How to Repost an Instagram Story (Tagged and Not Tagged)

Reposting Instagram Stories is one of those things that should be simple — and sometimes it is. If someone tags you in their story, Instagram gives you a one-tap reshare button. But what about when you are not tagged? Or when you want to repost a story to your feed instead of your own story? That is where things get more nuanced.

This guide covers every reposting scenario: the native method when you are tagged, workarounds when you are not, proper attribution etiquette, and the tools that make the process smoother.

Reposting a Story You Are Tagged In (The Easy Way)

When someone mentions you or tags you in their Instagram Story, you get a notification and a built-in option to reshare it. This is the method Instagram officially supports.

Step-by-Step

1. You will receive a DM notification saying "mentioned you in their story" (or see it in your activity feed).
2. Open the DM — you will see a preview of the story with an "Add this to your story" button.
3. Tap Add this to your story.
4. Instagram opens the story editor with the original story as a sticker you can resize and reposition.
5. Add any additional text, stickers, or decorations you want.
6. Tap Your Story to post, or select Close Friends for a limited audience.

What You Should Know

• The reshared story automatically links back to the original poster's account. When viewers tap the sticker, they are taken to the original post.
• You can only reshare while the original story is still active (within 24 hours of posting).
• The original poster can see that you reshared their story.
• You can resize, rotate, and reposition the story sticker, but you cannot edit the original content itself.
• If the original poster has a private account, only their followers can see the linked content when they tap through.

Customizing the Reshare

The story sticker can feel a bit small and bland by default. Here are some ways to make it look better:

• Pinch to resize the sticker to fill more of the screen
• Add a colored background: Before adding the sticker, fill the screen with a solid color using the drawing tool, then place the sticker on top
• Add context: Use the text tool to add "Thanks for the shoutout!" or similar
• Layer stickers: Add GIFs, polls, or other interactive elements around the reshared content

Reposting a Story You Are NOT Tagged In

This is the scenario most people need help with. Someone posted a story you want to share, but they did not tag you, so there is no native reshare button. Here are your options.

Method 1: Screenshot or Screen Record

The most straightforward approach — capture the story and post it as your own new story.

For Photo Stories

1. Open the story you want to repost.
2. Take a screenshot:
   • iPhone: Press Side button + Volume Up simultaneously
   • Android: Press Power + Volume Down simultaneously
3. Open Instagram and create a new story.
4. Select the screenshot from your camera roll.
5. Crop out the Instagram UI elements (timestamp, username overlay) if desired.
6. Add proper attribution — use the text tool or @mention sticker to credit the original creator.
7. Post to your story.

For Video Stories

1. Start your screen recorder before opening the story:
   • iPhone: Swipe down from top-right for Control Center, tap Screen Recording
   • Android: Swipe down for Quick Settings, tap Screen Recorder
2. Open and play the story.
3. Stop the recording.
4. Trim the video in your Photos/Gallery app.
5. Create a new Instagram story with the trimmed video.
6. Add proper attribution.
7. Post.

The Drawbacks

• Quality loss — you are capturing your screen, not the original file
• You capture Instagram's UI overlays (username, timestamp, progress bar)
• For video, you get whatever frame rate and resolution your screen recorder provides
• Manual effort to crop and trim

Method 2: Use a Web-Based Viewer to Download First

For better quality and a cleaner result, download the original story file before reposting.

Using ViewIGStory

1. Go to view-ig-story.com in your browser.
2. Enter the username of the person whose story you want to repost.
3. Find the specific story and download it.
4. Open Instagram and create a new story using the downloaded file.
5. Add attribution (see the section below on proper credit).
6. Post.

Why This Method is Better

• Higher quality — you are downloading the source file, not a screen capture
• No UI overlays — the downloaded file is the clean story content without Instagram's interface on top
• Works for both photos and videos — and the video quality is noticeably better than screen recording
• Anonymous — if you want to check someone's stories before deciding whether to repost, you can browse without them knowing

For a full breakdown of download methods, see our guide on how to download Instagram Stories.

Method 3: Share as a DM Then Reshare

This is a lesser-known trick that sometimes works.

