How to Repost a Video on Instagram: A Complete Guide
Instagram, the visual playground where creativity thrives, is a fantastic platform for sharing your life, promoting your brand, and connecting with a global community. But what happens when you stumble upon an incredible video that you just *have* to share with your own followers? Reposting, or sharing someone else’s content on your own profile, can be a powerful tool for engagement and collaboration. However, Instagram’s native app doesn’t offer a direct “repost” button for videos (or images for that matter, aside from Stories and Reels). This can be a bit frustrating, but don’t worry! There are several workarounds to easily repost videos on Instagram, and this guide will walk you through them step-by-step.
Why Repost Videos on Instagram?
Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s explore why reposting videos can be a valuable strategy:
* **Share Amazing Content:** Highlight videos you find inspiring, funny, educational, or simply captivating. Share content that resonates with your audience and aligns with your brand.
* **Increase Engagement:** Reposting can spark conversations and boost engagement. Your followers will appreciate you curating interesting content for them.
* **Cross-Promotion and Collaboration:** Partner with other creators and repost their videos to reach a wider audience. This is a great way to build relationships and grow your following.
* **Support Your Community:** Showcase the work of your customers, fans, or members of your industry. This helps build loyalty and fosters a sense of community.
* **Save Time and Effort:** Reposting allows you to add value to your feed without creating all the content yourself. This is especially helpful when you’re short on time or resources.
* **Content Curation:** Establish yourself as a thought leader in your niche by curating and sharing the best content from across the platform.
Methods for Reposting Videos on Instagram
Now, let’s get to the good stuff! Here are the most effective ways to repost videos on Instagram, including both free and paid options:
Method 1: Using Third-Party Reposting Apps (Recommended)
This is often the easiest and most straightforward method. Several apps are specifically designed for reposting content on Instagram. These apps typically offer features like attribution, saving videos, and even scheduling reposts.
**Steps:**
1. **Download a Repost App:** Search for “Repost for Instagram” in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Popular options include:
* **Repost for Instagram (Android & iOS):** A reliable and widely used app.
* **Regrann (Android):** Another popular choice for Android users.
* **Repost: For Instagram (iOS):** Simple and user-friendly for iOS devices.
* **Note:** Be cautious about granting permissions to third-party apps. Always review their privacy policies and user reviews before installing.
2. **Find the Video You Want to Repost:** Open the Instagram app and find the video you want to share on your profile. Tap the three dots (ellipsis) in the top-right corner of the post.
3. **Copy the Share URL:** Select “Copy Link” (or “Copy Share URL”). This copies the video’s direct link to your device’s clipboard.
4. **Open the Repost App:** Launch the reposting app you downloaded in Step 1. The app usually automatically detects the copied link and displays the video you want to repost. If not, you may need to manually paste the link into the app.
5. **Customize the Repost:**
* **Attribution:** Most repost apps automatically add attribution to the repost, usually in the form of a watermark with the original poster’s username. You can typically customize the position and color of this watermark.
* **Caption:** The app usually allows you to copy the original caption or write your own. It’s *highly recommended* to give credit to the original creator in your caption. A simple “Repost from @[username]” or “Video by @[username]” is a good start.
* **Edit (Optional):** Some apps allow you to trim the video, add filters, or make other edits. However, it’s generally best to avoid making significant changes to someone else’s content without their permission.
6. **Repost to Instagram:** Tap the “Repost” (or similar) button in the app. This will usually open Instagram and allow you to share the video to your feed, Stories, or send it as a direct message.
7. **Add Your Own Caption:** When sharing to your feed, you’ll have the opportunity to add your own caption. Again, be sure to credit the original creator and add any relevant context or commentary.
8. **Share!** Tap “Share” to post the video to your Instagram profile.
**Pros of Using Repost Apps:**
* **Easy and Convenient:** Streamlines the reposting process with just a few taps.
* **Automatic Attribution:** Ensures proper credit is given to the original creator.
* **Additional Features:** Some apps offer features like scheduling, video editing, and more.
**Cons of Using Repost Apps:**
* **Third-Party Dependency:** Requires relying on a third-party app, which may have its own terms of service and privacy policies.
* **Potential Ads:** Some free repost apps may display ads.
* **Permissions:** Requires granting the app access to your Instagram account (be mindful of permissions!).
Method 2: Screen Recording (Manual Method)
This method involves screen recording the video on your device and then uploading the recording to Instagram. It’s a more manual process, but it doesn’t require any third-party apps.
