Instagram shared posts allow users to share someone else’s post to their own Instagram profile. This can be a great way to share content from influencers, brands, or other accounts that you want to highlight to your own followers. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to easily do a shared post on Instagram.
What is an Instagram Shared Post?
An Instagram shared post, also sometimes called a re-share, is when you share someone else’s existing Instagram post on your own profile. This keeps the original poster’s caption, but allows you to add your own commentary above it. You can share posts from any public Instagram account that you follow.
Shared posts function similarly to retweets on Twitter. They allow you to amplify and comment on content from other accounts that you find interesting or relevant to your own audience. Your followers will see the shared post in their feeds with your remark above the original poster’s caption.
Shared posts differ from Instagram story re-shares, where you can also reshare someone else’s content but it is only visible for 24 hours. Shared posts appear right in your main Instagram profile grid and remain there unless deleted.
Why Share Instagram Posts?
There are several reasons you may want to share another user’s Instagram post:
- To give them credit for content you find interesting or helpful
- To start a conversation and add your perspective
- To highlight relevant content from influencers in your industry
- To entertain your audience by resharing funny memes or viral content
- To expose great content from other accounts to your own followers
- To align yourself with certain brands and publishers by sharing their content
Shared posts allow you to curate and contextualize content for your audience rather than always posting original photos. With the proper attribution, it can be an effective way to engage your followers with relevant social media content.
How to Do a Shared Post on Instagram
Doing a shared post on Instagram only takes a few quick steps. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Open the Instagram post you want to share and tap the three dots in the upper right corner.
- Select “Share Post” from the menu that pops up.
- This will open up a new post on your profile with the original caption and tags included.
- Above the original caption, draft your own commentary on the post or why you are sharing it.
- If desired, tag the original poster’s account to give them credit.
- Tap “Share” and the post will go live on your profile.
And that’s it! The post will now appear both on the original user’s account as well as shared on your own profile. Your followers will see your added remark above the original poster’s caption when they scroll through their feed.
Tips for Shared Instagram Posts
Here are some tips to make the most of Instagram shared posts:
- Add value for your audience by sharing posts that are informative, useful, or entertaining to them.
- Make your added commentary substantial – don’t just write “Check this out!” Explain why you are sharing the post.
- Always credit the original poster by tagging their account.
- Ask permission first before sharing posts from accounts you don’t follow.
- Mix in original content along with your shared posts so your profile doesn’t become all re-shares.
- Use relevant hashtags on your added commentary to expand the reach.
- Monitor engagement and notice which types of shared posts resonate most with your followers.
What Gets Shared on Instagram?
Many different types of posts can work well for Instagram shares. Some of the top content that gets reshared includes:
- Behind-the-scenes images from influencers
- Relatable quotes and infographics
- Sneak peeks of new products
- Funny or viral memes and videos
- User-generated content showing real customers
- Inspirational stories and messages
- How-tos and tutorials
- Cool animations and carousels
- Contest announcements or calls to action
Essentially, look for posts that made you pause and are likely to provoke interest or conversation when shared with your own following. The content should ideally be evergreen rather than timely, so it retains relevance even when reshared. Also be aware of the original poster’s preferences – some users may not want their content re-shared.
Instagram Stickers for Shared Posts
Instagram has stickers available specifically for shared posts. When sharing a post, look for the “Shared Post” sticker option. You can add these colorful stickers to your image to better designate that it is a re-share. The stickers also automatically tag and credit the original account.
Some sticker options include:
- “Shared Post” text sticker
- “OG Post” text sticker
- “Thanks for Sharing” heart hands sticker
- “Repost” arrow sticker
Using these stickers is completely optional, but they do help clearly identify when a post is a re-share and not original content. The stickers can be positioned anywhere on the image or video.
Analytics for Shared Posts
Within Instagram’s analytics, you can view data on your shared post content vs. your original posts. To see these metrics:
- Go to your profile and tap the bar graph icon in the top right.
- Under the “Posts” section, toggle from “Feed Post Metrics” to “Shared Posts Metrics.”
- This will display engagement data only for your shared posts.
Compare metrics like impressions, reach and engagement rate between your original vs. shared posts. This can help you identify what types of re-shares resonate most with your audience.
Pros of Instagram Shared Posts
Some advantages of using shared posts include:
- They are quick and easy to put together.
- You don’t need to create new content from scratch.
- They allow you to feature niche interests or topics outside your norm.
- They build relationships and connect you with relevant accounts.
- They entertain followers by providing a curated social media experience.
- They can expose your brand to new audiences when you share influencer content.
Cons of Instagram Shared Posts
Some potential downsides of relying on shared posts include:
- Overuse could make your profile appear unoriginal.
