What is the Instagram Reposting Reels Feature?
Alright, so here’s the deal.
For as long as I can remember, sharing someone else’s content on Instagram was kind of… awkward. Either you’d toss it into your story for 24 hours or DM it to a friend. But reposting? Like actually sharing someone else’s Reel or post onto your own main feed? Nah, that wasn’t possible.
Until now.
Instagram finally introduced the Reposting Feature that lets users officially reshare public Reels and feed posts — with credit. This means more visibility for creators and easier content discovery for users.
And yeah, it’s kind of like what Twitter (or X now) and TikTok have been doing for years. But Instagram’s way feels a little more polished, IMO.
How Does Instagram Reposting Work?
Here’s how it goes — and trust me, it’s super intuitive.
Reposting a Reel or Post:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tap the repost icon (looks like two arrows forming a square) beneath the Reel or post. |
| 2 | Add an optional note — maybe why you’re reposting it or a personal thought. |
| 3 | Hit repost — it’ll show up on your followers’ feeds and in your own Reposts tab. |
I tried it with a food Reel last week, and I was surprised at how smooth it felt. No third-party apps. No tagging hacks. Just clean, in-platform resharing.
Where Do Reposts Appear on Your Profile?
You’ll now notice a new tab on your Instagram profile labeled “Reposts” — right next to your saved posts or tagged photos.
Think of it as your curated gallery of shared inspirations, humor, or whatever vibe you’re going for. It’s visible to your followers, so what you repost becomes part of your Insta identity.
Why This Update Matters (Especially for Creators)
As a digital marketer, let me tell you — this is a big deal for creators.
Here’s why:
| Benefit for Creators | Description |
|---|---|
| Attribution | Every repost retains the original username and links back to the source post. |
| Organic Reach | Your content can now reach new audiences without paid promotion. |
| Community Boost | Reposts act like endorsements — users only share what they genuinely connect with. |
So, if you’re a content creator? Get ready. Your Reels might start popping up in feeds you’ve never targeted before.
Privacy Settings & Limitations
There’s always a flip side.
Only content from public accounts can be reposted. If you’ve got a private account, your posts are off-limits for reposts — and that’s honestly a good thing from a privacy standpoint.
Plus, if someone reposts your content and you’re not thrilled, you can disable reposting from your privacy settings. You’re always in control.
Source: Instagram Help Center
Instagram Reposting vs. Sharing to Stories
| Feature | Reposting | Story Sharing |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Appears on feed and repost tab | Disappears after 24 hours |
| Engagement | Can get likes, comments, and reach new users | Only reactions or DMs |
| Content Lifespan | Permanent (unless deleted) | Temporary |
| Purpose | Broader sharing | Casual interaction |
I still use stories for quick shoutouts, but for things I really want to boost — like a powerful Reel or visual post — reposting is the way to go.
Final Thoughts: Is This a Win for Users?
Absolutely, yes.
From what I’ve seen in my own feed, this update adds a layer of community that Instagram was kind of missing. It bridges that “one-sided creator-viewer” gap and makes engagement more meaningful.
Plus, I don’t have to keep screenshotting posts or copying links. I just hit repost and boom — shared. Easy.
It’s about time, Instagram.
FAQs
Nope. Only public accounts are eligible for reposting. If a private account shares something, the repost button won’t appear.
Instagram places all your reposts in a new tab called “Reposts” alongside your tagged or saved posts.
Yes! Creators get a notification when their content is reposted, and the repost links directly to their original post.
Absolutely. Head into Settings > Privacy > Reposts and toggle off the option.
It’s currently rolling out to all users globally. If you don’t see it yet, make sure your app is updated to the latest version.