**Steps:**
1. **Find the Video:** Open the Instagram app and find the video you want to repost.
2. **Start Screen Recording:**
* **iOS:** On iPhones and iPads, you can usually access the screen recording feature from the Control Center. If it’s not there, you can add it in Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls.
* **Android:** Many Android devices have a built-in screen recording feature. You can usually find it in the quick settings panel (swipe down from the top of the screen).
* **If your device doesn’t have a built-in screen recorder:** Download a screen recording app from the Google Play Store (e.g., AZ Screen Recorder, XRecorder). Be sure to choose a reputable app with good reviews.
3. **Play the Video:** Start playing the video on Instagram while the screen recording is active. Record the entire video, including any relevant visuals or audio.
4. **Stop Screen Recording:** Once the video has finished playing, stop the screen recording.
5. **Edit the Recording (Optional):**
* **Trim:** Use your device’s built-in video editor (or a third-party video editing app) to trim the recording and remove any unnecessary parts (e.g., the beginning and end where you started and stopped the recording).
* **Crop:** You may also want to crop the video to remove any Instagram interface elements (e.g., the top and bottom bars).
6. **Upload to Instagram:** Open the Instagram app and tap the “+” button to create a new post.
7. **Select the Recording:** Choose the screen recording you created from your device’s gallery.
8. **Add a Caption:** Write a caption that credits the original creator and provides context for the video. Be sure to mention the original creator’s username. For example: “Check out this awesome video by @[username]!”
9. **Share!** Tap “Share” to post the video to your Instagram profile.
**Pros of Screen Recording:**
* **No Third-Party Apps:** Doesn’t require downloading or relying on any external apps.
* **Works with Any Video:** Can be used to repost virtually any video on Instagram.
**Cons of Screen Recording:**
* **Lower Quality:** Screen recordings may have slightly lower video quality compared to the original.
* **Manual Process:** Requires more steps and manual editing.
* **No Automatic Attribution:** You must manually add attribution to the original creator in the caption.
* **Potential for Distractions:** You need to ensure no notifications or other distractions appear on your screen during the recording.
Method 3: Download and Re-upload (Use with Caution)
This method involves downloading the video to your device and then re-uploading it to Instagram. While technically possible, it’s important to use this method with extreme caution and *only* if you have explicit permission from the original creator.
**Why Use with Caution?**
* **Copyright Infringement:** Downloading and re-uploading someone else’s video without their permission is a violation of copyright law. This can lead to serious consequences, including legal action from the copyright holder.
* **Ethical Considerations:** Even if you’re not legally liable, re-uploading someone else’s content without credit is unethical and disrespectful. It can damage your reputation and alienate your audience.
**Steps (Use Only with Permission):**
1. **Obtain Permission:** *This is the most important step.* Contact the original creator and ask for their permission to download and re-upload their video. Be clear about how you plan to use the video and give them full credit.
2. **Download the Video (If Permitted):**
* **If the creator provides a download link:** Use the link to download the video directly to your device.
* **Using a third-party downloader (Use with extreme caution and only if permitted):** There are various online tools and apps that allow you to download videos from Instagram by pasting the video’s link. *However, be aware that using these tools may violate Instagram’s terms of service and could potentially expose you to security risks.* If you must use a downloader, choose a reputable one and be extremely careful about the websites you visit.
3. **Upload to Instagram:** Open the Instagram app and tap the “+” button to create a new post.
4. **Select the Video:** Choose the downloaded video from your device’s gallery.
5. **Add a Caption:** Write a caption that clearly credits the original creator and acknowledges that you have their permission to re-upload the video. For example: “Shared with permission from @[username]! Be sure to check out their original post.”
6. **Share!** Tap “Share” to post the video to your Instagram profile.
**Pros of Download and Re-upload (When Permitted):**
* **Highest Quality:** Can potentially result in the highest video quality, as you’re uploading the original file (if available).
**Cons of Download and Re-upload:**
* **Copyright Risk:** High risk of copyright infringement if you don’t have permission.
* **Ethical Concerns:** Unethical to re-upload without credit or permission.
* **Requires Permission:** Requires obtaining explicit permission from the original creator.
* **Potential Security Risks:** Using third-party downloaders can expose you to security risks.
* **Violation of Terms of Service:** Downloading content might be against Instagram’s terms.
Method 4: Reposting Videos to Instagram Stories
While you can’t directly repost a video to your main Instagram feed without using the methods described above, Instagram does offer a native way to share posts (including videos) to your Stories.
