The Ultimate Guide to Instagram Reposts in 2025 (5 Ways)
Unlock the power of community! Our 2025 guide reveals 5 easy ways to repost on Instagram, from Stories to Reels, while building trust and engagement.
Chloe Bennett
A social media strategist helping brands build authentic online communities.
Ever been scrolling through your Instagram feed and stumbled upon it? That perfect photo. A customer unboxing your product with a huge smile, a traveler framing your art print in their new apartment, or someone using your app to achieve their goals. It’s a powerful, authentic moment that no marketing campaign can truly replicate.
Your first instinct is to share it with your own audience. But how? In 2025, the world of Instagram is more nuanced than ever. Simply taking a screenshot and posting it feels a bit... dated. The good news is, sharing user-generated content (UGC) is still one of the most effective ways to build community and social proof. You just need to know the right way to do it.
Forget the clunky, low-res reposts of the past. We’re diving into the ultimate guide to reposting on Instagram in 2025, covering everything from Stories to Reels with five modern methods.
The Unbreakable Golden Rule: Permission & Credit
Before we get into the “how,” let’s establish the “must.” This is non-negotiable. Always, always, always ask for permission before reposting someone else’s content. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it also protects you from potential copyright issues and shows respect for the original creator.
A simple DM or a comment on their post is usually all it takes. Something like:
“Hi [Username]! We absolutely love this [photo/Reel]! Would you mind if we shared it on our feed? We’ll be sure to give you full credit, of course! ✨”
Once you get that “yes,” you’re ready to go. And when you do post, giving credit isn’t just a tiny tag at the end of a long caption. Make it clear and prominent. Tag the creator in the photo/video itself and mention them at the beginning of your caption (e.g., “📸: @[username]”). This fosters goodwill and encourages more people to share content featuring your brand.
Method 1: The Classic Screenshot (The Old Faithful, Upgraded)
Let's start with the most basic method. The screenshot is the OG of reposting, but in 2025, it requires a little finesse to not look amateurish.
How It Works
It's as simple as it sounds: take a screenshot of the post, crop it carefully to remove any surrounding UI elements, and then upload it as a new post on your own feed.
The 2025 Take
- Clean Crop is Key: Make sure no part of the Instagram interface (likes, comments, their username at the top) is visible. It should look like a native image.
- Enhance, Don't Alter: You can use a simple editing app like VSCO or even Instagram’s own tools to slightly brighten the image or ensure it fits your feed’s aesthetic, but never fundamentally change the photo without the creator's permission.
- Best For: Simple, static image posts where you need a quick content solution.
The Downside: This method's biggest weakness is quality. Screenshots are often lower resolution than the original file. Plus, it doesn’t work for video or Reels. It’s a fallback, not a primary strategy.
Method 2: The Native Route: 'Add to Story'
Instagram makes sharing other people’s content to your Story incredibly easy. This is the platform’s officially sanctioned way of “reposting,” and it’s perfect for quick, ephemeral shout-outs.
How It Works
- Navigate to the post or Reel you want to share.
- Tap the paper airplane icon (the Share button).
- Select “Add to your story.”
- From here, you can resize the post, add text, GIFs, or stickers to provide context. The post will automatically include a tappable link back to the original, along with the creator's username.
This is the best method for engaging with your community in real-time. See a great post from a fan? Share it to your Story instantly. It’s low-effort, high-impact, and drives traffic directly to the original creator, which they’ll appreciate.
The Downside: It's for Stories only. This content disappears after 24 hours (unless you save it to a Highlight) and won't live on your permanent feed grid.
Method 3: The Power User's Pick: Dedicated Repost Apps
For those who frequently share UGC on their main feed, a dedicated reposting app can be a lifesaver. These third-party apps connect to your Instagram account and streamline the process of downloading and reposting content while automatically adding a credit watermark.
How They Work
Most apps function similarly: you copy the link of the Instagram post you want to share, open the repost app, and it automatically pulls in the photo or video. You can then choose the position of the credit watermark (or sometimes remove it) and export it directly to your Instagram feed or Stories.
| Feature | Repost Apps | Manual Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Video & Reels Support | ✅ Yes | ❌ (Screenshot) / ✅ (Manual Download) |
| Automatic Credit | ✅ Yes (usually as a watermark) | ❌ No (must be done manually) |
| Content Quality | High | Low (Screenshot) / High (Original File) |
| Cost | Often free with ads, or a small subscription fee. | Free |
The Downside: You're relying on a third-party app, which can come with ads or subscription fees. Some marketers also argue that the credit watermark can look a bit clunky on a highly curated feed.
Method 4: The Partnership Play: Instagram's 'Collab' Feature
This isn't a "repost" in the traditional sense, but it’s the most integrated and powerful way to share content in 2025. The Collab feature allows two accounts to be co-authors of a single post or Reel. The content appears on both users' profile grids and shares the same like and comment counts.
How It Works
The original creator makes the post as usual. On the final screen before sharing, they tap “Tag People” and then “Invite Collaborator.” They search for your username and send an invite. Once you accept, the post appears on your profile, too.
This is the gold standard for brand/creator partnerships, sharing testimonials, or co-hosting a giveaway. It’s a true win-win, as both accounts get exposure to the other’s audience.
The Downside: It requires coordination with the original creator. They have to be the ones to initiate the collaboration when they first upload the post. You can't retroactively turn a post into a Collab.
Method 5: The Creative's Choice: Manual Reel Reposting
What if you want to share an amazing Reel to your own feed, and a Collab isn't an option? This requires a manual, but high-quality, approach.
How It Works
When you ask for permission to repost a Reel, also ask the creator if they’d be willing to send you the original video file. This ensures you have the highest possible quality, free of any watermarks from other platforms (like TikTok).
Once you have the file:
- Upload it as a new Reel from your account.
- Use trending audio or the original audio if it's unique.
- Credit Extensively: This is crucial. Your first line in the caption should be something like, “An incredible Reel by the talented @[username]! We just had to share.” Tag them in the Reel itself and consider adding a small text overlay on the video with their handle.
This method gives you full control over the caption, audio, and timing, allowing you to seamlessly integrate the UGC into your own content strategy while giving the creator a huge, authentic shout-out.
Your 2025 Repost Recap
Reposting is more than just filling your content calendar. It’s about building a brand that people feel a part of. It’s about turning customers into advocates and followers into a community.
- For quick, daily engagement: Use the native 'Add to Story' feature.
- For formal partnerships: Aim for an Instagram 'Collab' post.
- For high-quality feed content: Use a dedicated repost app or, even better, get the original file from the creator.
- In a pinch: A clean, well-cropped screenshot can work for static images.
No matter which method you choose, always lead with respect. Ask for permission, give enthusiastic credit, and celebrate the people who make your brand what it is. Now go out there and share the love!
What's your favorite way to share user-generated content? Let us know in the comments below!