How to Repost Instagram Reels in 2025: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Reposting Instagram Reels is a good way to share content, support other creators, and give value to your audience. But doing it right means knowing Instagram's features, respecting creators' rights, and following the rules. This guide covers everything about reposting Reels in 2025.

Quick Answer: How to Repost Instagram Reels

Instagram's built-in ways:

1. Add to Story: Tap share button → "Add Reel to your Story"
2. Send in DM: Share privately with specific followers
3. Copy Link: Share URL on other platforms

Third-party ways:

1. Repost apps: DownloadGram, Repost for Instagram
2. Screen recording: Built-in phone features
3. Save and re-upload: Download and post with credit

Important: Always credit the original creator and respect their rights.

Instagram's Native Repost Features

Method 1: Add Reel to Your Story

This is Instagram's official way to share Reels:

How to do it:

1. Find the Reel you want to share
2. Tap the share button (paper airplane icon)
3. Select "Add Reel to your story"
4. Customize with stickers, text, or drawings
5. Add credit by tagging the original creator
6. Share to your story

What's good:

• Official Instagram feature
• Maintains original creator link
• Easy and quick process
• Automatically credits original post

What's not:

• Only available for 24 hours (Stories)
• Creator must allow story sharing
• Limited customization options

Method 2: Share via Direct Message

Share Reels privately with specific followers:

How to do it:

1. Open the Reel you want to share
2. Tap the share button
3. Select "Send in Direct"
4. Choose recipients
5. Add a message (optional)
6. Send

When to Use:

• Private sharing with friends or team
• Getting feedback before public sharing
• Sharing content that's not suitable for public repost

Method 3: Copy and Share Link

Share Reels on external platforms:

How to do it:

1. Tap the three dots on the Reel
2. Select "Copy link"
3. Paste link on other platforms (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
4. Add context and credit information

Best Practices:

• Add your own commentary
• Tag the original creator
• Explain why you're sharing

Third-Party Reposting Methods

Method 1: Using Repost Apps

Popular Repost Apps:

• Repost for Instagram: Free with watermark option
• DownloadGram: Web-based downloading
• Regrann: Comprehensive reposting features
• InShot: Video editing with download features

Using Repost for Instagram App:

1. Copy the Reel URL from Instagram
2. Open Repost app
3. Paste the URL
4. Choose repost options (watermark, caption)
5. Save to camera roll
6. Upload to your Instagram with proper credit

Important Considerations:

• Some apps may violate Instagram's terms
• Quality may be reduced in download process
• Always add proper attribution
• Check app permissions and privacy policies

Method 2: Screen Recording

Use your phone's built-in screen recording:

For iPhone:

1. Enable screen recording in Control Center
2. Start recording
3. Play the Reel from beginning to end
4. Stop recording
5. Edit and crop the video
6. Upload with credit

For Android:

1. Access screen recorder (varies by phone)
2. Start recording
3. Play the Reel
4. Stop and save
5. Edit if needed
6. Post with attribution

Pros and Cons:

• ✅ No third-party apps needed
• ✅ Maintains video quality
• ❌ Shows Instagram interface
• ❌ May include notifications or interruptions

Proper Attribution and Credit

Essential Elements of Proper Credit:

1. Tag the original creator in caption and/or video
2. Mention their handle in caption text
3. Include "Repost" or "Credit" language
4. Link to original post when possible
5. Add value with your own commentary

Attribution Examples:

Good Attribution:

"Amazing Reel by @originalcreator! 🔥 
This perfectly shows [your insight/why you're sharing]
Credit: @originalcreator
#Repost #Credit"

Poor Attribution:

"Cool video! 😎"

Legal and Ethical Considerations:

• Fair Use: Adding commentary may qualify as fair use
• Permission: Always better to ask permission first
• Creator Rights: Respect if creator asks for removal
• Commercial Use: Be extra careful with business accounts

Best Practices for Reposting Reels

1. Ask Permission First

How to Ask:

