How to Repost an Instagram Story in 2025: Fast Fixes + Legal Tips

Quick Answer: How to Repost an Instagram Story (3 Fast Methods)

There are only three main ways to repost an Instagram Story, and which one you use depends on whether you’ve been tagged, not tagged, or want to reshare another format (like a Reel or feed post).

1. When you’re tagged in a Story: Instagram makes this super simple. You’ll get a DM notification that someone mentioned you, along with a little “Add to Your Story” button. Tap it, customize with stickers, text, or music, and you’re done. This is the smoothest path because credit is built in.

2. When you weren’t tagged: This is where most people get tripped up. Instagram doesn’t give you a one-click option, so you’ll need permission first (always ask the creator via DM—don’t skip this step). Once you’ve got the green light, you can use your phone’s screen record/screenshot, or a repost app. Just make sure to tag the original creator when you post.

3. When you want to share a Reel or feed post to Stories: Tap the little paper airplane (the “share” icon) below the content. Select “Add to Story,” edit as you like, then publish. Easy. Instagram automatically tags the creator, so you’re usually covered on credit.

If a Story disappears before you can repost it, here’s why it might show as unavailable.

How to Legally Repost Instagram Stories and UGC (Checklist You Need)

Instagram’s Community Guidelines are clear: only share what you created or what you have the rights to share. Translation? Permission and credit are non-negotiable (read more about FTC’s endorsement rules).

Here’s the MUST to do checklist:

• Ask for permission
  DM the creator first. Keep it simple:
  “Hey [name], we love your Story about [topic]. Can we repost it with credit?”
  Save their yes (screenshot reply = proof).

• Credit clearly
  Use an @mention sticker in Stories so their handle is clickable.
  If reposting to feed later, also add their handle in the caption.

• Disclose partnerships
  If there’s any sponsorship, gift, or influencer tie-in, use #ad or a clear label. The FTC expects transparency.

• Don’t assume hashtags = permission
  Even if they used your branded tag, still ask before resharing. Respect earns trust.

When to Repost an Instagram Story vs. Share a Feed Post or Reel

Here’s the thing: not every piece of content belongs in your Stories, and not every Story should be reshared. Timing and context matter a lot more than most people think. If you’re strategic about what you repost and when, you’ll get more engagement instead of cluttering your Story with random shares.

When to repost a Story

• Customer shout-outs: If someone tags your product or service in action, resharing builds trust. It’s social proof, live and unfiltered.
• Event coverage: At a live event, repost attendee Stories to create a feeling of community.
• Influencer collaborations: Amplify their Story content to highlight your partnership and keep it front and center.

When to share a feed post or Reel to Stories

• Promote your own content: A new post may get buried in the feed. Sharing it to Stories bumps visibility.
• Extend reach of a Reel: Since Reels can go viral in Explore, adding them to your Story gives followers another entry point.
• Highlight partner brands: If a brand you’re aligned with posts something your audience would value, sharing it to your Stories builds credibility.

👉 Quick note: when you share a feed post or Reel, Instagram automatically tags the creator under the Story preview. That saves you the step of manually crediting.

The rule of thumb? Use reposted Stories for community and authenticity. Use reposted feed posts/Reels when you want reach, promotion, or polish. Mixing both keeps your content balanced—part raw, part curated.

How to Repost an Instagram Story When You’re Tagged

This is the easiest method, and honestly, the one Instagram designed for. If someone mentions you in their Story, Instagram gives you a built-in shortcut to reshare it instantly.

Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Check your DMs
   Anytime your handle is tagged in a Story, Instagram sends you a direct message notification. It shows up as a thumbnail of the Story with a little prompt underneath.
2. Tap “Add to Your Story”
   Right below the thumbnail you’ll see this button. One tap, and the Story opens inside your Story editor.
3. Customize it
   Now’s your chance to make it your own. Add stickers, text, GIFs, or background colors. Want it cleaner? Tap the Story to enlarge it full-screen so it fills the frame (a trick many people miss).
4. Publish
   Once it looks right, hit Share. The Story now appears on your profile, and your audience sees the original creator’s handle automatically tagged at the top.

Pro tips:

• If you want to keep the repost beyond 24 hours, save it to a Highlight on your profile.
• Don’t just repost and move on. Add a quick “Thanks @username!” or “Loved this” to show appreciation—it encourages more people to tag you in the future.
  You can check Instagram help center guide for more information.

How to Repost an Instagram Story If You Haven’t Been Tagged

If you are not tagged in the story, there is no “add to the story” button, because Instagram only gives that shortcut when the original creator mentions you. So, what is the solution?

You need to get a permission from the original creator first. Send a simple DM to them:
“Hey [name], your Story about [topic/product] is great. Mind if we share it to our Story? We’ll tag you for credit!”

