The basic steps for reposting to your story
To add someone's post to your story on most platforms, find the post you want to share, look for a share or forward icon (usually an arrow pointing outward), and select the option to add it to your story. The exact steps depend on which platform you use — Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Snapchat each have slightly different menus and button locations.
When you repost someone's content to your story, the original creator's name and profile usually appear on the repost automatically. This gives them credit and lets your followers see where the content came from. Some platforms let you add your own caption or reaction on top of the reposted content.
The person whose post you're sharing will typically get a notification that you've reposted their content, though this depends on your privacy settings and theirs. If you share to your story rather than your main feed, fewer people will see it — stories disappear after 24 hours on most platforms.
Key Takeaways
- Most platforms have a share or forward button on each post that lets you send it directly to your story without leaving the app.
- The original creator's name stays attached to the repost, so they get credit and a notification that you've shared their work.
- Reposting to your story is different from screenshotting and uploading — the original post link stays active and the creator can see it was shared.
- Some creators turn off the ability to repost their content, in which case the share button will be grayed out or missing.
- Your story privacy settings control who can see the repost — if your story is private, only your close friends or followers will see it.
How to repost on Instagram
On Instagram, open the post you want to share. Tap the paper airplane icon (the send button) in the bottom right corner of the post. A menu will appear with options including "Add post to your story." Tap that option, and Instagram will open your story editor with the post already added.
You can add text, stickers, or drawings on top of the reposted content before you post it to your story. The original creator's username appears at the top of the repost, and they'll get a notification that you've shared it. If the share button is grayed out or missing, that creator has disabled reposts of their content.
How to repost on Facebook
On Facebook, find the post and click the three dots in the top right corner of the post. Select "Share to your story" from the menu that appears. Facebook will open your story editor and show you a preview of how the repost will look.
You can add your own text or reactions before posting. The original post's creator will see that you've shared it, and their name will appear on the repost so your followers know where it came from. If you want to share the post to your main timeline instead of your story, choose "Share now" from that same three-dot menu.
How to repost on TikTok
On TikTok, tap the share icon (the arrow pointing to the right) on the video you want to repost. Select "Add to favorites" if you want to save it for later, or look for the option to share it to your story — this may be labeled "Share to story" or appear under additional sharing options depending on your app version.
TikTok's story feature is less prominent than Instagram's, so the repost option may not be when ready visible. If you don't see a story option, you can share the video link directly to your followers through direct message instead, or you can save the video and upload it as your own post (though this is different from reposting, since it doesn't credit the original creator automatically).
How to repost on Snapchat
On Snapchat, open the snap or story you want to share. Press and hold on the content, and a menu will appear with sharing options. Select "Share to my story" or "Send to story," depending on your app version. Snapchat will add the snap to your story with the original creator's name attached.
You can add text, drawings, or stickers to your repost before posting it. The original creator will get a notification that you've shared their snap. If the repost option doesn't appear, that user has their privacy settings configured to prevent others from reposting their content.
What happens when you repost someone's content
When you repost, the original creator gets a notification showing your username and profile picture. They can see that you've shared their content to your story, and they can tap the notification to view your story. This is different from a like or comment — it's a more visible form of engagement that shows you thought the content was worth sharing with your followers.
The original post remains linked to the repost, so if someone clicks on the reposted content in your story, they can see the original post and the original creator's profile. This drives traffic and attention back to the creator, which is why many people appreciate being reposted.
If the original creator has made their account private, only their followers can see the original post when someone clicks through from your repost. If they've deleted the post, the repost in your story may show an error or blank space.
When creators disable reposts
Some creators turn off the ability for others to repost their content. When this happens, the share button will be grayed out, disabled, or missing entirely from that post. This is a privacy or content control choice — the creator may not want their content shared widely, or they may prefer to control how their work is distributed.
If you want to share content from someone who has disabled reposts, you can screenshot the post and upload it as your own, but this doesn't give the original creator credit or a notification. The better option is to ask the creator directly if they're willing to let you share it, or to straightforward tag them in a comment on your own post about their content instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone see if I repost their content?
Yes, the original creator gets a notification when you repost their content to your story. They can see your username and tap through to view your story. However, they can only see that you reposted it — they can't see who viewed your story unless they're already following you.
What's the difference between reposting and screenshotting?
Reposting keeps the original post linked and credits the creator automatically. Screenshotting and uploading the image yourself breaks that link and doesn't notify the creator. Reposting is the better choice because it directs people back to the original creator's profile.
Can I repost someone's content if they have a private account?
Only if you follow them. If their account is private and you're not a follower, you won't be able to see their posts or repost them. If you do follow them, you can repost their content, but only your followers will be able to see the original post when they click through.
What if I repost something by accident?
You can delete the repost from your story the same way you'd delete any story — tap and hold on the story, then select delete or remove. The original creator will no longer see the notification that you reposted it once you delete it.
Do I need permission to repost someone's content?
Most platforms allow reposting by default unless the creator has disabled it. However, it's good practice to ask before reposting someone's personal or sensitive content. If they've disabled reposts, they've already said no — respect that choice and don't screenshot and reupload instead.