This is the guide I wish someone gave me when I first started using Instagram.
If you’re 12, 22, or just totally lost when it comes to Reels—don’t worry. I got you.
First Things First… What Even Is a Reel?
Reels are short videos on Instagram—basically Instagram’s version of TikToks. They’re funny, cool, sometimes annoying, and way too easy to scroll through for 3 hours without realizing it.
One day, I saw a reel that had me laughing so hard I wanted to share it with everyone I knew. That’s when I wondered:
“How do I repost this thing?”
Turns out…there’s more than one way. So let me show you exactly how I do it.
Can You Repost a Reel on Instagram?
So here’s the truth: Instagram doesn’t have a “repost” button like TikTok or Twitter. But that doesn’t mean we’re out of luck.
Here’s a quick chart I made to break it down:
Method | What It Does | Easy? | Gives Credit? |
---|---|---|---|
Add to Story | Shares the reel to your story | ✅ Easy | ✅ Yes |
Remix Reel | Makes a split-screen reaction video | ✅ Easy | ✅ Yes |
Download & Upload Again ❌ | Posts it like it’s yours (don’t do this) | ❌ Risky | ❌ No |
Use a Repost App | Reposts to your feed with credit | ✅ Medium | ✅ Yes |
My Go-To Method: Sharing a Reel to My Story
This one’s super easy. I use it all the time when I just want to quickly show my followers something cool.
Here’s How I Do It:
- I scroll until I see a reel I like.
- Then I tap the little paper airplane ✈️ icon under the reel.
- A menu pops up, and I tap “Add reel to your story.”
- From there, I can resize it, add text, stickers, whatever.
- Finally, I hit “Your Story” and boom—shared.
Your followers can now watch it from your story for the next 24 hours.
Feeling Creative? I Use “Remix” to React to Reels
Sometimes I don’t just want to share a reel—I want to respond to it. That’s where Remix comes in.
Here’s What I Do:
- I find a reel I want to remix (not every reel allows it).
- I tap the three dots (…) in the bottom-right corner.
- Then I hit “Remix this Reel.”
- I record my part of the video next to the original—side-by-side like a TikTok duet.
- I post it as my own reel, and it shows both videos at the same time.
This is perfect if I’m reacting, adding commentary, or just want to throw in some sarcasm.
Using a Repost App (If I Really Want It on My Feed)
Okay, so if I REALLY love a reel and want to post it on my actual feed, I’ll sometimes use an app like:
- Repost for Instagram
- Regrammer
- InSaver
These apps let me grab the reel link, paste it in, and repost it while tagging the original creator. But I only do this if I can’t remix or can’t share it another way—because using extra apps can be annoying.
Quick Comparison (For When I Forget)
Method | Where It Shows | Easy? | Lasts Forever? | Can Edit? | Tags Creator? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Story Share | Stories | ✅ | ❌ 24 hrs | ✅ | ✅ |
Remix | Reels | ✅ | ✅ Forever | ✅ | ✅ |
Repost App | Feed | ✅ | ✅ Forever | ✅ | ✅ |
Download & Post | Feed | ❌ | ✅ Forever | ✅ | ❌ (don’t) |
Visual Time! Here’s What It Looks Like
Sharing to My Story:



🔄 Remixing a Reel:
[Find a Reel That Allows Remix]
⬇️
[Tap the Three Dots (…) > Remix]
⬇️
[Record Your Reaction or Clip]
⬇️
[Post It As Your Own Reel]
My Final Thoughts
Reposting reels isn’t rocket science. It’s just a matter of knowing where to tap and what each method actually does.
When I started, I had no idea you could even remix reels—now I use it all the time. It’s fun, it’s easy, and best of all, it respects the original creator. And that’s key.
Don’t steal content. Don’t be that person.
Instead, do this:
- Share with credit
- Remix with your own spin
- Support people who make cool stuff
You ever need more help with Instagram, social media, or anything online? Just ask. I’m figuring it out too—but I’m happy to show you what I’ve learned.
—Sahadat.