1. View the story you want to repost.
2. Tap the paper airplane icon (Share/Send) at the bottom of the story.
3. Instead of sending to someone, look for options like Add to Your Story (availability varies by account and region).

This does not always appear as an option — Instagram has been inconsistent about making this available. But when it works, it is the cleanest native method.

Method 4: Ask Them to Tag You

Sometimes the simplest solution is a direct message.

1. DM the person and let them know you loved their story.
2. Ask if they would mind reposting it with your tag, or if they could send you the original file.
3. Most creators and friends are happy to do this — it is flattering to know someone wants to share your content.

This approach has the added benefit of building a genuine connection. And you get the original file at full quality if they send it to you.

Reposting a Feed Post to Your Story

This is technically different from reposting a story, but people often conflate the two. If you want to share someone's regular Instagram post (not a story) to your story, Instagram has a built-in feature for this.

Step-by-Step

1. Find the feed post you want to share.
2. Tap the paper airplane icon below the post.
3. Select Add post to your story.
4. The post appears as a sticker in the story editor.
5. Customize the appearance, add text, etc.
6. Post to your story.

Important Notes

• This only works if the original poster has not disabled resharing in their settings
• The sticker links back to the original post automatically
• Works with photos, carousels, and reels posted to the feed

Proper Attribution: How to Credit the Original Creator

Attribution is not just polite — it is essential. Reposting without credit is the fastest way to get called out, reported, or blocked. Here is how to do it right.

The Non-Negotiables

1. @Mention the original creator — use the @mention sticker or type their handle with the text tool. Make it visible, not hidden in a tiny font in the corner.
2. Make it clear this is not your original content — phrases like "via @username," "repost from @username," or "credit: @username" remove any ambiguity.

Best Practices

• Place the credit prominently — do not bury it. It should be one of the first things viewers notice.
• Use the @mention sticker rather than just typing the username, because the sticker is tappable and takes viewers directly to the creator's profile.
• Add context — instead of just reposting silently, add why you are sharing it. "Loved this tip from @username" or "Check out @username's new collection" adds value and makes the repost feel intentional rather than lazy.
• When in doubt, ask permission first. A quick DM takes 30 seconds and shows respect for the creator's work.

What NOT to Do

• Do not crop out the original creator's username or watermark
• Do not imply the content is yours by omitting any attribution
• Do not repost content from private accounts (if they made it private, they did not intend for it to be shared widely)
• Do not repost and then block the original creator so they cannot see what you did (yes, people do this)

Reposting Etiquette for Different Contexts

The expectations around reposting vary depending on the relationship and context.

Reposting Friends and Family

• A simple reshare with a tag is perfectly fine
• Adding a personal comment ("Great trip!") makes it feel more genuine
• They will almost certainly appreciate the reshare

Reposting Brands and Businesses

• Most brands love user reshares — it is free publicity
• Tag the brand and use any relevant hashtags they promote
• If it is a brand collaboration or sponsored content, make sure your reshare complies with any disclosure requirements

Reposting Creators and Influencers

• Always credit them prominently
• Consider asking permission first, especially for smaller creators who may be protective of their content
• Never repost in a way that competes with their content (e.g., reposting their tutorial right before they sell access to a full course)

Reposting News and Information

• Credit the source
• Add your own perspective or commentary — do not just repost someone's reporting without adding value
• Verify the information before resharing — you do not want to spread misinformation

Reposting Stories for Business and Marketing

If you are reposting stories as part of a brand or business strategy, there are additional considerations.

User-Generated Content (UGC)

Brands frequently repost customer stories that feature their products. This is one of the most effective forms of social proof.

Best practice workflow:

1. Set up a branded hashtag and encourage customers to tag you.
2. When customers share stories featuring your brand, you will get a notification.
3. Use the native reshare (if tagged) or download and repost with full credit.
4. Some brands DM customers to ask for permission and the original file.

Competitor Research

Studying how competitors use stories can inform your own strategy. If you want to save competitor stories for internal reference without them knowing, a web-based viewer like ViewIGStory lets you browse anonymously. For more on viewing content privately, check our guide on how to view Instagram Highlights without them knowing.

