How to Repost a Reel on Instagram: The 2023 Expert Guide

As TikTok-style short form video continues its meteoric rise, Reels have become one of Instagram’s most popular features for both brands and creators.

The Reels format lets anyone produce fun and engaging video content that can resonate across borders, demographics, and languages. Powerful when done right – but their ephemeral and decentralized nature can also limit reach and discovery.

That’s why reposting Reels is an increasingly vital tactic for maximizing impact.

This comprehensive guide will teach you how to legally and properly repost Reels on Instagram to expand their viewership. You’ll learn:

• Multiple methods for reposting Reels
• Best practices for attribution and crediting
• Expert tricks to optimize visibility and performance
• Real data on driving engagement and growth
• Legal considerations and platform guidelines
• The future outlook for Instagram Reels

Let’s dive in and level up your Instagram Repost game to the max!

Why You Should Repost Reels: The Data

But first, why bother reposting Reels vs creating original content? Here are some compelling stats:

Source: Mavrck 2022 UGC Report

As the data shows, user-generated Reels significantly outperform branded content when it comes to capturing audience attention and spurring reactions.

Some more insider facts on Reels:

• 50% of time spent watching video on Instagram now happens in Reels
• Over 2 billion Instagram users engage with Reels monthly
• The average Reel gets 150%-250% more reach after being reposted

So by repurposing popular user content into Reels with proper attribution, you efficiently tap into pieces that are already resonating with the Instagram community. It’s organic rocket fuel for your reach.

Now let’s get into how to actually repost Reels the right way…

Overview: 3 Methods to Repost Instagram Reels

While Instagram still doesn‘t have a native "repost" button like Twitter, that doesn‘t stop savvy users from finding workarounds.

Here are the top 3 reposting approaches, from quick and easy apps to more manual DIY options:

Method #1: Use Repost Apps

Third-party iOS apps like Preview or Regrammer make it incredibly simple to grab and repost Reels with just a couple taps.

Method #2: Download and Re-Upload

Manually save the Reel video file and re-upload it yourself. Extra work but avoids third-party apps.

Method #3: Share to Your Instagram Story

Use Instagram‘s built-in "Share to Story" option to add Reels into shareable highlights.

The sections below will dive deeper into step-by-step directions for each repost method with tips for customizing. Let‘s start with the fastest shortcut…

Repost Reels Using Third-Party Apps (Our Fave!)

Far and away the easiest Reels reposting approach is by using smartphone apps like Preview or Regrammer.

These tools connect directly to your Instagram account and let you instantly grab any public Reel to your camera roll or feed in just seconds. No file downloading or uploads needed.

Here‘s exactly how the reposting process works in Preview:

Step 1: Install the Repost App

Download and install the Preview App from the iOS App Store (Android version coming soon).

Once opened, you‘ll need to connect your Instagram account(s) so Preview can access your profile data. Just tap Settings > Connect Account and log in.

Step 2: Find a Reel to Repost

Inside Preview, select the Reels tab and tap the plus icon with the word "Repost".

This will open your regular Instagram app so you can search Reels as normal. Find any public Reel that you want to re-share.

Pro Tip: You can also repost your own previous Reels under the Posts tab.

Step 3: Authorize the Repost

Once you select a Reel, the Preview app generates a reshare token behind the scenes. Just click Copy Link from the three-dot menu:

Then jump back to Preview – it will instantly grab the content without any file saving or downloads. Sweet!

Step 4: Customize Your Repost

From here you can tweak the Reel‘s caption, tags, cover image and trim length before reposting. You can even schedule it for later auto-posting.

Preview grabs all the metadata needed for properly attributing back to the creator. But be sure to call out the original poster prominently for good Insta-karma.

And just like that, you‘ve legally and easily reposted a Reel! Now let‘s examine the classic manual method…

Repost By Downloading and Re-Uploading

If you prefer not using any external apps, the manual repost approach involves:

1. Downloading the original Reel video file
2. Re-uploading the content as your own post

This takes more effort than automated tools but gives you greater post customization flexibility.

Let‘s walk through it:

Step 1: Download the Reel Video File

First you‘ll need to save the raw video file from Instagram onto your camera roll or device storage.

On iOS, your options here are:

• Screen recording the Reel as you play it
• Using downloader sites like InstaSave

Android has some advantages, allowing you to directly save native video files from the Instagram app itself.

