The Complete Guide to Reposting Content on Instagram
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Sharing Options on Instagram
- Sharing Feed Posts
- Sharing Stories
- Sharing Reels
- Sharing IGTV Videos
- Sharing to Direct Messages
- Resharing Content on Instagram
- Resharing Feed Posts
- Resharing Stories
- Resharing Reels
- Resharing IGTV Videos
- Workarounds for Resharing
- Reposting Tools
- Taking a Screenshot
- Ensuring Legal and Safe Resharing
- Getting Explicit Permission
- Proper Attribution
- Potential Legal Consequences
- Leveraging User Generated Content
- Expanding Link Sharing on Instagram
Sharing Content on Instagram: A Complete Guide
Instagram is a popular social media platform that offers various ways for users to share and repost content. In this article, we will explore the different sharing options available on Instagram and provide workarounds for resharing content that might not be directly shareable. We will also discuss the importance of ensuring legal and safe resharing practices, as well as the benefits of leveraging user-generated content in your Instagram strategy. Additionally, we will provide insights into expanding link sharing capabilities on Instagram beyond the limitations of the link in bio feature.
Introduction
Instagram has become a powerful tool for sharing content and engaging with audiences. However, sharing and reposting content on Instagram can sometimes be challenging. In this guide, we will walk you through the various sharing options available on Instagram and provide useful tips and workarounds for resharing content that might not be easily shareable.
Sharing Options on Instagram
Sharing Feed Posts
One of the most common ways to share content on Instagram is by sharing feed posts. Whether it's your own post or someone else's, you can easily share a post to your Instagram stories. Simply click on the paper airplane icon below the post and choose the option to share it to your story. This feature is particularly useful for highlighting your own feed posts and sharing valuable content with your audience.
Sharing Stories
Stories have become a popular form of content on Instagram, and you can also share them with others. If you have been tagged in a story, you have the option to share it to your own story. This can be done by tapping on the paper airplane icon or directly from the story itself. Once you choose the option to share, the story will appear in your own story builder, where you can add stickers, doodles, and texts to personalize it.
Sharing Reels
Instagram Reels offer a creative way to share short videos. Whether it's your own reel or someone else's, you can share it to your story or through direct messages. To share a reel, open the full view of the reel and tap on the paper airplane icon. From there, you can choose to share it to your story or send it to a direct message.
Sharing IGTV Videos
IGTV allows users to share longer videos on Instagram. When you upload an IGTV video, you have the option to add previews to your feed and stories. Sharing a preview to the feed will display a 15-second preview in your profile and your followers' feeds. Viewers can then choose to watch the full video on IGTV. Similarly, sharing an IGTV video to your story will create a preview with a link to the video, allowing viewers to navigate to IGTV and watch the complete video.
Sharing to Direct Messages
In addition to sharing content to your stories, Instagram also allows you to share posts, stories, and IGTV videos directly to direct message chats. Whether it's a single direct message or a group chat, you can simply tap on the paper airplane icon and choose the person or group to share it with. This feature is great for sharing content with specific individuals or for starting a conversation around a particular post.
Resharing Content on Instagram
While Instagram offers several sharing options, there are limitations when it comes to resharing content. For instance, you cannot directly share a feed post from someone else to your own feed or share stories from others to your own stories simply because you like them. However, there are workarounds that you can utilize to accomplish resharing.
Resharing Feed Posts
To reshare a feed post from someone else, you have a few options. One approach is to use reposting tools, which are third-party applications that allow you to capture the original image and caption and import them into an Instagram post of your own. These tools typically add a watermark to the image, giving proper credit to the original account. However, using reposting tools can be cumbersome due to API access restrictions.
Alternatively, you can take a screenshot of the post you want to reshare and crop it to the size of an Instagram post. Then, you can upload the screenshot as a new image on your own account. However, it's important to note that when using this method, you must copy the original caption or write your own to complement the image.
Resharing Stories
Resharing stories can be done if you have been tagged in the original content. When someone tags you in a story, you will receive a notification in your direct messages. From there, you have the option to share the story to your own story. The shared story will appear in your story builder, and you can customize it with stickers, doodles, and texts just like any other story.
It's worth mentioning that if someone tags you in the first story of a sequence, and not in the subsequent ones, you can only share the story in which you are tagged. Therefore, if you are tagging people in your stories, make sure to tag them in each individual story where they are mentioned or relevant.
Resharing Reels
Similar to stories, you can reshare reels to your own story or through direct messages. By opening the full view of a reel, you can tap on the paper airplane icon and choose to share it to your story or send it to a direct message. This feature allows you to share your own reels or reels from other accounts, expanding their reach and visibility.
Resharing IGTV Videos
When it comes to resharing IGTV videos, you have options similar to feed posts and stories. If you upload an IGTV video, you can add previews to your feed and stories. Sharing a preview to the feed will display a 15-second preview of the IGTV video in your profile and your followers' feeds. After the preview ends, viewers are prompted with a "keep watching" bar, giving them the option to continue watching the rest of the video on IGTV. Similarly, sharing an IGTV video to your story creates a preview with a link to the video, allowing viewers to navigate to IGTV and watch the full video.
Workarounds for Resharing
In addition to the native sharing options on Instagram, there are workarounds you can utilize to reshape content that might not be directly shareable. These workarounds can be particularly useful when engaging with user-generated content or when collaborating with other creators.
Reposting Tools
While native resharing options are limited, there are third-party reposting tools available that can help you reshare content on Instagram. These tools allow you to capture the original image and caption of a post and import them into your own Instagram post. However, it's important to note that using reposting tools may require extra steps and can come with certain limitations. For example, some tools add a watermark to the image, indicating the original account, and may include a brief message like "repost from @username." It's also worth considering that API access restrictions have made these tools less common and more cumbersome today.