Once you get their approval, do one of the followings:

Option 1: Screenshot

• Take a screenshot of their Story.
• Open your Story editor, upload the screenshot, and crop if needed.
• Add an @mention sticker so they get proper credit.

Option 2: Screen record

• Use your phone’s built-in screen recording feature (iOS: Control Center → Record; Android: Quick Settings → Screen Record).
• Trim the clip in your gallery.
• Upload to your Story, tag the creator.

Option 3: Repost app

• Apps like Repost It or Story Reposter let you grab the Story and reshare it.
• Some keep the watermark; others don’t—so always double-check quality.

Note that if the account is private, or if the creator has disabled re sharing in settings, these methods won’t work.

How to Share an Instagram Photo or Video Post to Your Story

Follow this route to reshare feed posts or reels on Instagram:

1. Find the post you want to share
   Scroll through your feed or visit the profile directly.
2. Tap the paper airplane icon
   You’ll see it under the post (right next to the like and comment icons). It’s Instagram’s universal “share” button.
3. Choose “Add post to your story”
   A Story draft opens with the post embedded as a sticker in the center of the screen.
4. Customize
   • Add text or a caption to explain why you’re sharing.
   • Layer GIFs, emojis, or background colors to make it pop.
   • Mention the creator using @mention if you want to boost visibility.
5. Publish to your Story
   Hit “Share” and it’s live. By default, Instagram automatically tags the original creator, so you don’t need to worry about credit.

Pro tip:

Instead of just dropping the post, make it interactive. Ask a question (“Which look do you like best?”), add a poll sticker, or pair the feed post with behind-the-scenes images.

Also note that if the account is private, you won’t be able to share their feed posts to your Story. Only public posts carry the “Add to Story” option.

How to Repost a Comment on Instagram Story (New Feature)

This is one of Instagram’s new updates. You can now take a comment from any public Reel or feed post and share it directly into your Story as a sticker. Think of it as a way to spotlight your community, add humor, or show off positive feedback.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Find the comment
   Scroll through the comments on your post (or a Reel you’re watching). When you see something worth highlighting, stop there.
2. Tap and hold the comment
   On iPhone, swipe left and tap “+ Add to Story.” On Android, tap and hold the comment until the “Add to Story” option pops up.
3. Customize in your Story editor
   The comment appears as a movable sticker on top of the post or Reel. Resize it, drag it around, or pair it with other stickers like polls or emojis.
4. Publish to your Story
   Once it feels polished (or playful—depending on your brand), share it to your Story.

Why this matters?

• It’s interactive social proof: People see others engaging with your content and feel invited to join in.
• It sparks more comments: Once followers realize comments can be featured, they’re more likely to write clever or thoughtful ones.
• It adds personality: Sharing a funny comment or a thoughtful review feels authentic—and that’s what Stories thrive on.

Quick reminder: this only works with public accounts. Private comments can’t be reshared for obvious privacy reasons.

Fix: “Add to Story” Missing When Reposting Instagram Stories (9 Solutions)

1. The account is private
   If the account is private, you won’t see the option. No solution for this.
2. They disabled resharing
   Creators can turn off “Allow Resharing to Stories” in their privacy settings. If that’s the case, you can’t override it.
3. You weren’t tagged
   If you’re looking at a Story but weren’t mentioned, you won’t get the “Add to Your Story” shortcut.
4. Your app needs an update
   Instagram rolls out features in waves. If you’re on an older version, head to the App Store or Google Play and update.
5. Region rollout
   Sometimes Instagram tests features in certain countries first. If friends have the option and you don’t, this may be why.
6. Account type mismatch
   Business, creator, and personal accounts occasionally get different feature access. Switching account types might fix it.
7. Cache or app glitch
   Log out, clear your cache, or reinstall the app. Sometimes the fix is as simple as clearing your Instagram cache.
8. Story expired
   Remember, Stories vanish after 24 hours unless saved to Highlights. If you’re late, the button won’t appear.
9. Platform hiccups
   Sometimes Instagram just… bugs out. If nothing else works, wait a few hours and try again.

FAQ: How to Repost Instagram Stories Without Breaking Rules

Do hashtags equal permission?

No. A branded hashtag isn’t a license. You still need the creator’s OK before reposting UGC

If I credit the creator, is that enough?

Credit ≠ permission. Give both. Credit is good etiquette; permission is what keeps you compliant.

Can I repost from private accounts?

No. You won’t get the share option, and screenshots/screen records are still not permitted without consent.

What if “Add to Story” is missing?

Common reasons: the post is from a private account

Is screenshotting someone’s Story legal if I tag them?

Tagging doesn’t grant rights. Ask first.

What about “fair use”?

It’s narrow and risky here. Most reposting isn’t fair use.