How to Repost on Instagram: Quick Answer
For a feed post or Reel, tap the Repost icon (two circular arrows) under the post. You can add a short note, and the repost appears in the Reposts tab on your profile while the original creator keeps the credit.
For a Story, there is no Repost button. If you were tagged, open the message Instagram sent you and tap Add to story. To put a public feed post into your own Story, tap the Share (paper plane) icon and choose Add to story.
Instagram introduced the native Repost button for feed posts and Reels in August 2025. If you do not see it, update the app: older versions only offer Share and Send.
How to Add a Thought to an Instagram Repost
After tapping Repost, Instagram shows a small speech-bubble option next to your profile picture. Tap it, type your note in the Add a thought field and save. The note appears with the repost, so followers know why you shared it.
Replies to your note can reach you as messages. If you prefer not to start conversations, leave the note empty and the repost is shared on its own.
What Happens When You Repost on Instagram
It is added to your Reposts tab. Anyone who can see your profile can browse what you reposted.
Followers may see it in their feed. Instagram can show your repost to people who follow you, labelled as reposted by you.
The creator keeps the credit. The post stays on the original account with its likes, comments and views.
The creator can see it. Reposts are public actions, so assume the original creator can find out you shared their post.
It is reversible. You can remove a repost at any time without affecting the original post.
Reposting is the cleanest way to share content you did not create, because it keeps the attribution automatic and avoids copyright problems that come with re-uploading.
How to See Reposts on Instagram
Open any profile and look for the Reposts tab next to the posts, Reels and tagged tabs. It is marked with the same two-arrow icon as the Repost button. On your own profile it lists everything you have reposted; on someone else's profile it shows what they chose to repost.
If you want to browse public reposts without opening the app, the ReelDown Instagram Repost Viewer shows supported reposted content from public accounts in your browser.
How to Undo a Repost on Instagram
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Open the reposted post.
Go to your Profile, tap the Reposts tab and open the post or Reel.
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Tap the Repost icon again.
The highlighted icon shows the post is currently reposted.
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Confirm the removal.
The post is removed from your Reposts tab. The original post stays where it is.
There is no option to remove every repost at once. If you reposted a lot, work through the Reposts tab from newest to oldest.
How to Repost Someone's Story on Instagram
Stories do not have a Repost button. These are the options Instagram gives you:
| Situation | How to share it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| You were tagged in the Story | Open the DM Instagram sent you and tap Add to story | Only works while the Story is live (24 hours) |
| You want to share a feed post or Reel in your Story | Tap Share (paper plane) → Add to story | Public accounts only; the post links back to the original |
| You were not tagged | Ask the creator to tag you, or share their profile instead | Screenshots need the creator's permission |
| The account is private | Cannot be reshared | Private content stays with approved followers |
Account owners can switch off resharing of their Stories in the Story privacy settings, so the Add to story option may not appear for every Story. If you want to keep a public Story that belongs to you or that you have permission to save, the ReelDown Story downloader saves it from a link.
Why Can't I Repost on Instagram?
If the Repost icon is missing or does not work, check these causes in order:
Your app is out of date. Update Instagram and restart it. The button was rolled out gradually during 2025.
The account is private. Posts from private accounts cannot be reposted.
The creator turned off resharing. Creators can limit how their posts are shared.
It is an ad or sponsored post. Many ads cannot be reposted or shared to Stories.
It is a Story. Stories use Add to story instead of Repost, and only when you are tagged.
Temporary limits. Many reposts in a short time can trigger a short action limit. Wait and try later.
If the icon is missing everywhere, log out and back in. If it is missing only on some posts, the reason is almost always the account type or the creator's settings.
Reposting With Credit When There Is No Repost Button
Sometimes you want to share content in a format the Repost button does not cover, for example a Reel you want to post from a brand account with your own caption. Do it the respectful way:
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Ask for permission.
Send a short DM to the creator and wait for a clear yes. Many creators are happy to be featured when asked.
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Save the original file.
Use the original upload rather than a screen recording. For public posts you have permission to reuse, the Instagram video downloader and photo downloader keep the original quality.
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Credit the creator clearly.
Tag them in the post and start the caption with “via @username” or “Credit: @username”.
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Do not edit out their identity.
Keep watermarks, names and captions that identify the creator.
Saving or reposting a file does not transfer copyright. Remove the post if the creator asks you to.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I repost on Instagram?
Tap the Repost icon (two circular arrows) on a public post or Reel, optionally add a thought, and confirm. The repost appears in the Reposts tab on your profile.
How do I repost someone's Story on Instagram?
If they tagged you, open the DM Instagram sent and tap Add to story. If you were not tagged, there is no built-in way to reshare it; ask the creator to tag you.
What does reposting do on Instagram?
It shares the original post with your followers and adds it to your Reposts tab, while the creator keeps the credit and all engagement.
How do I see my reposts on Instagram?
Open your profile and tap the Reposts tab, marked with a two-arrow icon. It lists every post and Reel you have reposted.
Why can't I repost on Instagram?
Update the app first. If the icon is still missing, the post may be from a private account, an ad, a Story, or a creator who limited resharing.
Does the creator know when I repost?
Reposts are public. The creator can find your repost, and it shows your name, so assume they can see it.
Can I undo a repost on Instagram?
Yes. Open the post from your Reposts tab and tap the Repost icon again to remove it. The original post is not affected.
Continue With the Guide Library
More step-by-step guides for Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest, written for everyday users and updated when the apps change.