How to Repost on Instagram? Strategies for Success on Instagram

18 minute read

Reposting on Instagram comes with a significant challenge for brands and marketers. Don’t worry; in this article, we will walk you through some amazing ways to repost on Instagram and don’t miss out on the bonus to stay away from legal troubles.  

Not less than word-of-mouth marketing, reposting on Instagram help brands showcase their humanized attributes, authenticity, reliability, and trustworthiness with user generated content

Instagram is the most popular destination for Influencers, brands & marketers for social marketing; its striking interface keeps the audience engaged and foolproof to grab their attention.

This visually engaging platform is one of the favorite social media channels among billions of people, gist millions of potential customers.

As Instagram is a creative UGC hub, brands have been lately leveraging user-generated content to repost on Instagram.

However, brands often stumble into the trap of legal issues while reposting on Instagram.

We have penned this blog with 5 must-follow rules that you should keep in mind while reposting on Instagram and safely distributing your users’ content for powerful marketing. 

So, let’s dive in. 

What is Reposting On Instagram?  

Resharing Instagram posts of yours or other people on your own Instagram account is termed  Reposting on Instagram.

Instagram is an important platform for marketers and a hub of user-generated content, which again is a key element for brands and marketers to leverage their social media marketing.

So, to deploy UGC in Instagram marketing, brands can curate valuable user-generated content and repost it on their business account. This is what we call Instagram UGC Reposting.

Brands like National Geographic, River Island, GoPro, IKEA, and Samsung have been reposting user-generated content for a long time.

The process is simple; users share creative content on their publicly accessible Instagram account using branded hashtags, mentions, or tags.

Brands then curate this content and repost it on their Instagram profile account to share with their followers. 

But the question here is, Is it legal to Repost on Instagram?  And, if not, what rules and regulations should one follow to repost on Instagram?  

First thing first,

Is Reposting On Instagram Legal?

You might be thinking about how safe or legal it is to repost or reshare others’ Instagram content on your account. Ambiguous rules and reposting tools have made reposting on Instagram painless, neglecting the users’ copyrights. 

That said, until and unless you earn explicit permission from the content owner, you cannot reshare or repost others’ Instagram posts on your account. 

Explicit consent requires written permission from the original content owner; it can either be “yes” in the comment section or DM or direct communication with the content owner to acquire their consent.

Many times, users claim their copyrights on their posts if they reshare without their permission and ask for all the monetary compensation brands earn with their content. 

Moreover, reposting on Instagram is considered a violation of intellectual property if practiced by avoiding compliance from the content owner.  

Hence, make sure every time you repost on Instagram, you get approval from the user, and only after that, repost it on your Instagram account. 

We have understood the importance of legalities to reposting on Instagram; now it’s time to delve into the world of Instagram reposting and how to do it rightfully. 

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Types Of Content That Can Be Reposted On Instagram

According to statistics, posts featuring UGC have a 4.5% higher conversion rate as compared to non-UGC posts. But, the brand needs to understand what type of user-generated content can be reused and reposted to dignify its market image and improve its social performance.

user-generated content
User-Generated Content

Here are the few ideas of content that brands can repost to enhance their brand value.

  • Content that complements your marketing strategy.
  • Scheduled Instagram posts that are directly related to your brand.
  • User-generated content posted by your real customers.
  • Images that reflect your brand’s aesthetic and align with your brand’s ideology.
  • Hashtag campaign photos and videos.
  • These are worthy and encouraging posts.
    • Tagged posts by the customers.

It is important to maintain the consistency of the feed while reposting the content, like color-blocking themes, eye-catching captions, etc.

Instagram’s Rules For Reposting Others Content

Given all benefits and everything, some rules exist for using content created by other users or UGC creators.

Similarly, Instagram has listed the reposting on Instagram rules, which guide on how to repost someone else’s content rightfully.

The question that arises is, Does reposting on Instagram require permission?

The first and foremost doubt that arises when it comes to reposting is, “Can I use someone else’s Instagram images to repost?

The answer is undoubtedly YES, but with terms and conditions.

It isn’t clearly a violation of any law or regulations on Instagram, but that does not mean that you can use anyone’s content without their permission. 

