What Happens When You Repost a Reel on Instagram?

Instagram Reels have quickly become one of the most popular forms of content on social media. Whether you are a creator, a brand, or just a casual user, sharing and resharing Reels can boost engagement, reach new audiences, and keep your profile active. But what really happens when you repost a Reel on Instagram? Does it appear on your followers’ feeds? Does it affect the original creator? Can you even track the performance of a reposted Reel?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about reposting Reels on Instagram—from the technical side to the social implications.

Understanding Instagram Reels

Reels are Instagram’s short-form video format, similar to TikTok videos or YouTube Shorts. They are designed for quick, entertaining, and visually engaging content. Reels can be discovered in multiple places:

• The Reels tab on Instagram

• The Explore page

• Inside your profile grid (if you choose to share there)

• Through the Feed if someone follows you

Because of their discoverability, Reels often gain much more reach compared to static posts. This is also why many users and brands choose to repost Reels as a way of keeping their content strategy alive.

Ways to Repost a Reel

There isn’t a single definition of “reposting.” Depending on what you do, the results can vary. Here are the main ways to repost a Reel on Instagram:

1. Sharing to Your Story

   • When you see a Reel you like, you can tap the “paper airplane” icon and share it to your Instagram Story.

   • The Reel appears as a clickable preview in your Story for 24 hours.

   • Followers can tap and watch the full Reel on the creator’s page.

2. Sharing to Your Feed (as a repost app or downloaded video)

   • Some people use third-party apps or download the video and upload it as their own Reel.

   • This creates a new piece of content on your profile.

   • It will appear in your followers’ feeds, just like an original post.

   • Note: This can raise copyright or credit issues if you don’t mention the original creator.

3. Collab Feature

   • Instagram’s “Collab” option allows two accounts to co-own a Reel.

   • The Reel shows up on both profiles and reaches both audiences.

   • This is the most authentic way to “repost” with permission.

4. Saving to Collections

   • Technically not a repost, but you can save a Reel to your personal collection.

   • This doesn’t make it visible to your followers, but it allows you to reference it later.

What Actually Happens After You Repost a Reel?

Let’s break it down depending on the method you choose.

1. If You Share a Reel to Your Story:

• It stays visible for 24 hours.

• The original creator’s useame is always visible.

• Followers can tap the Reel and be redirected to the original post.

• It doesn’t show up on your profile grid or Reels tab.

• Engagement (likes, comments, shares) goes to the original creator, not to you.

Impact: Great for quick engagement and showing appreciation to a creator, but not ideal if you want to grow your own profile with long-lasting content.

2. If You Repost a Reel to Your Feed (via app or download):

• The Reel appears on your profile grid and Reels tab.

• It looks like your own content unless you credit the creator.

• Engagement (likes, comments, shares) goes directly to your post.

• You may reach your followers and possibly get exposure through Explore if the video performs well.

• However, Instagram’s algorithm sometimes detects duplicate content and may limit reach.

Impact: Can help grow your account but comes with risks—copyright issues, algorithm penalties, and potential criticism for “stealing content.”

3. If You Use the Collab Feature:

• The Reel appears on both accounts’ feeds.

• Likes, comments, and shares are shared between both profiles.

• Followers of both accounts see the Reel.

• It’s considered more authentic since it acknowledges the original creator.

Impact: A win-win situation. Both creators gain exposure, and the Reel benefits from combined engagement.

The Algorithm Effect of Reposting Reels

Instagram’s algorithm is designed to reward original content. However, reposts can still perform well depending on the method.

• Story shares → Neutral effect; doesn’t hurt your account, but doesn’t give you much growth either.

• Feed reposts without credit → Risky; may limit your reach.

• Feed reposts with proper credit → Safer, but still not as powerful as original content.

• Collabs → Highly favored by the algorithm because it encourages interaction between users.

Benefits of Reposting Reels

1. Boost Engagement – Sharing trending or viral Reels can make your account look more active.

2. Provide Value to Your Followers – If you share informative or entertaining Reels, you become a trusted source of good content.

3. Networking & Collaboration – Tagging creators can open doors for collaborations.

4. Saves Time – You don’t always need to produce original content from scratch.

Risks of Reposting Reels

1. Copyright Issues – Using someone else’s video without permission can lead to takedowns.

2. Shadowbans or Reduced Reach – Instagram may suppress duplicate content.

3. Loss of Authenticity – Too much reposting may make your profile look unoriginal.

4. Negative Community Perception – Creators and followers may call you out for not giving credit.

Best Practices for Reposting Reels

• Always credit the original creator. Tag their useame in the caption or video.

• Use Repost apps responsibly. Choose ones that automatically watermark or give credit.

• Mix reposted content with original Reels. This keeps your profile authentic.

• Ask for permission. Especially if you’re a brand or business.

• Use captions and hashtags. Optimize your repost for SEO inside Instagram.

FAQs About Reposting Instagram Reels

1. Can I repost a Reel without asking the creator?
Technically, yes—but it’s not recommended. Always ask for permission to avoid copyright or ethical issues.

2. Do reposted Reels go viral?
They can, especially if the content is trending, but original content generally performs better.

3. Does Instagram notify the creator when I share their Reel to my Story?
Yes. The creator gets a notification that you shared their Reel.

4. Will my followers know it’s not my original Reel?
If you don’t credit the creator, many followers might not know—but transparency builds trust, so it’s best to give credit.

5. Can I monetize reposted Reels?
Not directly. Instagram requires original content for monetization features like bonuses and ads.

Conclusion

Reposting a Reel on Instagram can be a powerful way to stay active, share entertaining content, and engage with your community. However, the impact depends on how you repost—whether it’s a quick Story share, a full Feed repost, or an official Collab.

If your goal is to grow on Instagram, the best strategy is to combine original Reels with occasional reposts that add value for your audience. Always remember to credit creators, respect copyright rules, and balance your reposts with authentic content.

In the long run, Instagram rewards creativity and originality—but smart reposting can still be a valuable tool in your social media strategy.