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How to Repost Someone Else’s Post on Instagram: The Definitive Guide

So, you’ve stumbled upon a gem on Instagram – a captivating photo, a hilarious meme, or an insightful video – and you’re itching to share it with your own followers. The good news is, while Instagram doesn’t have a built-in “repost” button like Twitter’s retweet, there are several legitimate and effective ways to repost someone else’s Instagram post. Let’s dive in.

The most reliable and recommended method involves using third-party apps specifically designed for reposting. These apps typically work by allowing you to copy the URL of the post you want to share, which the app then uses to download the content and attribute it to the original poster. They ensure you give proper credit while allowing you to seamlessly share the post on your feed or stories. Let’s explore this and other options in detail.

Methods for Reposting on Instagram

Here’s a breakdown of the best methods for sharing content you discover on Instagram:

1. Using Repost Apps

This is generally considered the easiest and most ethical way to repost. These apps are designed to simplify the process and ensure proper attribution.

How it works: You copy the link of the post you want to repost from the original post’s menu (the three dots in the top right corner). Then, paste this link into the repost app. The app then downloads the media and adds an attribution mark to the reposted image or video.
Popular Apps: Some popular options include “Repost for Instagram” (available for both iOS and Android) and “Repost: For Instagram” (Android). Always read reviews and check permissions before installing any app.
Pros: Simple to use, ensures proper credit is given.
Cons: Requires downloading a third-party app, the attribution mark can sometimes be intrusive.

2. Screenshotting and Cropping (Stories Focus)

This method is mainly suitable for reposting content to your Instagram Stories. While it lacks the professional feel of repost apps, it can be useful for quick shares.

How it works: Take a screenshot of the post you want to share. Crop out any unnecessary parts of the screen. Then, upload the cropped image to your Instagram Story. You can add text, stickers, and mentions to enhance the Story. Crucially, mention the original poster in your Story to give them credit.
Pros: Quick, doesn’t require downloading a third-party app.
Cons: Lower quality than a direct repost, less ideal for feed posts, requires manual attribution.

3. Screen Recording (Video Focus)

Similar to screenshots, this method is useful for reposting short video clips to your Stories.

How it works: Start a screen recording on your phone. Play the video you want to share. Stop the screen recording when the video is finished. Crop the video to remove any unnecessary parts. Upload the cropped video to your Instagram Story and mention the original creator.
Pros: Captures the full video content.
Cons: Similar drawbacks to screenshots: lower quality, requires manual attribution, and potential legal considerations regarding copyright.

4. Saving and Re-uploading (Use with Caution!)

This method involves downloading the image or video directly from the original post (often using a third-party downloader) and then re-uploading it to your account.

How it works: Use a third-party downloader to save the image or video to your device. Upload the saved file to your Instagram feed. Absolutely crucial: Clearly credit the original creator in your caption and tag them in the post.
Pros: Provides full control over the repost’s appearance.
Cons: This method is the most ethically questionable if proper credit is not given. It can lead to copyright infringement if you don’t have permission from the original creator. Use this method only with explicit permission or when the content is clearly licensed for reuse.

5. Sharing to Your Story Directly (If Available)

Sometimes, users will set their accounts or posts to allow sharing to stories.

How it works: If you see a paper airplane icon (the share button) below a post, tap it. If the option to “Add post to your story” is available, select it. This will add the post to your story, allowing you to add text, stickers, and further customize it. The original creator will automatically be credited.
Pros: Built-in Instagram functionality, easy attribution.
Cons: Only available if the original poster has enabled the feature, limited customization options.

Important Considerations: Ethics and Legalities

Before you repost anything, keep these points in mind:

Always Give Credit: This is the golden rule. Reposting without attribution is unethical and can damage your reputation.
Ask for Permission: If possible, contact the original creator and ask for their permission to repost. This is especially important for professional photographers, artists, and businesses.
Respect Copyright: Be aware of copyright laws. If the content is copyrighted, you may need explicit permission to repost it.
Follow Instagram’s Terms of Service: Ensure your reposting practices comply with Instagram’s rules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions regarding reposting on Instagram:

1. Is it legal to repost someone’s Instagram post?

It depends. Reposting without attribution can infringe on copyright laws. Always give credit and, ideally, ask for permission. If the content is clearly marked as copyrighted and not for redistribution, you should avoid reposting it without explicit consent.

2. How do I give proper credit when reposting?

Tag the original creator: Use the “@” symbol followed by their username in your caption and/or on the image/video itself.
Mention the original creator in your caption: Clearly state something like “Repost from @username” or “Credit: @username.”
Use the repost app’s attribution mark: Most repost apps automatically add a small watermark indicating the original source.

3. Can I repost a private account’s post?

No. You cannot repost content from a private account unless you are following that account and they have given you explicit permission. Sharing content from a private account without permission is a breach of privacy.

4. What if I can’t find a repost app for my phone?

Search for alternative apps in your app store using keywords like “Instagram repost,” “regram,” or “repost video.” Always read reviews and check permissions before installing any app. You can also use the screenshot/screen recording methods for Stories.

5. How do I repost a video on Instagram?

The process is similar to reposting an image. Use a repost app that supports video or use screen recording to capture the video and then upload it to your Story. Always credit the original creator.

6. How do I repost an Instagram Story?

If someone mentions you in their Story, you will receive a direct message with an option to “Add this to your story.” You can then repost it to your own Story. If you aren’t mentioned, you can’t directly repost their Story unless they’ve made it public (which is rare).

7. What is the best repost app for Instagram?

This depends on your needs and device. “Repost for Instagram” is a popular and reliable option for both iOS and Android. Research and choose an app that suits your requirements and has good reviews.

8. Will the original poster know if I repost their content?

If you tag or mention them, they will be notified. Also, if you use a repost app, the app often includes an attribution mark that links back to the original poster’s account, making it clear where the content originated.

9. Is it better to repost to my feed or my story?

This depends on the content and your goals. Feed posts are more permanent and visible to a wider audience. Stories are more ephemeral and suitable for quick shares and behind-the-scenes content.

10. Can I repost multiple photos/videos from one post?

Some repost apps allow you to repost carousel posts (multiple photos/videos in one post). However, the screenshot/screen recording method will only allow you to capture one image or video at a time.

11. What if I accidentally reposted something without giving credit?

Immediately edit your caption to include proper attribution. Apologize to the original creator for the oversight.

12. How can I prevent people from reposting my content?

Unfortunately, you can’t completely prevent people from screenshotting or screen recording your posts. However, you can:

Make your account private: This limits who can see your content.
Add a watermark to your images/videos: This makes it clear that the content belongs to you.
Disable the “sharing to stories” option: This prevents others from directly adding your posts to their stories (if you have a business account).