How to repost Instagram Stories (even if you weren’t tagged)
Summary/Overview
Instagram Stories are one of the platform’s most-used features, but posting daily (let alone multiple times a day) isn’t easy. That’s where reposting comes in.
But can you — or should you — repost someone else’s Story? Between Instagram’s technical limitations and unspoken etiquette rules, it’s not always clear what’s allowed.
Here’s a simple guide to when you can repost, how to do it, and the best practices to follow so you stay respectful while keeping your Stories fresh.
Key Takeaways
- You can repost Stories — with limits. Instagram only lets you natively repost Stories if you’re tagged, and the account is public.
- Respect repost etiquette. Always credit the creator, ask permission for personal content, and avoid making reposted content look like your own.
- Use native sharing tools. Skip screenshots — repost directly from Instagram to keep image quality high and link back to the original post.
- Turn reposting into a strategy. Repost UGC, collaborations, and brand mentions to boost engagement and build trust with your community.
Can you repost someone else’s Instagram Story?
Yes — but there are rules.
- Public vs. private accounts. You can only repost a story from a public account. Private stories won’t give you the repost option.
- Being tagged matters. Instagram only lets you natively repost a story if you’re tagged in it. Otherwise, you’ll need to use a workaround.
- Respect creators. Before you share someone’s content, make sure they’re comfortable with it and that you plan to credit them properly.
How to repost an Instagram Story you’re tagged in
This is the easiest method — and the one Instagram intends you to use.
- When someone tags you in a Story, you’ll get a DM notification.
- Tap “Add this to your Story.”
- Edit the Story with text, stickers, or GIFs.
- Post it to your Story.
Instagram automatically credits the original poster by linking their handle in the Story, so your followers can tap through to their profile.
How to repost an Instagram Story when you’re not tagged
Sometimes you want to share a Story that doesn’t mention you — like a friend’s vacation clip, a customer’s shoutout, or an influencer’s post about your product. Instagram doesn’t provide a native “repost” button here, but you still have options.
The simplest way is to ask the original poster to tag you. Once they update the Story and include your handle, you’ll get the repost option.
How to repost a feed post or Reel to your Story
You’re not limited to reposting Stories. You can also share your (or someone else’s) feed posts and Reels to your Story:
- Tap the paper airplane icon under the post or Reel.
- Select “Add to Story.”
- Customize with stickers, text, or GIFs.
- Publish.
This keeps image quality intact and automatically links back to the original post.
Best practices for reposting an Instagram Story
Reposting the right way helps you build credibility, not lose it. Follow these guidelines:
- Always give credit. Tag the creator’s handle directly on the image or video so it’s clear who made it.
- Ask permission for personal content. Especially if it shows kids, private settings, or sensitive moments.
- Add context. Don’t just repost — share why it matters or what you appreciate about it.
- Don’t overdo it. Mix reposts with your own content to keep your Story balanced and authentic.
Why you should repost from your feed to your Story
The first rule of Instagram Stories? Don’t repost screenshots. When it comes to reposting to an Instagram Story, people sometimes simply take a screenshot of the original post and publish the image to their Stories. Don’t do this. What do we have against a screenshot? First off, the image quality often isn’t very good, Second, screenshots require extra effort because you’ll need to edit the image to make it the right size. Avoid screenshots by reposting directly from Instagram using the steps we’ve already gone over.
Reposting strategy tips for brands and influencer
Reposting isn’t just convenient — it’s a smart content strategy.
- Turn UGC into social proof. Sharing customer stories builds trust and authenticity.
- Highlight collaborations. If you’re working with influencers or partners, repost their stories to boost both audiences.
- Cross-promote accounts. Businesses with multiple brand accounts can reshare between them for broader reach.
Now that you’ve learned more about reposting to Instagram Stories, use Adobe Express’s Content Scheduler to plan, schedule, preview, and public social media posts across all of your platforms.