Content Curation

Some accounts build their entire brand around curating and reposting content from a niche — meme accounts, inspiration pages, industry roundups. If this is your model:

• Have a clear attribution policy and follow it consistently
• Many successful curation accounts DM creators before reposting
• Build relationships with the creators you repost frequently
• Consider creating a highlight on your profile explaining your repost/credit policy

Troubleshooting Repost Issues

"Add to Your Story" Button is Missing

This can happen when:

• The original poster disabled resharing in their story settings
• The story is from a private account and you are viewing it as a follower
• Your Instagram app is outdated — try updating
• Instagram is testing different UI layouts (they do this constantly)

Reshared Story Looks Blurry

When you reshare using the native sticker method, the quality can drop noticeably — especially if the original story was already compressed. For better quality:

• Download the original file using a web-based viewer and repost as a fresh story
• Ask the original poster to send you the file directly

The @Mention Sticker is Not Working

Occasionally the @mention sticker fails to link properly. If this happens:

• Delete the sticker and add a new one
• Try typing the mention manually using the text tool instead
• Make sure you are spelling the username correctly (Instagram will suggest accounts as you type)

Cannot Repost to Story from Feed

If the "Add post to your story" option does not appear:

• The account owner has disabled resharing
• Your app may need an update
• Try force-closing and reopening Instagram

If you are having broader issues with Instagram features not working, our troubleshooting guide covers common fixes that might help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Instagram notify someone when you repost their story?

If you use the native reshare (when you are tagged), the original poster receives a notification. If you screenshot or download and create a new story, there is no automatic notification — but the original poster might still see your repost if they follow you or if someone tells them.

Can I repost a story to my feed instead of my story?

Instagram does not have a native "repost to feed" feature for stories. Your options are to save/download the story and create a new feed post, or use the story-to-reel workflow if the content is video. Always credit the original creator.

How do I repost an Instagram Story on a desktop?

Instagram's desktop website does not support story creation. You would need to download the story to your computer, transfer it to your phone, and post from there. Or use a social media scheduling tool that supports story posting. ViewIGStory works on desktop for the downloading part, making the process easier.

Is reposting an Instagram Story without permission illegal?

In most jurisdictions, reposting publicly available social media content is not illegal — but it can violate Instagram's Terms of Service and, depending on the context, could infringe on copyright. The safest approach is always to ask permission, especially for commercial use. Non-commercial reshares with proper attribution are generally accepted as standard social media practice.

Can I schedule a story repost?

Some third-party social media management tools (like Later, Buffer, or Hootsuite) support scheduling story posts. You would download the content first, then upload it to your scheduling tool with the appropriate attribution. This is particularly useful for brands that curate UGC.

How do I repost someone's story to multiple platforms?

Download the story first using a tool like ViewIGStory, then upload it to each platform individually. Each platform has different aspect ratios and specs, so you may need to adjust the content. Always maintain attribution across all platforms.

The Reposting Checklist

Before you hit "Share," run through this quick checklist:

• Is the original account public? (Do not repost from private accounts)
• Have you credited the original creator with a visible @mention?
• Is it clear that this is not your original content?
• Would you be comfortable if the original creator saw your repost?
• If it is for commercial use, do you have permission?
• Is the content appropriate to share with your audience?

If you can check all of these boxes, you are good to go. Reposting is a normal and healthy part of social media culture — it helps great content reach wider audiences and builds connections between creators and their communities.

Wrapping Up

Reposting Instagram Stories is straightforward when you are tagged — Instagram gives you a one-tap reshare. When you are not tagged, you need a workaround: screenshot, screen recording, or downloading with a web-based viewer for better quality.

No matter which method you use, the golden rule is the same: always credit the original creator. A visible @mention takes two seconds and shows respect for someone else's work. Skip it, and you risk burning bridges and getting reported.

For the cleanest reposting workflow, downloading the original story file gives you the best quality and the most flexibility. Whether you use that file for a story repost, a feed post, or content across other platforms, starting with a clean source file makes everything look better.

If you want to save stories to your phone first before deciding how to use them, our guide on saving Instagram Stories to your camera roll has detailed instructions for both iPhone and Android.