To repost an Instagram post, open the public post or carousel and tap the Repost icon (two arrows in a loop) below it. You can add a short note in the bubble by your profile picture, then tap Save. The post appears in the Reposts tab on your profile and may show in your followers' feeds, with the original creator credited.
If you'd rather it sits in your story for 24 hours, tap the Share (paper plane) icon instead and choose Add to story. Both options keep the creator's name attached, which is why Instagram prefers them to downloading and re-uploading.
Something most people don't know: when someone comments on your repost, Instagram's Help Centre says those comments arrive as direct messages to you, not under the original post. So check your inbox after a repost; that's where the conversation lands.
Repost with the Repost button
Instagram notes this feature may not be available to everyone yet. If you can't see it, update the app first. If a label looks different on your phone, search your settings for the word "repost".
- Open the Instagram app and find the public post or carousel you want to share.
- Tap Repost below the post.
- To add your own words, tap the bubble by your profile picture in the bottom left.
- Type your note and tap Save.
That's it. The post now lives in the Reposts tab on your profile. To find it later, tap your profile picture and open that tab.
Which posts you can and can't repost
| Situation | Can you use Repost? |
|---|---|
| Public account, creator allows reposts | Yes |
| Private account | No, only public reels and posts can be reposted |
| Creator has switched reposts off | No |
| Something that's already a repost | No, you can only repost the original |
Share a post to your story instead
Sharing to your story is the older method, and it's handy when you want to add a sticker, a poll or your own comment on top.
- Tap the Share icon (the paper plane) below the post.
- Tap Add to story.
- Move or resize the post, add text or stickers, then tap Next (the arrow).
- Tap Share.
The same rules apply: the account has to be public and the owner must allow resharing. If Add to story is missing, the creator has probably switched it off. Anyone who views your story can tap through to see who originally posted it. For stories rather than feed posts, I've written a separate guide on how to repost a story on Instagram.
Repost button or story share: which to pick
| Repost button | Add to story | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it shows | Reposts tab on your profile and possibly followers' feeds | Your story |
| How long it stays | Until you remove it | Until the story disappears, unless you add it to a highlight |
| Your own words | A short note in the bubble | Text, stickers, polls and more on top |
| Works on private accounts | No | No |
| Best for | Posts you'd happily recommend for weeks | Quick reactions and shout-outs |
My advice is to use both: the Repost button for useful posts I want people to find later, and stories for a quick thank-you or a same-day tip.
What about regram apps and screenshots?
Before the Repost button, people used third-party regram apps or simply screenshot a post and uploaded it as their own. I don't recommend either now.
- Apps that ask for your Instagram password are a risk. Never hand your login to an outside app. It's one of the most common ways accounts get hacked or flagged.
- Screenshots strip the credit. The creator's name disappears, and Instagram's original content guidance says that sharing someone's post without material edits should be done through repost or story sharing.
- Re-uploading can hurt your reach. Instagram favours original content, and a re-upload of someone else's photo isn't original.
If you have the creator's permission to post their photo as your own feed post, say so in the caption and tag them, both in the caption and on the image. Ask first, in writing. A quick DM saying "Can I share this on my page with credit?" saves a lot of awkwardness.
Undo a repost or clean them up
To remove one repost, open the post and tap Repost again. To clear several at once:
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- Tap your profile picture, then the menu in the top right.
- Tap Your activity, then Reposts.
- Select the posts you want to remove and tap Delete.
Undoing a repost doesn't touch the original post. If you need more help, see my step-by-step on how to undo a repost on Instagram.
Stop other people reposting your posts
If you'd rather people didn't repost your work, you can switch it off:
- Go to your profile and tap the menu in the top right.
- Under How others can interact with you, tap Sharing and reuse.
- Switch off Reposts on posts and reels.
- To stop people sharing your posts to their stories too, switch off Posts and reels to stories on the same screen.
A private account blocks both, because only your followers can see your posts and no one can reuse private content. If you run a business, though, think twice. Every repost puts your name in front of someone else's followers, and that's free reach most brands would love.
A few manners that go a long way
- Add a note saying why you're sharing it. "This changed how I plan my week" beats a silent repost.
- Don't repost the same creator five times a day; spread it out.
- If a post includes someone's face, child or home, think about whether they'd want it in front of your audience.
- Reposting promotions or giveaways? Check the original rules first so you don't accidentally mislead your followers.
My verdict
Use the Repost button for feed posts and carousels you want on your profile, and Add to story for quick, one-day shares with your own comment on top. Skip the regram apps and screenshots; they put your account at risk and take credit away from the person who made the post. And if someone reposts your work, check your messages, because that's where the replies turn up. If you're wondering about reels in particular, here's whether reposting reels on Instagram is allowed.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I repost a post on Instagram?
The account may be private, the creator may have switched reposts off, the post may already be a repost, or the feature may not have reached your app yet. Update Instagram and try again.
Does the original creator know when I repost?
Reposts credit the original creator, and your repost shows on your profile. Instagram's help page doesn't say whether the creator gets an alert, so assume they may see it.
Where do my reposts show up?
In a dedicated Reposts tab on your profile. Your followers may also see that you reposted something when they come across that post.
How do I delete all my reposts at once?
Tap your profile picture, open the menu, tap Your activity and then Reposts. Select the ones you want to remove and tap Delete.
Is it okay to screenshot and repost someone's photo?
Only with their permission and clear credit. Instagram recommends using repost or story sharing for other people's posts.
