To reshare a story on Instagram, open the message that says someone mentioned you in their story and tap "Add to your story". Posts and reels have a paper-plane button with "Add to your story". A story that does not mention you usually cannot be reshared, and your own story can simply be shared again from your archive.
Reposting is easy once you know which of the three situations you are in. The button you expect often does not exist, and the reason is almost never a bug. Below are the steps for each case, a table of what is available and for how long, and a fix for the missing button.
What can you repost, and what can't you?
Instagram treats four things differently, so start by working out what you want to share.
| What you want to share | Where the button is | How long it works |
|---|---|---|
| A story that mentions you | Message from the poster, "Add to your story" | While the story is live, 24 hours |
| A feed post or reel | Paper-plane icon under the post | While the post exists |
| Your own old story | Archive, then share | Any time, if it was archived |
| Someone's story that did not mention you | Usually not available | Only if the owner allows resharing |
The rule behind the table is simple. A story is a temporary message from one person, so Instagram lets others reshare it only when the owner tags them or allows sharing. Feed posts and reels are public by nature, so sharing them to a story is easier, with limits we cover below.
How to repost a story you were mentioned in
This is the most reliable method.
- Wait for the notification that says someone mentioned you in their story.
- Open the message in your direct messages. The mention appears as a preview.
- Tap Add to your story.
- Edit it if you like: move it around, add text or a sticker, or tag the author.
- Tap Your story to publish.
You have 24 hours, because that is how long the original story stays up. After that, the preview in your messages can no longer be added.
A good habit is to keep the author's tag visible. It credits them, and it often earns a thank-you reply.
How to share someone else's story that did not mention you
Usually, you cannot. Some guides claim there is a paper-plane icon on every story, but Instagram only shows a reshare option when the person has allowed it or tagged you. If you do not see it, the cause is one of the following:
- The account is private.
- The owner turned off sharing of their stories.
- The story has expired.
- You were not tagged.
- Your app is out of date.
The fallback people suggest is a screenshot or screen recording. We would not do this without permission. It credits no one unless you tag them, and the author may not want their story spread. Ask them first, or ask them to mention you so the button appears.
How to share a feed post or a reel to your story
This works for public posts and reels.
- Open the post or reel.
- Tap the paper-plane icon below it.
- Choose Add to your story (the exact label differs for posts and reels).
- Adjust the sticker, add text if you want, and tap Your story.
If the paper-plane menu has no story option, the owner may have turned it off, or the account may be private. Instagram lets owners decide whether others can share their content, so a missing button is usually a setting, not an error.
Some newer app versions also show a repost button on posts and reels, which adds the item to a Reposts section on your profile. It works differently from a story: it lives on your profile instead of disappearing in a day. If you do not see that button, your version may not have it yet.
How to repost your own story
Your own stories are easy because you control them.
- Within 24 hours: open your story, tap the more icon and choose the option to share it again, or save it and re-upload it to a new story.
- After it expires: open your archive from the profile menu, pick the old story and share it as a new story or add it to a highlight.
- For good: add it to a highlight so it stays on your profile.
Archived stories are kept only if archiving is on. In your settings, check that stories are saved to the archive before you need them.
Why is the Add to story button missing?
Work through this list in order.
- [ ] Were you tagged? Without a tag, the reshare button rarely shows.
- [ ] Is the account public? Private accounts cannot be reshared.
- [ ] Is the story still live? After 24 hours it is gone.
- [ ] Did the owner switch off sharing? You cannot change that for them.
- [ ] Is your Instagram app up to date?
- [ ] Have you tried logging out and in? It fixes a surprising number of display glitches.
If you are the one who wants others to repost your stories, make sure your own sharing is switched on. Open your privacy settings, find the story section and check the option that allows people to share your stories.
What should you check before you repost?
A repost carries your name next to someone else's content, so a few checks save awkward moments.
- Read the story once more with a stranger's eyes. Does it make sense without context?
- Look for private details in the frame, such as addresses, faces of children or licence plates.
- Think about whether the author would be happy with it. A brand or a friend usually is. A critic might not be.
- Keep their tag in place, and add a line of your own so the repost says why you chose it.
Used this way, reposting is a friendly gesture that strengthens relationships with the accounts you mention.
How can you make people want to repost your stories?
Reposts happen when a story is useful, funny or personal. Three habits help.
- Tag the people and brands you mention so they get a prompt to reshare.
- Keep the story short, with one clear point and readable text.
- Use a call to action that makes sharing natural, such as "send this to a friend who needs it".
If you need a posting window, our day-by-day timing guide is a start, and the explainer on how Instagram counts reel views shows how reach and views differ.
How it works at LikeMan
New stories sometimes start slowly because few people have opened them yet. With LikeMan Instagram story views you provide the link to your public profile and never your password. The calculator shows the price, the order starts on its own after payment, and if the count drops within one year we add the difference.
Views of that kind give a story a first audience, nothing more. They do not make people share it. A story that deserves reposting still needs a good idea. If you want to turn a growing audience into income, read how many followers Instagram needs before it pays, and find the rest of our services on the LikeMan Instagram page.
FAQ
Can I repost a story without being tagged?
Mostly no. The reshare option usually appears only when you were mentioned or the owner allows sharing.
Does the person know when I repost their story?
If you reshare from a mention, your story shows their name, and they can see it. A screenshot posted without a tag does not notify them.
How long does a reposted story last?
It follows the same rule as any story: 24 hours on your profile, then it moves to your archive if archiving is on.
Can I repost a story to a highlight?
You can add your own published story to a highlight. The reshared item counts as part of your story, so check that the owner is happy with that.
Why can't I repost a reel to my story?
The owner may have turned off sharing, or the account may be private. Try the paper-plane menu again after updating the app.
Conclusion
Reposting a story on Instagram depends on tags and settings. A mention gives you an "Add to your story" button, posts and reels have the paper plane, and your own stories live in the archive. When the button is missing, check the tag, the privacy of the account and the age of the story before you blame the app.