Taking a Screenshot
Another workaround for resharing content is by taking a screenshot of the post you want to reshare and then cropping it to the size of an Instagram post. By doing so, you can upload the screenshot as a new image on your own account. However, it's crucial to remember that when resharing in this manner, you must obtain explicit permission from the content creator to share their content. Getting explicit permission means obtaining written permission from the content creator through comments, direct messages, or any other direct communication method. It's important to follow best practices and attribute the original content properly by tagging or mentioning the original account in your post.
Ensuring Legal and Safe Resharing
Resharing content on Instagram can be a valuable way to share and engage with others' content. However, it is essential to ensure that you are resharing content legally and safely, respecting the intellectual property rights of others. Failing to do so can have serious legal consequences.
Getting Explicit Permission
When resharing content on Instagram, it's crucial to obtain explicit permission from the content creator. Explicit permission means receiving written consent from the content creator to share their content. This can be done by leaving a comment on their post, directly messaging them, or using any other form of direct communication to ask for permission. Once you have received permission, you can repost their content on your feed.
It's worth noting that some content creators may have specific requirements when it comes to resharing their content, such as tagging them or mentioning them in the post. It is essential to adhere to these requirements and provide proper attribution to the original content creator. Even if they do not explicitly state these requirements, it is considered best practice to give credit and attribute the original content appropriately.
Proper Attribution
When resharing content, it is crucial to provide proper attribution to the original content creator. This includes tagging or mentioning the original account in your post or adding the appropriate credits in the caption. Proper attribution not only respects the intellectual property rights of the content creator but also helps in building a positive and collaborative community on Instagram. By acknowledging the original content creator, you demonstrate respect and appreciation for their work.
Potential Legal Consequences
Failure to obtain explicit permission from content creators and properly attribute their work can lead to potential legal consequences. If you reshare someone else's content without permission, the content creator has the right to pursue legal action against you. This can result in legal headaches and can even lead to lawsuits, especially if the content creator can prove that you generated revenue from the reshared content.
For businesses, the stakes are even higher. If it can be shown that a business generated income from reshared content without permission, they could face legal action and might be liable to pay all income generated from that content to the original content creator. It's crucial to understand the potential legal consequences of resharing content without permission and to always prioritize obtaining explicit permission from content creators.
Leveraging User Generated Content
One of the reasons to consider resharing content is to leverage user-generated content (UGC). User-generated content refers to content created by your audience or customers, and it can be a valuable asset for your Instagram strategy. By resharing UGC, you not only showcase your audience's creativity and engagement but also strengthen the sense of community and authenticity around your brand.
Resharing UGC allows you to build a strong relationship with your audience, as they feel acknowledged and appreciated when their content is shared by a brand or influencer they admire. Additionally, UGC can provide social proof and act as testimonials, giving potential customers confidence in your brand. However, it's crucial to remember that even with UGC, you must obtain permission from the content creator before resharing their content. Respecting the rights of content creators and providing proper attribution are essential for maintaining a positive and ethical approach to resharing UGC.
Expanding Link Sharing on Instagram
Beyond the limitations of the link in bio feature, there are ways to expand your link sharing capabilities on Instagram. Link sharing is a valuable tool for businesses and influencers who want to direct their audience to external websites, blog posts, or e-commerce platforms. While Instagram restricts link sharing within captions and individual posts, there are alternative methods to share links effectively.
One popular method is by utilizing the swipe-up feature in Instagram Stories. This feature allows accounts with 10,000 or more followers, or verified accounts, to add links to their stories. By including a swipe-up link in your stories, you can direct your audience to external content seamlessly. If you don't have access to the swipe-up feature, you can encourage your audience to visit the link in your bio, which can be updated regularly with relevant links.
Another alternative for link sharing is through the use of Instagram Shopping. With Instagram Shopping, businesses can tag products in their posts and stories, providing direct links to specific product pages. This feature is particularly useful for e-commerce businesses looking to drive traffic and sales from their Instagram content.
While these alternative link sharing methods have specific requirements, they offer opportunities to expand your reach and engagement on Instagram and provide valuable resources and information to your audience.
Highlights
- Instagram offers various sharing options, including feed posts, stories, reels, and IGTV videos.
- Resharing content on Instagram can be limited, but there are workarounds such as reposting tools and taking screenshots.
- It's crucial to obtain explicit permission from content creators and provide proper attribution when resharing their work.
- Leveraging user-generated content can strengthen your brand's community and authenticity.
- Link sharing on Instagram can be expanded through swipe-up links in stories and Instagram Shopping features.
FAQs
Q: Can I reshare a feed post from someone else to my own feed on Instagram?
A: No, direct resharing of feed posts from someone else to your own feed is not a native feature on Instagram. However, you can use reposting tools or take a screenshot of the post and upload it as a new image on your account.
Q: Is it legal to reshare someone else's content on Instagram without permission?
A: No, it is not legal to reshare someone else's content on Instagram without explicit permission from the content creator. You could face legal consequences, including potential lawsuits and financial liabilities.
Q: How can I leverage user-generated content on Instagram?
A: To leverage user-generated content on Instagram, you can reshare posts created by your audience or customers. Obtaining permission from the content creator and providing proper attribution are crucial steps in utilizing user-generated content effectively.
Q: Can I share links on Instagram beyond the link in bio feature?
A: Yes, you can expand your link sharing capabilities on Instagram through features like swipe-up links in stories (available to accounts with 10,000+ followers or verified accounts) and Instagram Shopping (for tagging products and linking to specific product pages). These features provide alternatives for directing your audience to external content.
