Sharing photos on Instagram can seem tricky at first. Unlike other platforms with simple share buttons, Instagram offers various methods for sharing, each with its nuances. This guide will walk you through how to share photos on Instagram, covering everything from reposting to sharing to your Story.
Sharing a photo on Instagram
Sharing to Your Instagram Feed
This is the most common way to share photos. Tap the ‘+’ icon at the bottom of your screen, select a photo or video from your gallery, or take a new one. You can enhance your photos with filters and editing tools. For multiple photos, create a carousel post. Videos can be up to 60 seconds long.
Sharing to Your Instagram Story
Stories are ephemeral posts that disappear after 24 hours. To share to your Story, tap your profile picture with the ‘+’ icon in the top left corner of the home screen or tap the ‘+’ icon at the bottom of the screen and select ‘Story’. Create new content or upload existing photos and videos taken within the last 24 hours. Add text, stickers, music, and interactive elements to enhance your Story.
Instagram sharing options
Reposting Someone Else’s Content to Your Story
You can share another user’s post to your Story if they haven’t disabled resharing. Tap the paper airplane icon below the post and select ‘Add post to your Story’. Customize it with text and stickers before sharing. Note that this only works for public accounts that allow resharing.
Reposting to Your Feed: Using Third-Party Apps
Instagram doesn’t have a built-in repost feature for your feed. To repost someone else’s content, you’ll need a third-party app like Repost. These apps typically require you to copy the post’s link and then use the app to share it to your feed, attributing credit to the original poster.
Reposting: Screenshot Method
Another method is taking a screenshot of the post and uploading it to your feed. However, always ask for permission from the original creator before using this method. Credit them in your caption and tag their profile.
Sharing Etiquette: The Golden Rule
Always prioritize respect for the original creator. Asking for permission before reposting is crucial. This fosters positive relationships within the Instagram community and avoids copyright issues. When reposting, always credit the original creator by tagging their profile and mentioning them in your caption. Avoid reposting content from private accounts.
Sharing from Your Feed to Your Story
You can easily share existing feed posts to your Story. Tap the paper airplane icon under the post and select ‘Add post to your Story’. The post will appear as a customizable sticker in your Story.
Why Sharing on Instagram Matters
Sharing content, both your own and others’, is essential for building a strong Instagram presence. It allows you to engage your audience, curate relevant content, and foster a sense of community. While Instagram’s sharing features may seem less straightforward than other platforms, understanding these methods allows you to leverage the platform effectively. Remember, always prioritize ethical sharing practices and respect the rights of content creators.
