How to Repost Pictures on Instagram

If you enter a lot of contests on Instagram, you have probably seen posts that ask you to repost on Instagram to qualify—either by sharing a brand’s photo or by uploading your own Instagram photos with a specific hashtag.

Here is a real example of how this looks in a live campaign:

Historically, Instagram did not have a native repost feature, which confused many users and led to the rise of third-party apps. But as of 2025, Instagram has introduced a repost button (accessible via the paper airplane icon), allowing you to share content from other accounts directly to your profile or post to your Story.

That said, many giveaways still rely on traditional methods, so it is important to know all available options and how to credit the original properly.

This can cause a lot of frustration for users who are unfamiliar with how to repost Instagram photos, especially during contests that require it.

Take this giveaway example: despite being a great promotional Instagram post, there is no obvious way within the app to reshare it directly to your profile.

There are two main ways to repost on Instagram, depending on the format of the content and your goals.

One reliable method is using a third-party app like Repost for Instagram, available on both iOS and Android. These apps allow you to download and share user generated content to your own feed or Story.

Here is how to do it step by step:

First, find the image inside the Instagram app. This works best with standard Instagram content like single-photo posts.

Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the post, then tap Copy Link. This will copy the shareable URL to your clipboard.

Open the Repost app. It will automatically detect the Instagram URL in your clipboard and pull up the image for you to share. Most apps also include options to credit the original user, which is best practice.

Next, choose the Copy to Instagram option in the repost app. The app will save the original caption to your clipboard since Instagram still does not allow third-party apps to pre-fill captions directly.

Paste the caption, double-check the formatting, then hit Share Post. That’s it—you’ve successfully reposted the image.

A major benefit of this method is that most apps will automatically credit the original content creator via watermark or mention, which is best practice when resharing Instagram content.

This alternative method is not ideal, as it does not include credit to the original poster, but it can work in a pinch—especially for quick contest entries.

Take a screenshot of the Instagram photo you want to repost:

• iOS: Press Side + Volume Up at the same time
• Android: Press Volume Down + Power button

Once the screenshot is saved, open it in the Instagram app. You will need to crop out any unwanted interface elements or borders before uploading.

Now just add your caption, relevant hashtags, and post the image. While this method lacks a way to credit the original, it remains useful when repost permissions are granted or not required—such as in branded contests or giveaways.

You can repost Instagram Stories in a few specific situations. If someone tags you in their Story, you will receive a notification in your DMs with the option to add it to your own Story. However, there is no native way to repost someone else’s Story if you are not tagged in it.

Some third-party apps and screen recording methods exist, but they should be used carefully—especially if the content is not public or repost permissions are unclear.

Always credit the original creator, and when in doubt, ask for permission before reposting someone else’s Story content.

If your goal is to make your Instagram photos go viral, running a giveaway is one of the most effective strategies. It encourages users to engage, tag friends, and share content—all of which can trigger the algorithm to increase your post’s reach.

Gleam offers ready-made Instagram giveaway templates designed specifically to help you amplify visibility and attract real engagement.

Use this Instagram Giveaway Template to run viral promotions where users can enter by completing specific actions like following your account, visiting your store, or tagging friends.

The goal is to build momentum around your post and reach new audiences on social media, all while growing your followers and email list.

Use this Instagram Comment Picker Template to randomly select winners from post comments. This is perfect for fast, low-barrier entry giveaways where your audience simply leaves a comment to join.

Both templates are designed to help your Instagram content gain traction, generate real interaction, and give users a reason to engage and reshare your posts.