You’ve just watched a hilarious or heartwarming Instagram story that you really want to share , maybe it’s your friend’s post from last night, or a cool shoutout from an event. You tap that little paper airplane icon, expecting the “Add to your story” option to appear, but it doesn’t. That’s when you realize… you’re not tagged. If you’ve ever been stuck in this situation and wondered how to repost Instagram story you’re not tagged in, this guide is for you.
Whether you’re doing it to relive a fun memory or to boost your own profile visibility, knowing how to share someone’s story on Instagram without being tagged is super handy. Let’s walk through all the simple methods and little-known tips that actually work in 2025.
Can You Repost an Instagram Story You’re Not Tagged In
So here’s the deal , Instagram only gives you the “Add to Story” option when the original poster tags your username. That means if you’re not tagged, you can’t repost the story directly using the in-app feature. But don’t worry, there are ways around it.
You can repost Instagram story without being tagged by taking a screenshot, screen recording, or using a trusted third-party app. Another option is simply asking the person who posted it to share it with you directly. The good news? You have several safe workarounds that let you share it while keeping your story crisp and creative.
Now, before diving into the methods, let’s quickly look at why Instagram does this in the first place.
Why Instagram Only Lets You Share Stories You’re Tagged In
Instagram’s sharing rules may seem strict, but they’re built to protect user privacy. When someone tags you, Instagram recognizes you’re part of the story, so it gives you permission to reshare. But if you’re not tagged, the system assumes it might not be your content. This is part of Instagram’s privacy and copyright protection policies.
Basically, it’s Instagram’s way of preventing people from sharing private stories or content without consent. Imagine if everyone could repost stories from private accounts , it’d get messy really fast.
That said, when the story is public or your friend doesn’t mind, it’s totally fine to share it manually. Just make sure to credit them or ask before you repost. It’s also a nice way to maintain good story repost etiquette on Instagram while still getting that post up for your followers to enjoy.
How to Repost a Story You’re Not Tagged In (Step by Step)
Let’s talk solutions. Even though Instagram doesn’t have a native “repost story” button for untagged users, there are easy ways to do it manually. Here are three methods that work well on both iPhone and Android.
Method 1: Take a Screenshot or Screen Recording
If it’s a photo story, a simple screenshot works wonders. Open the story, make sure the image is clear and not covered by stickers, and take a clean screenshot. You can crop out the username or add your own caption before reposting.
For videos, use your phone’s built-in screen recording tool. iPhones have one in the Control Center, and most Android phones now include one in Quick Settings. Once recorded, trim the video to remove unnecessary parts and upload it to your own story.
It’s a quick and safe way to repost Instagram story manually while keeping the quality intact. Plus, you can tag the original creator to give them credit or use stickers, filters, and captions to personalize it.
And if you want your stories to perform better, work on strategies that help increase Instagram engagement by combining creative reposts with interactive stickers or polls.
Method 2: Ask the Original Poster to Share the Story With You
Sometimes, the simplest solution is just asking. If your friend, coworker, or brand partner posted a story you want to share, send them a quick message. Ask them to use the “Send To” feature and share the story directly with you in a DM.
Once you get it, you can screenshot, record, or save it using your phone’s storage options. This way, you’ll have the original story without having to use any outside apps. It’s a clean, ethical method and shows respect for the creator’s content.
You can also mention that you’d love to repost it on your story to share memories or promote something. This is a great opportunity to connect more authentically with followers and build stronger relationships through storytelling.
If you want your shared stories to reach more people, you might consider strategies for getting more views on Instagram reels since Reels and Stories often work hand-in-hand to boost visibility.
Method 3: Use Third Party Apps to Repost Safely
If you prefer automation or want to repost content that’s no longer available on someone’s profile, third-party apps can help. Apps like “Repost: For Instagram,” “StorySaver+,” or “InSaver” allow you to download public stories and re-upload them easily.
These tools let you paste the post’s link or username to access public stories, photos, or videos. Always use apps with good reviews and avoid shady ones that ask for your Instagram login credentials. Stick to those that work through links, not passwords, for maximum security.
When you use these apps, you can repost stories with full customization , add filters, stickers, text, or even combine clips for creative edits. Just remember that reposting should be done respectfully, especially when using someone else’s content.