Instagram’s terms of service state that account owners are responsible for the content they share and for “collecting information from others’ accounts without their  permission.”

Even if the law does not clearly define the boundaries for using users’ content, it is your responsibility as a brand to legally repost Instagram UGC to avoid legal trouble.

No matter how overwhelmed your customers will feel when you will repost their content, it is important to get their consent before doing so.

So, here are some best practices and rules for rightfully and legally reposting Instagram user-generated content. 

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5 Rules To Repost UGC On Instagram

1. Define What Content To Repost & Educate Team

The first learning begins internally, where you should create an outline of what content you will post on Instagram. There are many options to choose content from on Instagram.

It could be from your brand hashtag, mentions, tagging, or generally relevant content. You should also educate your team that manages your Instagram profile to always stay within the legal boundaries.

These boundaries could include sharing socially acceptable content, not reposting profane content, and many more rules that we have listed further.

2. Curate Content From Diverse Sources

Not really a rule but a best practice that will save you a lot of time & resources. Primarily, you should focus on curating relevant user-generated content from Instagram. 

Once you curate content, you can better filter the best and most valuable content. As you funnel down to the UGC you want to repost, it will become easier for you to proceed with legal reposting.

3. Ask For Permission From Users

It is the most important rule for reposting user-generated content. If you don’t have users’ consent or permission to repost their content, you should not repost UGC.

Legally Reposting on Instagram

Getting permission is easier than it sounds, as there are different ways to do so. The most common way is to directly message the user and ask for explicit permission to repost their content.

Then comes the most secure and perfect way to obtain users’ permission: user-generated content rights management.

Once you get permission from the users, it will become easier for you to repost on Instagram legally without any hassle or implication.

4. Implied Permission With Brand Hashtag

Many brands have their own Instagram hashtag, which is the perfect platform to use hashtags to get users’ permission to use their content.

Implied permission with brand hashtag
Implied Consent via Brand Hashtag

Ask your users to submit valuable user-generated content using the brand hashtags and mention that if selected, the content will be reposted on your profile.

This is an implied form of asking permission from the users, as the users are aware that if they use the hashtag, the content might be reposted by the brand (as stated).

Brands like NatGeo, Airbnb, etc., are already doing so, along with protection from their terms of use for UGC.

5. Follow Finance’s “Credit The Giver” Rule

Even if you have taken all the permission, be it implied or explicit, you must credit the content owner that you are reposting. This has different advantages for your brand.

Firstly, it helps you secure yourself with an extra layer of protection as you are crediting the original source of content.

The added advantage is that you, as a brand, acknowledge the users and give a shoutout that will help them get exposure and showcase their ideas.

For brands, this helps build a diverse brand community with a loyal following and consistent and enhanced user engagement with brand campaigns and social posts.

Giving credit is easy with Instagram, as you can tag users and mention them in the post captions.

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Get Content Rights with Taggbox Rights Management

Tagbox, the best UGC platform, offers complete and legal solutions for collecting, curating, and reposting Instagram UGC for brands.

With Tagbox – UGC rights management– you can collect and curate content from Instagram using hashtags and mentions. Then, you can generate personalized “rights requests” for users and get approval.

how to repost on instagram

Users can approve your “Rights Request” by just replying to the comment. Then, you can freely repurpose that content for reposting and creating marketing campaigns, Ad campaigns, and other commercial purposes (Depending on the rights T&C).

How to get rights using the Tagbox UGC rights management tool:

  • Aggregate your social media UGC into a widget
  • In the moderation panel, select the posts you wish to get rights for and click “get rights”.
  • Download the Google Chrome “Get Rights” extension to choose multiple posts in one go. 
  • On the UGC requests page, connect your Instagram. Choose the account from which you wish to post the comment. 
  • Add all required branded hashtags, personalize the comment or use the pre-written content. This message will be uploaded as a comment on the user’s post.
  • Get rights as quickly as it is approved and repurpose the UGC to uplift your marketing campaigns. 
  • Download the approved content and reap the desired results with UGC

How to Repost On Instagram?

