How To Easily Share Instagram Posts To Your Story And Feed A Step By Step Guide

Sharing content on Instagram goes beyond posting your own photos and videos. One of the most effective ways to engage with your audience is by sharing other users’ posts—either to your story or directly to your feed. Whether you're highlighting a customer’s review, resharing inspiring content from a creator, or promoting a brand collaboration, knowing how to do it correctly ensures authenticity and compliance with community guidelines. This guide walks you through every method available, including permissions, best practices, and common pitfalls.

Why Sharing Posts Matters for Engagement

Instagram thrives on interaction. When you share someone else’s post—especially with credit—you contribute to a collaborative digital environment. It strengthens relationships, increases visibility, and often leads to reciprocal engagement. Brands that reshare user-generated content see up to 28% higher engagement on average, according to social media analytics firm Socialbakers.

However, not all shares are created equal. The way you share (story vs. feed), whether you tag the original creator, and how frequently you reshare all impact how your audience perceives your profile. Done right, it builds trust. Done poorly, it can appear spammy or even violate copyright norms.

How to Share an Instagram Post to Your Story

Sharing to your story is one of the quickest and most visual ways to amplify content. Stories disappear after 24 hours, making them ideal for timely highlights without cluttering your permanent grid.

1. Open the Instagram app and navigate to the post you want to share.
2. Tap the paper airplane icon beneath the image or video.
3. Select “Add post to your story” from the pop-up menu.
4. Edit the preview if needed: resize, add stickers, text, or draw on it.
5. Tap “Your Story” or choose specific followers via Close Friends.

The shared post appears as a sticker within your story, automatically linking back to the original creator. Viewers can tap it to visit the post directly. Importantly, the original poster receives a notification that their content was shared, which fosters goodwill.

Tip: Always personalize the story with commentary or a question to encourage replies. For example, “Love this perspective from @creator — what do you think?”

Resharing to Your Feed: Two Legitimate Methods

Unlike stories, resharing to your feed places content permanently on your profile. Because of this, Instagram does not allow direct reposting unless done through approved tools or with explicit permission.

Method 1: Use a Repost App (Third-Party Tools)

Apps like Repost for Instagram, Regram, or Later enable you to save and re-upload content while preserving quality and giving proper credit.

1. Download a trusted repost app from your device’s app store.
2. Log in using your Instagram credentials.
3. Find the post you want to share and download it (with attribution).
4. Open the repost app and select the saved post.
5. Add a caption crediting the original creator (e.g., “Photo by @username”).
6. Publish directly to your Instagram feed.

Method 2: Request Permission and Screenshot Manually

If you prefer not to use third-party apps, the safest method is manual sharing—with consent.

1. Send a direct message to the original poster asking for permission to reshare.
2. Once approved, take a screenshot of the post (or ask them to send the image file).
3. Upload it as a new post via Instagram.
4. In the caption, clearly state: “Shared with permission from @username.”
5. Tag the user in the photo and mention them in the caption.

“Giving credit isn’t just ethical—it strengthens community and encourages others to share your work too.” — Maya Tran, Digital Marketing Strategist

Do’s and Don’ts When Sharing Instagram Content

Do	Don't
Always tag the original creator	Never claim someone else’s content as your own
Ask for permission before sharing to feed	Avoid overposting others’ content without adding context
Add value with commentary or insights	Don’t use low-quality screenshots with visible UI elements
Use story stickers like polls or questions to boost interaction	Never alter the image to misrepresent the creator’s intent

Real Example: A Small Business Success Story

Jessica runs a handmade candle shop in Portland. She noticed a customer had posted a beautifully styled photo of her candles on a shelf alongside morning coffee and books. The image received dozens of likes, but Jessica wasn’t tagged.

She sent a polite DM: “Hi! I love how you styled our lavender candle—would you mind if I shared this on my story? We’d love to feature you!” The customer agreed instantly.

Jessica shared the post to her story with a sticker overlay saying “Customer Love 💛” and added a poll: “Would you wear this scent daily? Yes / Only on weekends.” The story reached over 2,000 views, led to 15 website clicks, and strengthened customer loyalty.

This simple act of recognition turned a single post into a mini marketing campaign—all because of respectful sharing.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Ethical Resharing

• ✅ Find the post you'd like to share
• ✅ Tap the paper airplane icon to send or share
• ✅ Choose “Add post to your story” for temporary visibility
• ✅ For feed sharing, use a repost app or get written permission
• ✅ Always tag and credit the original creator
• ✅ Add context or commentary to enhance value
• ✅ Monitor engagement and respond to comments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone tell if I shared their post to my story?

Yes. Instagram notifies the original poster whenever their content is shared to a story. They’ll see your profile under the “Shared By” list when they check the post’s insights or interactions.

Is it okay to share someone’s post without asking?

For stories, yes—Instagram allows it and even encourages tagging. For your feed, it’s strongly advised to ask first. While technically possible to screenshot and upload without consent, doing so risks alienating creators and may breach platform etiquette or copyright laws in commercial contexts.

Why can’t I see the ‘Add to Story’ option on some posts?

The option may be disabled if the account is private and you’re not following them, or if the creator has turned off sharing via their privacy settings. Some business accounts also restrict certain interactions depending on their configuration.

Maximize Reach with Smart Sharing Habits

Strategic sharing should be part of any active Instagram strategy. Use stories weekly to spotlight followers, partners, or industry news. Limit feed reposts to once every 7–10 days to maintain authenticity and avoid diluting your original content.

Consider creating themed series: “Fan Feature Friday” or “Creator Spotlight” to build anticipation. Rotate between different types of shared content—artwork, testimonials, behind-the-scenes moments—to keep your audience engaged.

And always remember: behind every post is a person who put time and effort into creating it. Acknowledging that effort costs nothing—but pays dividends in trust and connection.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Sharing Instagram posts doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few taps, you can strengthen relationships, grow your reach, and contribute positively to the platform’s ecosystem. Whether you’re a casual user or managing a brand account, mastering these techniques puts you ahead of the curve.

💬 Start today: Find one great post from a creator you admire, share it to your story with a thoughtful comment, and watch how quickly engagement follows. Have questions or tips of your own? Share them in the comments below.