How to Repost a Story to Your Own Story Without Losing Quality
Nothing’s worse than reposting a story only to have it look blurry or stretched. Here’s how to keep your repost crisp and visually appealing.
When you take a screenshot, avoid zooming in too much , this reduces resolution. For videos, use a screen recording in full resolution and edit it in apps like CapCut or InShot to maintain clarity.
You can also upload stories through the “Gallery” or “Camera Roll” feature in the Instagram story creator. This keeps the compression to a minimum and maintains quality similar to the original.
Lighting and framing matter too. If it’s a dark or grainy story, add brightness or filters before posting. Your audience will appreciate the effort, and your profile will look more polished and cohesive.
If your goal is to grow your profile and get your content seen by more people, focus on ways to buy Instagram followers safely to help your stories gain traction faster.
What to Do if the Story You Want to Share Has Expired
Instagram stories only last 24 hours, so timing is everything. If the story you wanted to repost has already disappeared, there’s still hope.
Start by checking if it’s in the person’s Highlights. Many users save stories under themed Highlights like “Trips,” “Events,” or “Memories.” If you find it there, you can view and capture it again.
If it’s gone completely, message the person and ask if they can resend it or repost it for you. Sometimes they might still have the original video saved in their camera roll.
For public accounts, you can also check if they re-uploaded the same content as a Reel or post , that gives you another opportunity to share.
Understanding how Instagram stories work and expire helps you plan better. If you’re managing a business or influencer account, saving your stories for later reuse is smart for long-term engagement.
Editor’s Insight
Here’s the truth: figuring out how to repost an Instagram story you’re not tagged in can feel like a small tech mystery, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes super easy.
I’ve run into this situation myself more times than I’d like to admit, usually after a night out when a friend posts the best photos but forgets to tag me. At first, it’s frustrating. You want to share the moment, but that missing tag stands in the way.
My advice? Don’t stress it. Instagram’s sharing limits exist for a reason, but they shouldn’t stop you from sharing memories. The key is doing it the right way, with permission, a little creativity, and respect for others’ content.
A quick message to the person who posted can solve it most of the time. It also keeps things genuine and strengthens your connection.
If you’re someone who shares stories regularly, I also recommend keeping your story reposts intentional. Don’t just repost everything! Choose the moments that align with your personality or brand.
When your stories look cohesive and authentic, people are more likely to keep watching, interacting, and following.
And here’s one last tip from someone who spends a lot of time studying Instagram growth, engagement thrives on visibility.
So while you’re experimenting with creative ways to share stories, make sure you’re also doing things that help increase Instagram engagement, like using interactive stickers, replying to DMs, and tagging creators whenever you can. It’s small habits like these that grow your profile naturally and make every repost feel purposeful, not random.
FAQs
Can I repost someone’s story if I’m not tagged?
Yes, but not directly through Instagram’s share feature. You’ll need to use methods like screenshots, screen recordings, or third-party apps to repost manually.
Why can’t I repost a story on Instagram?
If the “Add to Story” option is missing, it usually means you weren’t tagged or the account’s privacy settings prevent sharing. You can still save and share manually if it’s a public story.
Is it okay to repost someone’s story without permission?
It’s best to ask first. Even if the story is public, giving credit or asking before reposting is good etiquette and aligns with Instagram’s privacy standards.
What’s the safest way to repost Instagram stories using apps?
Use apps that don’t require your login. Stick with trusted names and read reviews before downloading. Avoid apps that ask for sensitive info.
Can I share an expired story?
Only if it’s saved in Highlights or if the original poster still has it. You can request that they resend it or upload it again so you can share.
Final Verdict
Learning how to repost Instagram story you’re not tagged in doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little creativity, a good sense of timing, and the right tools, you can easily reshare content while keeping it authentic and respectful. Whether it’s taking a quick screenshot, recording a video, or using a third-party app, there’s always a way to share that perfect story.
Just remember that reposting isn’t just about sharing , it’s about connecting. When done thoughtfully, it helps strengthen relationships, boost your visibility, and make your account feel more alive. Combine these techniques with consistent posting, engaging captions, and interactive features like polls or questions to really grow your reach.
Social media is all about interaction, and a well-timed story repost can go a long way in showing your audience what you care about.