Reposting someone else’s content on Instagram can be a great way to showcase user-generated content while giving credit to the original creator. Here are two primary methods you can use to repost content on Instagram:

There are 3 ways to do Reposting on Instagram: manual reposting and employing a third-party rights management tool.

Method 1. Reposting on Instagram (Manually)

Here are 4 simple steps to manually repost on Instagram.

Step 1: Take a screenshot of the image you want to repost via the default mobile function.

Manual reposting on Instagram

Step 2: The screenshot you take is saved to your mobile phone’s camera roll. Use the upload (camera) button to upload the screenshot to Instagram.

Reposting on Instagram

Step 3: Crop the image and resize it using the Instagram upload editor. Remember not to edit the image; instead, use it in its original form to maintain the authenticity of the profile.

Step 4: Add an eye-catching caption, crediting the content creator and tagging them using (@) mentions. Finally, click on share to repost on Instagram.

Instagram Reposting

Method 2. Reposting on Instagram (Using a Third-Party Tool)

Many third-party tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, Repost on Instagram (Red Cactus), etc. help you repost on Instagram with a few simple steps.

Step 1: Determine the photo that you want to repost. Tap on the (…) icon and click “Copy link.”

Repost on Instagram

Step 2: Open the third-party app. It will automatically recognize the copied URL and will curate the image.

Reposting on Instagram with Third-Party Tool

Step 3: Open Instagram and Edit the caption by giving credits to the content creator using @mention.

Repost on Instagram- Give credit

Step 4: Share the image as a normal post.

Method 3. Remix with the Original Content 

Another innovative approach to reposting content involves using Instagram’s built-in Remix feature, available for Reels and video posts. This feature allows you to create a side-by-side collaboration with the original creator’s content, adding your unique touch to it.

  • Step 1: Find the Post to Remix:

Locate the post you wish to remix. Ensure that the original post is a Reel or video format, as the Remix feature specifically applies to these content types.

  • Step 2: Open the Remix Option:

Tap the three dots (…) on the top right corner of the post and select “Remix This Reel” or “Remix This Video” from the menu options.

  • Step 3: Create Your Remix:

Once you’ve selected the Remix option, the original video will appear on the left side of your screen, while your camera view will be on the right.

Start recording your video on the right while the original content plays simultaneously on the left.

  • Step 4: Add Personalization:

Get creative! As your side of the remix, you can react, add commentary, incorporate gestures, or provide additional context to the original content.

  • Step 5: Review and Publish:

After recording your remix, review it to ensure it aligns with your intent. Add captions, stickers, or other elements if needed.

When satisfied, proceed to publish your Remix to your Instagram profile, giving both the original content and your contribution equal visibility.

All these methods provide ways to repost content while ensuring that due credit is given to the original content creator. Remember, acknowledging and crediting the creator is crucial for maintaining ethical practices and fostering positive relationships within the Instagram community.

How to Repost a Picture on Instagram?

Reposting pictures on Instagram is a common practice and can be done in several ways:

Method 1. Manual Reposting:

You can take a screenshot on your device for static images. Ensure the image is clear and free of any interface elements (like captions or comments) that might obstruct it.

Once you have the screenshot, create a new post on Instagram and upload the image. Remember to credit the original creator in your caption by mentioning their username and acknowledging them for the content.

Method 2. Using Third-Party Apps:

Various third-party apps, such as “Repost for Instagram,” are designed specifically for reposting content. These apps allow you to easily share pictures while giving proper credit to the original creator.

Install the app, find the picture you want to repost and follow its instructions to repost it to your profile. These apps often offer direct sharing options or save the image to your device for posting.

How to Repost On Instagram Story?

Reposting on Instagram stories is almost similar to what we have mentioned above. You can follow most of these rules to repost Instagram UGC legally.

Instagram Story-Regram

You should ask for permission to share UGC in stories, tag the users, share the brand hashtag, etc.

The key part here though is that you should focus on sharing the original content post instead of reshaping or repurposing it.

As we now know the importance of acquiring users’ rights to repost on Instagram, let us explore how to get permission using Taggbox, the authentic rights management tool.

How to Repost Reels on Instagram?

Reposting videos or reels on Instagram involves a few methods. Here’s a guide on how to repost these types of content:

Method 1. Manual Reposting:

For static content or short videos, taking screenshots is an option. For longer videos or reels, you can use screen recording (available on most smartphones) to capture the content.

