How to repost an Instagram story (and why you cannot)
Written by Yogesh, Founder of Linkerzz
· 3 min read
instagram storyThe short answer
To repost someone's story, open it, tap Share, then Add to story, and share it. This works only if their account is public and they allow re-shares. If someone mentions you in their story, you get a message with an option to add it to yours. Always credit the original poster.
Linkerzz makes a link-in-bio page builder and is not affiliated with Instagram, TikTok or any other app named here. Facts about other apps were checked on October 16, 2026. Apps change their menus often, so trust the app's own help page if yours looks different.
On this page
Sharing a story you love, or one you were mentioned in, is built into Instagram. The option is not always there, though, and the reasons are not always clear. This guide shows the steps, explains the rules and says what to do when the button is missing.
The short answer
- Open the story you want to share.
- Tap Share.
- Tap Add to story.
- Edit it if you like, then share it.
Instagram’s help pages say this only works if the account that posted the story is public, and the labels in the app can change over time.
How to repost a story you were mentioned in
When someone mentions you in their story, Instagram’s help pages say you get a notification in your direct messages with that person, and an option to add the story to your own. The mention appears as a sticker you can resize, rotate and decorate.
Two details matter:
- If you do not follow the person who mentioned you, the notification appears in your inbox as a message request.
- If the person who mentioned you has a private account, they decide whether you can add the story to yours.
Why you cannot repost a story
If the option is missing, check these:
| Reason | What to do |
|---|---|
| The account is private | You cannot share it unless you were mentioned and they allow it |
| The poster turned off re-shares | Instagram’s help pages say you cannot add it, even if you were mentioned |
| You were not mentioned and they are public | Use the Share button on the story |
| The story has expired | Stories disappear after a while, so it is gone |
If none of these applies, update the app, since Instagram moves menus and buttons often.
What viewers see
When you share someone’s story, Instagram’s help pages say viewers can see who originally posted it and can open that account. That is how the original poster gets credit. It is still good manners to add a line of thanks or tag them.
Reposting for business
If you want to share a customer’s story or a partner’s post, ask first and thank them. For anything you use more than once, such as a photo in an advert, get their permission in writing. The repost button is not a licence to reuse someone’s work.
If you work with a photographer, an artist or a creator, tell them where their work will appear and credit them clearly. It is the surest way to be asked again.
Make your own stories work harder
You can add a link to your own story so viewers can tap through to your page. We explain how in How to add a link to your Instagram story. If you are wondering whether people can see you screenshotting stories, read Does Instagram notify when you screenshot a story?.
One page for everything you share
Stories disappear, and your link does not. A Linkerzz page gives everything you share a permanent home: your best work, your contact form and your booking link. It is free to start.
Not sure how to size your own Stories and Reels? See Instagram image sizes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I repost a story on Instagram?
Open the story, tap Share, then Add to story, and share it. Instagram's Help Center says you can only share someone's story to your own if their account is public.
Why can I not repost someone's story?
Their account may be private, or they may have turned off story re-shares. Instagram's help pages say that if re-sharing is off, you cannot add the story even if you were mentioned in it.
How do I repost a story I was mentioned in?
When someone mentions you in their story, you get a notification in your direct messages with an option to add that story to your own.
Does the person know I reposted their story?
Viewers of your repost can see who originally posted it and can open that account.
Can I repost a story from a private account?
Only if you are mentioned in it and the private account allows it. Instagram's help pages say that for a private account, the person who mentions you decides whether you can add the story to yours.
Should I credit the person I repost?
Yes. The repost shows who posted it, but a short thank-you or mention is polite, and it is required if you use someone's work for a business.
Official sources checked
The facts about other apps in this guide come from these pages, checked on October 16, 2026.