• Send a DM: "Hi! I love your Reel about [topic]. May I repost it on my account with full credit?"
• Comment publicly: Shows transparency
• Mention your audience size and purpose

Benefits of Asking:

• Builds relationships with creators
• Avoids potential conflicts
• Often leads to collaboration opportunities
• Demonstrates respect and professionalism

2. Add Valuable Commentary

Ways to Add Value:

• Context: Explain why you're sharing
• Insight: Add your professional perspective
• Tips: Expand on the original content
• Discussion: Ask your audience questions

Example:

"Repost from @fitnesscreator - This exercise technique is perfect for beginners because [your expertise]. What's your favorite beginner-friendly workout? 💪
Credit: @fitnesscreator"

3. Time Your Reposts Strategically

Timing Considerations:

• Don't repost immediately: Wait a few days for original to get traction
• Consider time zones: Post when your audience is active
• Check engagement: Repost when original is performing well
• Seasonal relevance: Ensure content is still timely

4. Curate Quality Content

Selection Criteria:

• Relevance: Matches your brand and audience
• Quality: High production value and clear message
• Authenticity: Genuine and valuable content
• Engagement: Content that sparked good discussions

Content Curation Strategy

Building a Repost Strategy:

1. 80/20 Rule: 80% original content, 20% reposts
2. Theme Alignment: Ensure reposts match your brand
3. Audience Value: Only share what benefits your followers
4. Creator Diversity: Support various creators, not just popular ones
5. Consistency: Regular but not overwhelming reposting

Types of Content to Repost:

Educational Content:

• Tutorials and how-tos
• Industry insights and tips
• Behind-the-scenes processes
• Expert advice and commentary

Inspirational Content:

• Success stories and testimonials
• Motivational messages
• Achievement celebrations
• Community highlights

Entertainment Content:

• Relevant humor and memes
• Creative challenges and trends
• Artistic and creative expressions
• Engaging storytelling

Common Reposting Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: No Attribution

Problem: Sharing without crediting original creator Solution: Always include clear attribution Consequences: Copyright issues, community backlash, account penalties

Mistake 2: Poor Quality Reposts

Problem: Low-resolution or watermarked downloads Solution: Use high-quality methods and apps Impact: Reflects poorly on your brand

Mistake 3: Over-Reposting

Problem: Sharing too much content from others Solution: Maintain balance with original content Result: Audiences expect original value from your account

Mistake 4: Inappropriate Content Selection

Problem: Sharing content that doesn't match your brand Solution: Careful curation and brand alignment Impact: Confuses audience and dilutes brand message

Mistake 5: Ignoring Creator Requests

Problem: Not responding to removal requests Solution: Respect creator wishes promptly Consequences: Damaged relationships and potential legal issues

Reposting Ethics and Guidelines

Ethical Reposting Principles:

1. Respect: Honor creator rights and wishes
2. Transparency: Clear attribution and credit
3. Value: Add meaningful commentary or context
4. Permission: Ask when possible, especially for commercial use
5. Reciprocity: Support creators you repost from

When NOT to Repost:

• Creator has "Do not repost" in bio
• Content is marked as original or exclusive
• You can't add meaningful value
• Content might be controversial for your brand
• Original creator asks for removal

Building Relationships with Creators:

• Engage genuinely with their content
• Provide value through your reposts
• Collaborate on original content
• Support their other work and projects
• Give back through mentions and features

Tools and Apps for Reposting

Free Options:

1. Instagram's native sharing: Stories and DMs
2. DownloadGram: Web-based video downloader
3. Screen recording: Built into phones
4. SaveInsta: Free online Instagram downloader

Paid Options:

1. Later: Social media management with repost features
2. Hootsuite: Content curation and scheduling
3. Buffer: Social media scheduling and reposting
4. Repost for Instagram Pro: Advanced reposting features

Browser Extensions:

1. IG Downloader: Chrome extension for easy downloading
2. Video Downloader: Multi-platform downloading
3. Social Media Downloader: Various platform support

Measuring Repost Performance

Key Metrics to Track:

1. Engagement Rate: Likes, comments, shares on reposts
2. Reach and Impressions: How many people saw your reposts
3. Profile Visits: Traffic generated from reposts
4. Follower Growth: New followers from repost content
5. Collaboration Opportunities: Relationships built through reposting

Tools for Analytics:

• Instagram Insights: Native analytics for business accounts
• Social media management tools: Comprehensive analytics
• Third-party analytics: Detailed performance tracking

Optimizing Based on Data:

• Content types that perform best as reposts
• Timing that works for your reposted content
• Attribution styles that generate most engagement
• Original creators whose content resonates with your audience

Legal Considerations and Copyright

Understanding Copyright:

• Original creators own their content
• Fair use may apply with commentary and criticism
• Commercial use has different requirements
• Instagram's terms must be followed

Protecting Yourself:

1. Always credit original creators
2. Ask permission when possible
3. Add substantive commentary to qualify for fair use
4. Remove content if creator requests
5. Understand platform policies

When to Seek Legal Advice:

• Large commercial reposting
• Disputed attribution or ownership
• Copyright infringement claims
• Business use of creator content

Future of Reposting on Instagram

Emerging Trends:

• Better attribution tools: Instagram developing improved credit systems
• Creator compensation: Potential revenue sharing for reposts
• Permission systems: Streamlined asking and granting permissions
• Quality preservation: Better downloading and sharing options

Staying Updated:

• Follow Instagram updates: Official announcements about reposting
• Creator community feedback: Listen to creator concerns and preferences
• Platform policy changes: Stay informed about terms of service updates
• Industry best practices: Evolving standards for ethical reposting

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to repost Instagram Reels without permission?

Reposting without permission may violate copyright laws and Instagram's terms of service. Always ask for permission first, provide proper attribution, and add substantive commentary to qualify for fair use protection. Commercial reposting requires explicit permission.

Do creators get notified when I repost their Reels?

Creators don't receive notifications when you repost their content through third-party methods. However, when using Instagram's native sharing to Stories, the original creator can see who shared their post if they check their insights.

What's the difference between sharing to Story and reposting?

Sharing to Story uses Instagram's official feature, maintains the creator's link, and only stays visible for 24 hours. Reposting creates a new post on your feed using third-party methods, requires manual attribution, and stays permanently on your profile.

How do I ask creators for permission to repost their Reels?

Send a polite DM explaining why you want to repost, how you'll credit them, and what your audience size is. For example: "Hi! I love your Reel about [topic]. May I repost it on my account with full credit? I have [X] followers who would find this valuable."

Can I monetize content that I've reposted from other creators?

No, you cannot monetize reposted content unless you have explicit written permission from the original creator. Reposted content should not be used for commercial purposes without proper licensing agreements.

What should I do if a creator asks me to remove their reposted content?

Remove the content immediately and respectfully. This shows professionalism and respect for creator rights. You can also apologize for not asking permission first and maintain the relationship for future collaboration opportunities.

Are there any Instagram Reels that I definitely shouldn't repost?

Avoid reposting content from creators who have "Do not repost" in their bio, controversial or sensitive content, posts you can't add meaningful value to, or content that doesn't align with your brand values and audience interests.

How much of my content should be reposts versus original content?

Follow the 80/20 rule: 80% original content and 20% reposts. Your audience follows you for your unique perspective and value, so original content should always be the majority of your posts to maintain authenticity and engagement.

Conclusion

Reposting Instagram Reels can be a valuable part of your content strategy when done ethically and effectively. The key is to always prioritize respect for original creators, provide proper attribution, and add genuine value for your audience.

Whether using Instagram's native sharing features or third-party tools, remember that building relationships with creators and maintaining high ethical standards will serve you better in the long run than any quick reposting hack.

Focus on curating quality content that aligns with your brand, always credit creators properly, and use reposting as a way to support and celebrate the broader creator community while providing value to your own audience.

Related Guides: Learn about Instagram Reels length limits, discover Instagram image sizes for other content types, and explore social media video sizes for optimal posting.

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