Instagram is one of the most powerful platforms for creators, businesses, and everyday users to share content, build community, and grow their reach. Instagram thrives on creativity, but not every post you share has to be original. One strategy that many overlook even though it can be very effective is Reposting. Reposting on Instagram has become one of the smartest ways for creators, businesses, and everyday users to keep their content fresh and engaging without constantly producing something new. Instead of thinking of it as “recycling,” see it as a way to build community, highlight user-generated content (UGC), and join conversations that matter to your audience.
To repost on Instagram, you can share someone’s post directly to your Instagram Stories, or directly click on the repost button on the post, or use third-party apps to download and re-upload posts to your feed while giving proper credit.
In this guide, we will walk you through how and why reposting on Instagram works, the tools you can use, and step-by-step methods for reposting in different formats. If you are just starting out, this will help you do it correctly and ethically.
How Does Reposting Work On Instagram?
Reposting on Instagram means sharing content that was originally posted by someone else (with permission) or resharing your own content to amplify its reach. Buffer says reposting on instagram is one of the easiest ways to keep your page active, curate valuable content, and strengthen your community without always creating new posts from scratch.
Instagram has made reposting even easier with its new built-in repost option (the circled arrow icon under posts). With this feature, you can instantly repost another user’s content directly to your own followers with no third-party app needed. This makes reposting quicker and more seamless while still giving credit to the original creator.
Here are the ways you can repost on Instagram today:
- New Instagram Repost Button: Tap the repost icon under a post to instantly share it with your followers, similar to how retweets work on X (Twitter).
- Instagram Stories: Use the paper plane icon to add someone else’s post to your story, with credit automatically included.
- Third-party apps/tools: Helpful if you want to repost to your feed while keeping the original watermark or layout.
- Manual reposts: Save the image/video and upload it again, making sure to tag and credit the creator in your caption.
Done correctly, reposting on instagram is more than content recycling, it is about building community, showcasing user-generated content (UGC), and keeping your brand active and relevant.
Why Should You Repost On Instagram?
Reposting on Instagram is not about being lazy, it is about being strategic with your content. Instead of constantly stressing over what to post next, you can use reposting to keep your feed active, tap into trends, and strengthen relationships with your audience. Done correctly, it becomes a growth tool that saves time while deepening community trust.
Here is why reposting on instagram should be part of your strategy:
- Community building: Sharing a follower’s photo or testimonial featuring your product makes them feel seen and valued, creating stronger brand loyalty.
- Content variety: Not every post needs to be original, reposts add balance and keep your feed fresh.
- Trending leverage: Reposting memes, challenges, or viral clips allows you to join trending conversations and stay relevant.
- User-Generated Content (UGC) marketing: UGC is more trusted than branded ads. Reposting customer content boosts authenticity and encourages more people to share about you.
- Reach new audiences: Collaborating or reposting someone else’s content (with permission) can expose your brand to their followers, expanding your visibility.
- Optimized scheduling: Using reposting tools (like Owlet) lets you schedule shared content at peak engagement times, making sure it reaches the widest possible audience.
Why Is It Important To Check Copyright Before Reposting on Instagram?
Reposting may seem simple, but not every post is safe to share. Many creators and brands hold copyright over their content, and reposting without proper acknowledgment or worse, without permission, can lead to reputational damage or even removal of your post. To protect yourself and respect others’ work, always approach reposting carefully.
Here are key practices to stay safe when reposting:
- Ask permission: A quick DM requesting consent from the creator shows professionalism and respect. Most creators will appreciate being asked.
- Use Creative Commons or open-use content: Some accounts make it clear that their posts can be reshared with proper credit. Always double check their guidelines.
- Always credit the creator: Tag them in your post and mention them in your caption. Lack of credit can be seen as content theft.
- Avoid reposting without acknowledgment: Failing to credit could harm your reputation, weaken trust with your audience, and risk take-down notices.
- Err on the side of caution: If you are unsure whether content can be reposted, do not share it until you have confirmed permission.
In short, respecting copyright isn’t just a legal safeguard, it is also about building trust and professionalism on Instagram.
How Can Tools Like Owlet Help You Repost Smarter?
Reposting manually, saving content, drafting captions, remembering to give credit, and uploading at the right time can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you are managing multiple accounts. This is why tools like Owlet AI can simplify the process and turn reposting into a strategic growth tactic instead of a last-minute chore.
Here is how Owlet makes reposting on instagram easier and smarter:
- Content curation: Collect, save, and organize repost worthy content from across platforms so you always have material ready to share.
- Scheduling: Plan and queue reposts in advance, ensuring they align with your content calendar and go live at peak engagement times.
- AI caption writing: Quickly generate captions that properly credit original creators while keeping your brand’s voice consistent and engaging.
- Analytics: Compare how reposted content performs against original posts, helping you refine your strategy based on real data.
Closing Tips And Best Practices For Reposting On Instagram
Reposting can be a powerful way to keep your Instagram page engaging and community driven, but it needs to be done with care. To ensure your reposts strengthen rather than weaken your brand, follow these best practices:
- Seek permission first: If the content belongs to someone else, always ask before reposting. A quick DM can prevent conflicts and build goodwill.
- Credit visibly: Don’t hide credit, make it clear. Tag the creator in the post and mention them in your caption so recognition is easy to see.
- Stay consistent: Choose reposts that align with your brand’s tone, colors, and aesthetic so your feed looks cohesive.
- Balance with original content: Reposting should complement and not replace your own content. Too many reposts can make your page look less authentic.
- Track engagement: Compare how reposted content performs against originals. Tools like Owlet, Buffer, and Hootsuite give analytics that help you refine your reposting strategy.
- Respect copyright and image rights: Especially when reposting professional photos, videos, or licensed content. When in doubt, always ask for permission.
By following these tips, reposting becomes more than content filler—it becomes a strategic tool to save time, engage followers, and build stronger connections on Instagram.
Conclusion
Reposting on Instagram is more than a quick way to fill your feed, it is a powerful growth strategy when done with intention. By carefully selecting content, asking permission, and giving credit, you not only respect creators but also build stronger community ties. When used alongside your own original content, reposting extends the lifespan of valuable posts, adds variety, and keeps your audience engaged without overwhelming your content calendar.
But to make reposting truly effective, you need the right tools. While apps like Buffer and Hootsuite can help, Owlet goes a step further. As a comprehensive SMM panel, Owlet does not just help you curate, schedule, and analyze reposts, it is also a tool to use to buy followers, boost likes, and strengthen engagement in a safe and structured way. For creators and businesses in Nigeria and beyond, Owlet makes it possible to blend organic strategies like reposting with smart growth tactics to maximize reach and visibility.
If you want to take your reposting strategy even further, timing is everything. Posting at the right time can double or even triple your engagement. To learn more, check out Owlet’s in-depth guide on What is the Best Time to Post on Instagram in Nigeria, a perfect complement to your reposting strategy.