How to Repost Someone’s Instagram Story (Step-by-Step)

Key Takeaways

• You can easily repost Instagram stories when you’re tagged, but it gets tricky when you’re not
• Third-party apps and manual methods help you share stories even without tags
• Always ask permission and give credit when reposting someone else’s content

Instagram Stories have become a huge part of how we share moments on social media. With over 500 million people using Stories daily, you’ve probably seen some amazing content that made you think, “I wish I could share this with my followers too, but how to repost on Instagram? 

Sometimes you’re tagged and it’s super easy. Other times, you see something cool but you’re not tagged, and you’re left wondering how to share it properly.

Whether you want to share a friend’s vacation photos, promote a business partnership, or just spread some good vibes that fit your Instagram aesthetic, knowing how to repost someone’s Instagram story is a skill every user should have. Let’s break down all the ways you can do this.

Can You Repost Someone’s Instagram Story?

Here’s the honest answer: Instagram makes it easy when you’re tagged, but not so when you’re not. When someone tags you in their story, Instagram sends you a notification and gives you the option to add it to your own story. It’s built right into the app, so there’s no guesswork involved.

But what about when you’re not tagged? Instagram doesn’t give you a “repost” button like they do for regular posts. The app wants to protect people’s privacy and content, which makes sense. If you could easily repost anyone’s story without them knowing, things could get messy fast.

That said, there are still ways to share stories you’re not tagged in. You just need to be more creative about it, and more importantly, you need to be respectful about it.

How to Repost a Story You’re Tagged In

This is the easy one. When someone tags you in their Instagram story, here’s exactly what happens

• You’ll get a notification that says “username mentioned you in their story”
• Open your Instagram DMs – you’ll see a message showing the story
• Tap “Add to Your Story” right below the story content
• Instagram opens the story editor where you can customize it
• Add your own text, stickers, or drawings if you want
• Tap “Your Story” to share it with all your followers, or “Close Friends” for a smaller group

The original poster’s username will appear at the bottom of your reposted story, giving them automatic credit. Pretty neat, right?

Pro tip: Even though Instagram handles the credit automatically, it’s still nice to add a thank you message or tag the person again in your story. It shows you appreciate them including you.

How to Repost a Story You’re Not Tagged In

This is where things get interesting. Since Instagram doesn’t have a built-in feature for this, you’ll need to use workarounds.

Method 1: Screenshot or screen record

The most basic way is to capture the story yourself:

• For photo stories: Take a screenshot on your phone
• For video stories: Use your phone’s screen recording feature
• Upload the captured content as your own story
• Always add text crediting the original poster

Method 2: Use the share feature

Sometimes stories have a paper airplane icon at the bottom. This means the original poster allowed sharing:

• Tap the share icon
• Select “Add post to your story”
• Customize and post

Method 3: Send it to yourself first

This trick works if the story allows DM sharing:

• Tap the share icon on the story
• Send it to yourself in DMs
• Open your DM and follow the “Add to Your Story” process

Remember, not all stories can be shared this way. The original poster controls these settings.

Reposting Using Instagram Apps (iPhone & Android)

Third-party apps can make reposting easier, but be careful about which ones you use. Some popular options include:

1. Repost for Instagram: One of the most downloaded reposting apps. You copy the story link, open the app, and it helps you repost with proper attribution.
2. StorySaver: Let’s you download stories (with permission) and repost them later.

Here’s how these apps generally work:

• Copy the link to the Instagram story
• Open your chosen reposting app
• Paste the link
• The app downloads the content
• You can then upload it to your own story

Important warnings about third-party apps:

• They often require your Instagram login details, which can be risky
• Instagram’s terms of service don’t always play nice with these apps
• Some apps might get your account flagged or suspended
• Always read privacy policies before using them

Honestly? I’d recommend sticking to Instagram’s built-in features when possible. It’s safer for your account.

Reposting Stories to Close Friends or Highlights

Once you’ve reposted a story, you have some cool options for who sees it and how long it stays visible.

Close friends feature: Instead of sharing with all your followers, you can limit reposts to your Close Friends list. This is perfect when you want to share something more personal or when you’re not sure if the content is right for your entire audience.

To share with Close Friends:

• Follow the normal reposting steps
• When you’re ready to post, tap “Close Friends” instead of “Your Story”
• Only people on your Close Friends list will see it

Adding to highlights: Regular stories disappear after 24 hours, but Highlights stick around on your profile permanently. If you repost something really good, consider adding it to a Highlight:

• After posting your reposted story, tap the Highlight icon (circle with a plus sign)
• Choose an existing Highlight category or create a new one
• Your reposted story now lives in that Highlight section

This is great for businesses who want to keep customer testimonials visible, or for anyone who wants to save particularly meaningful content.

Etiquette and Best Practices

Let’s talk about doing this right. Reposting isn’t just about the technical steps – it’s about being respectful and building good relationships on Instagram.

• Always give credit: Even when Instagram automatically adds the original poster’s username, consider adding your own thank you message. Something like “Thanks @username for sharing this!” goes a long way.
• Ask permission when in doubt: If you’re using a screenshot method or third-party app, reach out to the original poster first. A simple “Hey, I love your story! Mind if I repost it?” shows respect.
• Respect privacy settings: If someone has a private account, don’t repost their stories without explicit permission. Private means private.
• Don’t edit without permission: Adding your own stickers or text is usually fine, but don’t change the core message or make it look like something different from what they originally posted.
• Give context when needed: If you’re reposting something for business purposes, make it clear why you’re sharing it. “Look at this amazing customer review!” is better than just reposting without explanation.
• Know when not to repost: Some content isn’t meant to be shared wider. Personal family moments, sensitive topics, or content that might embarrass the original poster should stay where it is.

For more ideas on creating engaging content for your own stories, check out our guide on content ideas.

Conclusion

Reposting Instagram stories is a great way to share amazing content, build relationships, and keep your own story feed active. When you’re tagged, it’s as simple as a few taps. When you’re not tagged, you’ll need to get a bit more creative, but it’s still totally doable.

The key is doing it right. Always give credit, ask permission when needed, and respect other people’s privacy settings. Instagram is a community, and the best way to be part of that community is to treat other creators with respect.

Ready to start sharing? Pick a story you love and give reposting a try. Just remember to follow the etiquette rules we covered, and you’ll be good to go.

If you’re looking to improve your overall Instagram strategy, don’t miss our guides on how to post on Instagram and the best time to post there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I repost a story from a private account?

Only if you have the account owner’s permission. Private content is meant for a limited audience.

Will someone be notified if I repost their story?

Not always. Instagram’s “Add to Your Story” feature doesn’t notify them directly, and screenshots or third-party apps usually don’t either. Still, it’s polite to let them know.

What happens if I repost and they delete the original story?

Your repost stays up. If you used Instagram’s feature, their username may still show unless their account is deleted.