Instagram Repost Feature Explained: How to Use, Remove, and Boost Your Reach

Learn everything about Instagram’s new repost button—how it works, how to repost Reels and posts, remove reposts, fix blurry reposts, and reach more followers.

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Instagram Repost Feature Explained: How to Use, Remove, and Boost Your Reach
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Instagram has finally introduced a repost button, bringing the platform closer to TikTok’s repost tool and X’s (formerly Twitter) retweet function. This update means you can now share someone else’s public Reel or feed post directly to your profile feed—credited to the original creator—without third-party apps or awkward workarounds.

For years, resharing on Instagram was limited to Stories or downloading and uploading someone else’s content (often with quality loss). Now, the Instagram repost feature is built-in, easy to use, and could change how creators, brands, and everyday users amplify content.

What Is Instagram Repost?

The Instagram repost function lets you reshare public Reels and posts directly to your own feed. The shared content:

  • Credits the original poster automatically
  • Appears in your followers’ feeds as if you posted it
  • Lives in a “Reposts” tab on your profile (next to Tagged posts) so you can revisit them anytime

It’s not the same as “Share to Story.” A Story share disappears in 24 hours—a repost stays on your profile until you remove it.

How Does Instagram Repost Work?

  • Works only with public accounts (private content cannot be reposted)
  • The repost icon looks like a recycle-style looping arrow under the post or Reel
  • You can add a note or caption to give context
  • The repost is instantly visible to your followers
  • The original creator’s username links back to their profile
  • You can undo or remove a repost at any time by tapping the same icon again

This means reposting becomes a form of content curation—your feed can now feature your favorite creators, memes, product reviews, or trending clips.

instagram repost how it works

How to Repost on Instagram

How to Repost an Instagram Reel

  1. Find a public Reel you want to share
  2. Tap the Repost icon beneath it
  3. (Optional) Type a note in the thought bubble pop-up
  4. Tap Save—the repost will appear in your followers’ feeds and in your Reposts tab

How to Repost an Instagram Post

  1. Find a public feed post (photo or carousel)
  2. Tap the Repost icon under the post
  3. Add an optional note
  4. Save—it’s now live on your profile

instagram repost

How to Repost an Instagram Story

The new repost button doesn’t replace Story resharing:

  • If you’re tagged in a Story → You’ll see “Add to Your Story” in your DMs.
  • If you’re not tagged → You can’t directly repost to your own Story unless you screenshot/screen-record (note: respect copyright and permissions).

How to Remove a Repost on Instagram

  • Go to the reposted content in your feed or Reposts tab
  • Tap the Repost icon again
  • Confirm removal—the content disappears from your feed but stays on the original creator’s profile

Why Reposting Matters for Creators and Brands

1. Extended Reach

When someone reposts your content, it can appear in front of audiences who don’t follow you—driving more profile visits and follows.

2. Community Engagement

Reposting lets you show support for collaborators, customers, or fans—strengthening your network.

3. Content Variety

You don’t have to rely only on original posts. A well-curated repost strategy can fill content gaps.

Common Repost Problems (and Fixes)

1. Instagram Repost Blurry / Low Quality

  • Caused by reposting screenshots or third-party downloads.
  • Solution: Always use the in-app repost button—this pulls the original file.

2. Can’t Repost Instagram Post or Reel

  • The account may be private.
  • Or, the feature hasn’t rolled out to you yet (2025 update is still expanding).

3. Repost Button Missing

  • Update the Instagram app to the latest version.
  • Ensure the content is public and from a standard post/Reel (not ads or Guides).

Instagram Repost vs. Story Share

Feature Repost Button Story Share
Visibility Duration Until you remove it 24 hours
Location Feed + “Reposts” tab on profile Your Story
Credit to Creator Automatic link to original post Shows username in Story
Reach Potential Followers’ feed + profile tab Only Story viewers

Is Instagram Repost Free?

Yes—reposting with Instagram’s built-in button is free. There’s no need for paid third-party apps.

Best Practices for Using Instagram Repost in 2025

  • Credit creators: Even though Instagram does it automatically, add a supportive caption.
  • Be selective: Quality over quantity—curate posts that align with your brand or interests.
  • Mix with original content: Don’t make your feed all reposts.
  • Engage after reposting: Reply to comments, thank the creator, and tag them in Stories.

Final Thoughts

The Instagram repost button may seem like a small change, but it signals a shift toward a more share-driven, community-based Instagram. For creators, it’s a free way to grow visibility. For everyday users, it’s a chance to showcase what inspires you—without complicated workarounds.

Just remember: use it thoughtfully, respect permissions, and make your reposts part of a broader content strategy.

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FAQ

What is a repost on Instagram?

It’s when you use the in-app repost button to share someone else’s public post or Reel directly to your feed, with credit to the original creator.

Where is the repost button on Instagram?

Under a post or Reel, next to the like, comment, and share icons—it looks like two arrows in a loop.

Can you repost Instagram posts?

Yes, if the account is public and the feature is enabled.

Can you repost Instagram Reels?

Yes—tap the repost icon on any public Reel.

How to repost an Instagram Story you’re tagged in?

Open your DMs → tap “Add to Your Story” on the Story message → customize → share.

Why is my Instagram repost blurry?

Likely due to screenshots or compressed re-uploads—use the official repost button for full quality.

Why can’t I repost on Instagram?

Reasons include: account is private, feature not rolled out, or you’re trying to repost unsupported content (ads, Guides, Notes).

Does Instagram notify when you repost?

Yes—the original creator gets a notification that you reposted their content.

Can you repost without tagging the creator?

No—the repost function automatically credits the original creator.

How to remove a repost on Instagram?

Tap the repost icon again on the post/Reel → confirm removal.

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