Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion monthly active users. While the app doesn’t have a native reposting feature like Twitter’s retweet or Facebook’s share button, there are still several ways to reshare content on Instagram. This article will explore the best practices and methods for reposting on Instagram while respecting content creators and maintaining a positive presence on the platform.
Understanding Instagram’s Terms of Use
Before diving into reposting methods, it’s crucial to understand Instagram’s stance on sharing content. According to Instagram’s terms of use, users need permission from the original content creator before reposting their work. This policy helps protect creators’ rights and ensures proper attribution.
To request permission, you can:
- Comment on the original post asking for permission to repost
- Send a direct message to the content creator
- Use Instagram’s “Send” feature to share the post privately and ask for permission
When asking for permission, be specific about which post you want to share and how you plan to use it. This clarity helps build trust with the original creator.
Methods for Reposting on Instagram
1. Share to Your Instagram Story
The easiest native way to reshare content on Instagram is through Stories. Here’s how:
Step 1: Find the post you want to share.
Step 2: Tap the paper airplane icon (Share button) below the post.
Step 3: Select “Add post to your story” from the options.
Step 4: Customize the story with stickers, text, or drawings if desired.
Step 5: Tap “Send To” and then “Your Story” to publish.
This method automatically credits the original poster, making it a quick and ethical way to share content.
2. Screenshot and Repost Method
For feed posts, a common method is taking a screenshot and reposting as a new image:
Step 1: Take a screenshot of the post you want to share.
Step 2: Open Instagram and create a new post, selecting the screenshot from your gallery.
Step 3: Crop the image to remove any unnecessary elements from the screenshot.
Step 4: Add a caption that credits the original creator, using their username with an @ mention.
Step 5: Post the image to your feed.
While simple, this method requires manual crediting and may result in lower image quality.
3. Using Third-Party Reposting Apps
Several apps are designed specifically for reposting on Instagram. Popular options include Repost for Instagram, Regrann, and Later. Here’s a general process:
Step 1: Install a reposting app from your device’s app store.
Step 2: Find the post you want to share on Instagram and tap the three dots (…) above it.
Step 3: Select “Copy Link” from the options.
Step 4: Open the reposting app, which should automatically detect the copied link.
Step 5: Customize the repost, including placement of the attribution mark.
Step 6: Share the post to Instagram through the app.
These apps often provide features like automatic attribution and the ability to repost videos, making them a versatile option for frequent reposters.
Best Practices for Reposting on Instagram
To maintain a positive presence on Instagram and respect content creators, follow these best practices:
- Always obtain permission before reposting someone else’s content.
- Give proper credit to the original creator in your caption and, if possible, in the image itself.
- Add value to the reposted content with your own insights or context.
- Use high-quality images to maintain the integrity of the original post.
- Don’t overdo it – balance reposted content with your own original posts.
- Respect the original creator’s wishes if they ask you to remove a reposted image.
Sharing Instagram Content on Other Platforms
While reposting within Instagram has its challenges, sharing Instagram content on other platforms is more straightforward:
- For Facebook: Use the “Share to Facebook” option in Instagram’s share menu. This maintains image quality and automatically credits the original poster.
- For Twitter: The “Share to Twitter” option will post a link to the Instagram post, but not the image itself. For better engagement, consider using a third-party app to download and reupload the image directly to Twitter.
- For other platforms: Use the “Copy Link” option to share the post’s URL on other social media sites or in messages.
Reposting on Instagram can be a great way to curate content, engage with your community, and diversify your feed. By following these methods and best practices, you can share content effectively while respecting creators and adhering to Instagram’s guidelines. Remember, the key to successful reposting is adding value, giving credit, and maintaining the integrity of the original content.