Instagram Repost Update: A Full Guide for Creators
As a creator, the new Instagram Repost and Friends Tab features are probably not new to you. These updates were rolled out to help creators maximize their reach, connect better with their followers and friends.
Prior to the previous workarounds, the repost feature allows you to repost public feed posts and reels directly to your feed, where your audience can quickly access them. As the name implies, the feature is similar in operation to the “Retweet” button on X (Twitter).
This is a really huge upgrade for content creators, influencers, and even brands as you will no longer need any third-party apps to repost content or make any clunky manual crediting.
This article explains all you need to know about the updates, how it compares to the previous reposts steps, and how to utilize them for visibility and reach.
What is Instagram’s Repost Feature About?
The Instagram repost is a native function that allows users to share somebody’s public Reels or feed posts directly into their own followers’ feeds. In addition, the reposted content will appear in a new “Reposts” tab on the user’s profile page, between the Reels and tag tabs.
When reposting, you will see a small thought-bubble attached to the repost button, in which you can add a short note or comment. This gives your followers or friends a context as to why you are reposting a particular content or your reactions toward it.
As a way to increase authenticity, reach and visibility, all reposts automatically credits the main creator.
How Can You Repost a Feed Post or Reel
Instagram repost feature is incredibly simple and you can utilize this tab with this step-by-step guide:
- When you find the post or Reel from a public account you want to share, tap the repost icon (two arrows forming a square).
- Add an optional short note. It appears as a small bubble overlay to include your reactions, thoughts, or context for the repost.
- To make the post appear in your Reposts tab and followers’ feeds, Tap “Add to profile.
- To undo a repost, tap the repost icon again and select “Remove from profile.”
Older Methods Vs. New Repost Method
Before the official repost feature, sharing someone else’s content on Instagram was a bit of a hassle. You had to:
- Share posts to your story, but this disappeared after 24 hours.
- Screenshot/download and re-upload, which was clunky and meant you had to manually tag the original creator.
- Use a third-party app, which often adds watermarks or requires you to give up your login information.
Now, with Instagram’s new repost button, all of that is not needed. Reposting is now much quicker, looks cleaner, and automatically credits the person who created the post, without any tagging or captions required.
Friends Tab in Reels: What Your Friends Are Liking
Instagram recently added a “Friends” tab to the Reels section. This new tab shows you public content that your friends have interacted with, such as posts they’ve liked, commented on, or reposted.
This feature is a great way to see what’s popular among people you know. It can give you ideas for your own content and help you understand what your audience enjoys.
The “Friends” tab also has privacy options, so you can control what others see. You can hide your own likes and comments or mute activity notifications from certain people you follow.
To check it out, just tap Friends at the top of your Reels feed. To return to the regular feed, tap the Reels tab next to it.
Final Thoughts
Instagram’s official repost button is a game-changer. It is more than just a new feature as it offers a better way to share content, engage with others, and give proper credit to creators. For a casual user, creator, or a small business owner, reposting is now faster, more professional, and creator-friendly.
