When you repost a Reel on Instagram today, what happens depends on how you repost it and whether you use the new built‑in repost button or just share it to Stories.

Quick Scoop

  • Reposting with Instagram’s Repost button adds that Reel to a dedicated “Reposts” tab on your profile and shows it in your followers’ feeds, but the credit and original post stay with the creator.
  • Sharing a Reel to your Story makes it visible for 24 hours, sends engagement to the original creator, and clearly shows their username.
  • Using third‑party apps or downloading and uploading as your own Reel creates a new post on your profile, but can trigger copyright issues and sometimes reduced reach.

The main ways you can “repost” a Reel

1. Repost button to your feed

Instagram now has a native repost feature (swirly arrows icon) on some posts and Reels.

What happens when you use it:

  • The repost appears in your followers’ feeds, similar to sharing a tweet on X.
  • It shows on a separate Reposts tab on your profile, between your Reels and Tagged tabs, not as a normal grid post.
  • The Reel is always credited to the original account, even when displayed on your profile.
  • If you change your mind, you can tap the repost button again to remove it.

Effectively, you’re boosting someone else’s content to your audience without making a duplicate file or “owning” the post yourself.

2. Sharing a Reel to your Story

This is the most common casual “repost.”

What happens:

  • The Reel appears as a tappable preview sticker in your Story for 24 hours.
  • Viewers can tap it and go straight to the original Reel on the creator’s profile.
  • The creator’s @handle is visible on the Story preview by default.
  • All likes, comments, saves, and shares still count on the original Reel , not on your profile.
  • The creator gets a notification that you shared their Reel to your Story.

Impact on you:

  • Good for showing appreciation and keeping your Story active.
  • Very little direct profile growth, because it doesn’t show in your feed or Reels tab and doesn’t count as your own content.

3. Reposting as your own Reel (download or repost apps)

Some people download the Reel or use a reposting app, then upload it as if it were theirs.

What happens:

  • It becomes a brand‑new Reel on your profile, with its own stats, reach, and comments.
  • It appears in your feed and Reels tab, just like any other Reel you post.
  • Engagement (likes, comments, shares, saves) counts for your account, not the original creator’s.
  • Many repost apps add a visible credit tag or watermark with the original username, but this depends on the app and settings.

Risks:

  • Instagram favors original content; obvious duplicates can get reduced reach or feel “off” to your audience.
  • Using other people’s videos without permission can lead to copyright complaints, takedowns, or bad community perception.
  • Monetization features typically require original content, so reposted Reels usually can’t be monetized directly.

4. Collab Reels (the “cleanest” way to repost)

Instead of silently reposting, you can use the Collab feature, where one Reel is shared between two accounts.

What happens:

  • The Reel appears on both profiles and reaches both audiences.
  • Both usernames appear as co‑authors on the Reel.
  • Engagement (likes, comments, shares) is shared on the same post, not split across two different uploads.
  • This format tends to be treated more positively by the algorithm because it encourages interaction between users and communities.

This is often the best option for brands, creators, or friends who want to “repost” but stay transparent and collaborative.

How it affects reach, the algorithm, and etiquette

Algorithm and reach

  • Story shares : Neutral. They don’t hurt your account, but they don’t build a permanent content library for you either.
  • Native repost button : Helps amplify others’ content with low friction; Instagram even surfaces a separate Reposts tab to keep your main grid cleaner.
  • Feed reposts via download/repost apps : Can work for growth, but may be limited if detected as duplicate content.
  • Collabs : Often favored; they expand reach to two audiences and encourage co‑creation.

Credit, consent, and community vibes

  • Always tagging or mentioning the original creator is recommended; it’s both ethical and better for trust with your followers.
  • Many brands now use reposting as a form of user‑generated content curation , but typically only with permission or clear credit.
  • Over‑reliance on reposts can make your profile feel less authentic, especially if you rarely share anything original.

Quick FAQ style rundown

  • Does the original creator get notified when I repost to my Story?
    Yes, they receive a notification that you shared their Reel.
  • Do my followers know it’s not my Reel?
    On Stories and with the native repost button, yes—the original username is visible. If you upload a downloaded video without clear credit, many people might not realize.
  • Can I repost from private accounts?
    The native repost button and typical share options only work from public accounts; content from private accounts generally can’t be reposted to the wider public.
  • Can I earn money from reposted Reels?
    Usually no; Instagram’s monetization tools emphasize original content, so reposts don’t qualify in the same way.

SEO bits for your post

  • Focus keyword to weave in naturally: “what happens when you repost a reel on instagram” (and variations like “how the Instagram repost button works” and “reposting Reels to Stories and feed”).
  • Meta description idea (keep it under ~160 characters, adapt as needed):
    Wondering what happens when you repost a Reel on Instagram? Learn how Story shares, the new repost button, and third‑party apps affect reach, credit, and risks.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.