respect.
• Avoid Misrepresentation: Don’t present the reposted video as your own original content. Be transparent about its source.

FAQs: Your Burning Reposting Questions Answered

1. Is it legal to repost Instagram videos?

Generally, reposting is legal as long as you give proper credit to the original creator. Copyright law protects creative works, so representing someone else’s video as your own could lead to legal issues. However, always err on the side of caution and seek permission when possible.

2. Can I repost videos from private Instagram accounts?

No. You cannot repost videos from private accounts unless you are a follower of that account and they have explicitly granted you permission to share their content. Respect their privacy settings.

3. How do I repost an Instagram Reel?

The methods are the same as for regular videos: screen recording, using a reposting app, or manually downloading (with permission and proper credit). Some Reels also have a “Share” icon with an option to add it to your Story directly.

4. Will reposting affect the video quality?

Screen recording can sometimes reduce video quality. Reposting apps generally maintain better quality, but it depends on the app and the original video’s resolution.

5. How do I add my own commentary to a reposted video?

When reposting to your Story, you can add text, stickers, GIFs, and even record your own voiceover to provide commentary.

6. Can I repost a video to multiple platforms?

Yes, as long as you have the necessary rights and permissions. However, remember that each platform has its own terms of service and content guidelines.

7. What if the original creator doesn’t want their video reposted?

Respect their wishes. If they explicitly ask you not to repost their content, refrain from doing so.

8. Are there any alternatives to reposting?

You can share the original post to someone via direct message, or create your own content inspired by the video while giving the original creator credit for the inspiration.

9. How do I find good content to repost?

Follow relevant accounts, use hashtags to discover trending videos, and engage with content that resonates with your audience.

10. What are the best reposting apps for businesses?

Repost for Instagram is a good general-purpose app. If you need more advanced features, explore social media management tools like Buffer or Hootsuite, which often include reposting capabilities.

11. Can I schedule reposts?

Some social media management tools allow you to schedule reposts in advance. However, ensure you have the necessary permissions and adhere to Instagram’s guidelines.

12. What if the reposting app is not working properly?

Try restarting the app or your device. If the problem persists, check the app’s reviews or contact the developer for support. You might also try a different reposting app.

By following these guidelines and ethical considerations, you can effectively repost Instagram videos, share engaging content with your audience, and contribute to a vibrant and respectful online community. Now go forth and share the visual joy!