After capturing, you can repost the screenshot or screen recording by creating a new post and uploading the captured content. Remember to give credit to the original creator in your caption.

Method 2. Using Third-Party Apps:

Several third-party apps, such as “Repost for Instagram,” “InShot,” or “Repost Story for Instagram, ” allow you to repost videos or reels. These apps enable you to share content while properly crediting the original creator.

After installing the app, open it, find the video or reel you want to repost, and follow the instructions provided by the app to repost it to your profile or story.

These methods can help you repost videos or reels on Instagram while respecting the original creator’s content and providing proper credit. Always ensure you have permission to repost the content, especially if it’s not your own, and give due credit to your reposted content.

How to Repost a Story on Instagram that You’re Not Tagged in?

Reposting an Instagram story that you’re not tagged in directly from the app can be a bit tricky as Instagram doesn’t offer a built-in feature for this. However, there are a few methods you can explore to achieve this:

1. Ask for Direct Sharing:

Reach out to the person who posted the story and politely ask them if they could share it with you directly. Instagram allows users to send their stories to specific individuals or groups. They can send you the story via direct message, enabling you to repost it.

2. Screen Recording:

Use the screen recording feature on your mobile device to capture the story. This method involves recording the story while viewing it on your device. Once recorded, you can repost the video as you would with any other content, ensuring credit to the original creator.

3. Third-Party Apps:

Consider using third-party apps designed for downloading or reposting Instagram stories. Some apps allow users to download stories even if you’re not tagged in them. Apps like “Repost Story for Instagram” or “Story Saver” might allow saving and reposting stories.

4. Take a Screenshot:

Capture screenshots of individual frames from the story. Though not the most elegant method, it allows you to capture images from the story. You can compile these images into a carousel post or create a new story with those screenshots, ensuring credit to the original creator.

5. Request for Sharing Permission:

Politely ask the person who posted the story if they’re comfortable with you reposting it. You can do this through direct messaging or by commenting on one of their posts. If they permit you, you can save and repost the story while giving credit.

Remember, it is essential to respect the original creator’s content and seek their permission before reposting their stories. Additionally, always credit the creator when reposting content, whether it’s a story or a post, to maintain ethical practices and foster positive relationships within the Instagram community.

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Why Brands Must Repost UGC On Instagram?

Instagram Reposting

There are several benefits for users and brands, especially if they follow the rules to repost Instagram  UGC legally.

1. Build Trust & Credibility

User-generated content is the most realistic, authentic, and trustworthy form of information about your brand and its products/services. Sharing it on your profile will help you build brand trust and credibility.

2. Showcase & Grow Brand Community

Reposting UGC will help you showcase your brand’s loyal and valuable brand community that talks highly about your brand. This will have a great influence on your new audience.

It will also help you grow your existing community, as other users will also be interested in featuring your brand on your brand’s Instagram, leading to the expansion of your brand community.

3. Grow Brand Reach & Awareness Through WOM

The key advantage brand mentions in UGC is that it helps you expand your brand reach to a more diverse and greater audience through word-of-mouth marketing by the customers.

In this organic marketing concept, the users generate a positive mindset toward the brand. Also, over 90% of the users trust recommendations from other customers or family/friends.

4. More Engagement With Users

Engagement is crucial for brands on social media as it helps users better understand the brand, its identity, and its personality. This helps them make favorable decisions regarding conversions and loyalty.

So, creating, sharing, and reposting user-generated content creates an ecosystem of continuous engagement among the brand and its consumers that brings positive results.

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Closing Note

Now that you have explored the different dimensions of user-generated content and rules for legally reposting on Instagram, it’s time to expand your UGC marketing across different channels with User-generated content rights management solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions:-

How To Repost On Instagram

You can repost on Instagram by sharing a post to your Story or using a UGC platform to take proper rights to repost it.

How Do You Repost Someone’s Story On Instagram

If you are tagged in someone else’s Instagram Story, you will receive a notification in your Direct Messages with the option to ‘Add to your story.’ You can then check it out and comment or reshare it in your own Story.

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