**Steps:**
1. **Find the Video You Want to Share:** Open the Instagram app and locate the video post you want to share.
2. **Tap the Share Icon:** Below the video (on the left side), you’ll see a paper airplane icon (the share icon). Tap on this icon.
3. **Select “Add Post to Your Story”:** From the options that appear, choose “Add post to your story.” This will open the video in your Story editor.
4. **Customize Your Story (Optional):**
* **Resize and Reposition:** You can resize and reposition the video within your Story frame.
* **Add Text, Stickers, and GIFs:** Use Instagram’s built-in tools to add text, stickers, GIFs, and other elements to your Story to make it more engaging.
* **Mention the Original Creator:** Tap on the video in your Story to add a mention of the original creator. This will tag their username in your Story and allow your followers to easily visit their profile.
* **Add a Background:** You can add a background color or image to your Story to fill the space around the video.
5. **Share Your Story:** Once you’re happy with your Story, tap the “Your Story” button in the bottom-left corner to share it with your followers. You can also choose to send it to specific friends or groups by tapping “Close Friends” or “Send To.”
**Pros of Sharing to Stories:**
* **Native Feature:** Uses Instagram’s built-in functionality.
* **Easy and Quick:** Very simple and straightforward process.
* **Interactive:** Allows you to add text, stickers, and other elements to make the Story more engaging.
* **Mentioning:** Easy to tag and credit the original creator.
**Cons of Sharing to Stories:**
* **Temporary:** Stories disappear after 24 hours (unless you add them to your Highlights).
* **Different Format:** Stories are a different format than feed posts (vertical, full-screen).
* **Not a Permanent Repost:** Doesn’t permanently add the video to your profile grid.
Important Considerations When Reposting Videos
No matter which method you choose, keep these important considerations in mind:
* **Always Give Credit:** Always, always, *always* credit the original creator. This is crucial for ethical reasons and to avoid copyright issues. Clearly mention their username in your caption or Story.
* **Ask for Permission (Ideally):** While not always strictly required (especially if you’re just sharing to your Story), it’s best practice to ask for permission from the original creator before reposting their video, especially if you plan to download and re-upload it to your feed. This shows respect and builds goodwill.
* **Respect Copyright:** Be mindful of copyright laws and avoid reposting videos that are clearly copyrighted material (e.g., movies, TV shows) without permission from the copyright holder.
* **Add Value:** Don’t just blindly repost videos. Add your own commentary, context, or insights to make the repost more valuable to your audience.
* **Consider Your Audience:** Make sure the videos you repost are relevant to your audience’s interests and align with your brand.
* **Be Mindful of Video Quality:** If you’re using the screen recording method, be aware that the video quality may be slightly lower than the original. Try to record in the highest possible resolution.
* **Review Instagram’s Terms of Service:** Familiarize yourself with Instagram’s terms of service to ensure you’re not violating any rules.
* **Avoid Misleading Content:** Don’t repost videos that are misleading, inaccurate, or harmful.
* **Engage with the Original Creator:** After reposting a video, consider engaging with the original creator by liking their posts, leaving comments, or following their account. This helps build relationships and shows your appreciation.
Troubleshooting Common Reposting Issues
* **Repost app isn’t working:**
* Make sure the app is up-to-date.
* Try clearing the app’s cache and data.
* Restart your device.
* If the problem persists, try a different repost app.
* **Can’t copy the video link:**
* Ensure the video post is public (not a private account).
* Try updating the Instagram app.
* Restart your device.
* **Video quality is low after screen recording:**
* Record in the highest possible resolution.
* Make sure your screen is clean and free of smudges.
* Avoid moving your device while recording.
* **Instagram is flagging my repost as copyright infringement:**
* Make sure you have permission from the original creator.
* Clearly credit the original creator in your caption.
* If you believe the flag is in error, you can appeal it through Instagram’s support channels.
Conclusion
Reposting videos on Instagram can be a powerful way to share valuable content, engage your audience, and build relationships. By following the methods and best practices outlined in this guide, you can repost videos effectively and ethically. Remember to always give credit to the original creator, respect copyright laws, and add value to your reposts. Whether you choose to use a third-party app, screen record the video, or download and re-upload (with permission!), reposting can enhance your Instagram presence and connect you with a wider community. So go ahead, find those captivating videos, and start sharing them with the world! Just remember to be responsible and respectful of other people’s content.