How to Share Someone’s Instagram Story to Your Story
Learn how to share someone’s Instagram Story to yours, including privacy rules, eligibility checks, sharing steps, customization tips, and crediting.
How to Share Someone’s Instagram Story to Your Story
Instagram Stories are among the most popular tools for real-time engagement, helping individuals and brands connect with their audiences in dynamic and interactive ways. You might occasionally come across a friend’s or a brand's Story that you would like to repost to your own profile. Knowing how to share someone’s Instagram Story to your Story can streamline your content creation and boost audience engagement—provided you meet the necessary conditions.
This comprehensive guide explains the privacy rules governing Story sharing, the steps to find and use Instagram’s reshare tools, customization ideas, and ethical considerations. Follow along to ensure your reshared content is engaging, respectful, and effective.
---
Understanding Instagram Story Sharing Rules and Privacy Settings
Instagram’s resharing functionality is governed by privacy settings set by each user. Whether you can reshare another person’s Story depends on:
- Account privacy status: public or private
- Story sharing preferences set in their account
- Mentions or tags: being tagged often grants permission
Key Points to Remember
- Public accounts that allow sharing give you the highest chance of seeing the “Add to Your Story” option.
- Private accounts only allow resharing if you’ve been tagged and are a follower.
- Close Friends Stories (marked with a green ring) cannot be shared beyond the selected audience.
---
Checking If the Original Story Allows Sharing
Before you attempt to repost a Story, check to see if it’s eligible:
- Look for the paper plane icon when viewing the Story.
- Absence of this icon usually means the creator has disabled resharing.
- Stories shared via Close Friends can never be reshared publicly.
Quick Sharing Eligibility Table
| Account Type | You’re Mentioned? | Sharing Possible? |
|---|---|---|
| Public | No | Maybe (depends on sharing settings) |
| Public | Yes | Yes |
| Private | No | No |
| Private | Yes | Yes (if mutual followers) |
| Close Friends Story | Yes/No | No |
---
Locating the Share Option Within an Active Story
While viewing a Story, note the icons displayed at the bottom or top:
- The paper plane 'Send to' icon opens sharing options.
- Tap the icon; if allowed, you’ll see the “Add Post to Your Story” option.
- If tagged, Instagram might notify you via Direct Messages with a direct share button.
---
Sharing Directly via the “Add Post to Your Story” Button
Once you tap Add Post to Your Story, you’ll be taken to the editing screen:
- Adjust size and position by pinching and dragging.
- Select background colors through the drawing tool.
- Add music by tapping the music icon.
This direct method is best for quick in-app resharing without third-party apps.
---
Customizing the Shared Story
Creating a personalized version of the reshared Story can better engage your audience. Try:
- Stickers and GIFs for visual appeal.
- Text overlays to add captions or hashtags.
- Music tracks to enhance mood.
- Interactive polls and questions to drive engagement.
A thoughtful customization strategy increases interaction and maintains brand consistency.
---
Tagging the Original Creator to Give Credit
Always tag the original creator when resharing:
- Tap the text tool and type “@username”.
- Position the tag for visibility.
- To keep visuals cleaner, hide the tag behind a sticker—Instagram still sends the notification.
Proper tagging fosters goodwill and boosts collaborative visibility.
---
Handling Situations When the Sharing Option Is Unavailable
If you cannot find the reshare button, common reasons include:
- Private account settings
- Disabled resharing permissions
- Expired Stories (older than 24 hours)
Workarounds:
- Message the creator requesting a tag.
- Ask for direct content sharing via DM.
- With permission, upload as a new Story while giving full credit.
---
Respecting Copyright, Consent, and Ethical Considerations
When resharing:
- Always seek consent if you’re not tagged.
- Avoid altering content in ways that distort meaning.
- Credit the creator clearly.
- Be cautious with sensitive content.
Violation of these principles may damage relationships and breach platform rules.
---
Sharing Stories from Mentions and Tags
If someone tags you:
- Check Direct Messages for a notification.
- Tap “Add This to Your Story” in the DM.
- Customize and publish it to your profile.
This method ensures consent and smooth processing.
---
Using Shared Stories to Increase Engagement with Followers
Benefits of resharing relevant Stories include:
- Strengthening community bonds
- Enhancing brand authenticity
- Driving immediate engagement
Engagement Tip:
Even if the original lacked interactive elements, add polls or quizzes to boost user participation.
---
Troubleshooting Issues with the Story Sharing Feature
If sharing tools are missing:
- Update the Instagram app
- Refresh your feed to reload content
- Log out and back in to reset permissions
- Review Settings > Privacy > Story to confirm options
For persistent problems, contact Instagram support.
---
Exploring Alternatives Like Reposting Content with Permission
When a Story is unavailable:
- Request the original media file.
- Post as a new Story, crediting the creator.
- Avoid unauthorized app use—always obtain explicit consent.
---
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Mastering how to share someone’s Instagram Story to your Story relies on knowing platform rules, finding available sharing options, and adding personal touches to your reposted content. When done respectfully—with tags, context, and creativity—resharing can amplify reach, engage followers, and maintain ethical standards.
Ready to grow your Instagram presence? Start experimenting with resharing strategies today, focus on interactive elements, and always value the creator’s rights—you’ll build stronger connections and expand your audience organically.