- The original content may not align with your brand image or ethics.
- It gives control over your feed to external accounts.
- You are dependent on others creating great content to share.
- The original poster could change or delete the content, affecting your post.
- Your unique perspective gets limited compared to original posts.
Instagram Shared Post vs. Story Re-Share
Instagram also allows you to reshare content to your Instagram Stories. This is different than a feed shared post in a few key ways:
Shared Post | Story Re-Share |
---|---|
Appears in main profile grid | Appears in Instagram Stories |
Permanent unless deleted | Disappears after 24 hours |
Can add commentary above original caption | Overlayed commentary boxes |
Story re-shares offer a more temporary reshare that your followers view by tapping through your stories. Shared feed posts are a permanent part of your profile and content strategy.
Instagram Link Sharing vs. Post Sharing
Instagram also gives you the option to share links within your stories or feed posts. For example, you could share a link to an external blog post or article. The key differences between link sharing and post sharing are:
- Link sharing sends users off Instagram to access external content.
- Post sharing keeps users within the Instagram app to view the full post.
Link sharing focuses on driving traffic elsewhere, while post sharing aims to engage users within the Instagram ecosystem.
Copyright and Shared Posts
When sharing posts, you should always respect copyrights and properly credit the original poster. Avoid re-sharing content from accounts that specifically state that they do not allow resharing. Using Instagram stickers and tags makes it clear the post is not your original content.
Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, resharing small excerpts for purposes like commentary and criticism is usually permitted under fair use. However, never repost full copies of copyrighted images, videos or other content without permission.
The safest approach is to only share content from business or influencer accounts that publicly welcome re-shares. Avoid simply copying meme accounts or joke content without adding your own substantial commentary.
Alternatives to Shared Posts
Beyond basic shared posts, there are a few other ways to regram content on Instagram:
- Stories – Quickly reshare posts to your stories
- Collages – Use apps to combine multiple posts into a collage
- Screenshots – Download and reupload screenshots of posts
- Embeds – Tools like LinkTree allow embeds of Instagram posts
However, the simplest method is the dedicated share post option within the Instagram app. This seamlessly regrams content with proper tagging and attribution.
Third-Party Apps for Sharing
There are also various third-party apps and tools focused on regramming Instagram content. Popular options include:
- Repost – Scheduling and analytics for shared posts
- Regram – Adds frames and filters to posts
- Postize – Reshare scheduling and watermark removal
- Ingfx – Creates custom designs and frames
However, Instagram’s built-in sharing tends to be the easiest and most seamless approach. Third-party services often require connecting additional accounts or paying subscription fees.
Engaging With Shared Content
To maximize the impact of shared posts with your audience:
- Ask questions to spark conversation in your added commentary
- Use relevant emojis to make your message more approachable
- Respond and engage with comments from your followers
- Send DMs to thank users when they share your content
- Share user-generated posts of customers using your products
- Run giveaways where people must share a post for a chance to win
Driving engagement takes your shared posts from a passive content strategy to an active community-builder and converter.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key things to keep in mind when sharing Instagram posts:
- Use the share post menu within the app for easy regramming
- Always add your own substantial commentary on top of the original caption
- Give proper photo credit and tag the original poster’s account
- Look for posts that provide value for your target audience
- Monitor analytics to see which types of shares perform best
- Balance shared content with posting unique photos and videos
With the right mix of original and curated content, shared posts can be a valuable part of your Instagram strategy. Just be sure to provide proper attribution and alert followers that it is not your own original photo or video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get banned on Instagram for sharing posts?
You should not get banned just for using Instagram’s official share post feature appropriately. However, repeatedly sharing content that you do not have rights to use or failing to credit the original poster could potentially lead to penalties.
Do shared posts on Instagram expire?
No, Instagram shared posts remain in your profile grid unless actively deleted. They do not have an expiration date like story shares. The original post could get deleted, which would remove it from your profile.
Can you share an Instagram post more than once?
Yes, you can share the same Instagram post multiple times from your profile. Your followers may see duplicate content, but there is no limit to how often you can share a post.
Do shared posts notify the original poster?
No, creators are not automatically notified when someone does a shared post of their content on Instagram. However, they will see you tagged in it if you properly give them credit.
Can private Instagram accounts do shared posts?
No, only public Instagram accounts can utilize shared posts. Private profiles can only share posts via direct message.
Conclusion
Instagram’s shared post feature provides a seamless way to ethically amplify and add your perspective to content from other accounts. When used strategically, it can help diversify your profile, entertain your audience, and build connections with relevant voices in your industry.
Just be sure to customize the message, properly attribute credit, follow copyrights, and balance re-sharing with original uploads. With mindful use, shared posts give you an easy tool to engage your followers through curated social content.