Pro Tip: If going the manual route, be sure to download Reels in highest resolution for best playback quality.

Step 2: Re-Upload the Reel to Your Profile

Now comes the re-posting stage.

Open the Instagram app and start creating a new Reel using the video file you downloaded in the last step. Trim, arrange and customize it to your liking!

In your new caption, make sure to credit the original creator with something like:

"Original video by @awesome_creator"

This shows followers where you sourced the content and prevents any misleading impressions.

And that‘s the basics of manually downloading and re-uploading a Reel back to Instagram. More hands-on but avoids relying on third-parties.

Now let‘s look at Instagram built-in reposting through Stories…

Repost Reels Using Instagram Stories

Beyond feeds and profiles, Reels dominate in another major section of Instagram – ephemeral Stories.

Instagram makes it incredibly easy to repost a Reel into your personal Story stream. Just:

Step 1: Locate the Reel

Open any public Reel you wish to share and tap paper airplane icon to access messaging options:

Step 2: Add to Your Story

Select Add reel to your story from the share menu popping up.

Step 3: Customize and Post

You‘ll immediately enter the Instagram Story composer where you can layer on text captions, stickers, drawings or other creative flourishes on top of the video before posting to your 24-hour story.

And your shared Reel will now appear alongside your other highlights!

Stories reposting is quick and ephemeral but does lack the persistent visibility of regular feed posts. Next let‘s go over proper etiquette when reusing Reels…

Best Practices for Crediting and Attribution

Giving fair credit is vital whenever repurposing someone else‘s creative work – including Instagram Reels. Here are some best practices:

1. Ask first: Always request permission before reposting others‘ content. Some creators are fine with it; others may want sign-off rights or prefer limiting spread.

2. Credit visibly: In any repost caption, clearly mention the original creator + their exact Instagram handle so viewers can trace the source.

3. Link back: Hyperlinking directly to the original Reel lets people navigate back to engage further. Instagram bio links enable this perfectly.

4. Co-brand responsibly: Don‘t mislead people into thinking another creator explicitly endorses your brand through an unofficial repost. Stay authentic.

Following these guidelines helps ensure proper attribution so reposted Reels provide value for everyone – curator, creator and consumer alike!

Now let‘s see why brands specifically should be reposting Reels…

Why Reposting Reels Is Key for Brand Marketing

For companies and influencers, reposting customer Reels provides some unique advantages compared to generating 100% original content:

Saves Creative Time and Money

Ever get stuck inAnalysis Paralysis endlessly debating new video ideas or watching content team budgets bleed? Reposts let you take proven engaging videos straight from your community.

Showcases Real Customers

User-generated Reels spotlight authentic fans instead of professional marketing polish. This makes viewers feel closer to your brand through video.

Drives Higher Engagement

Seeing the metrics earlier, reshared community videos generate over 95% more likes and comments over branded creative alone. You effectively tap the rocket fuel of existing connections.

So by filling part of your Reels strategy with crowd-sourced UGC via strategic reposting, you free up internal resources while connecting with audiences more viscerally.

Expert Tricks for Optimizing Reel Reposts

Once you know the methods and basics, there are still some expert-level tactics that can take your reposting to the next level…

Watch Like Counts Closely

The Like counter on Reels acts as an early indicator of budding hits. Prioritize reposting ones growing quickest out the gates for optimal momentum.

Target Niche Communities

Look beyond broadly viral posts. Niche Reels with fervent niche communities can provide targeted value despite lower raw view counts.

Localize Content

Does the Reel have strong regional appeal despite lagging elsewhere? Reposting localized hits is fantastic for geo-targeted marketing campaigns.

Remix and Iterate

Add your own creative twist, commentary or visual effects to make the repost unique. Audiences appreciate new spins on familiar formats.

Promote Hashtags Strategically

Research related hashtags and choreograph tagging Reel creators to stir up engagement across fanbases.

Analyze Metrics Rigorously

Use Instagram and third-party analytics to track precise play counts, traffic sources and conversions generated by your reposts vs. other content. Continuously optimize and level up based on data.

Now let‘s scope out the future landscape of Reels…

The Future of Instagram Reels

While Reels exploded onto the scene to combat upstart TikTok, they‘re now firmly rooted as part of Instagram‘s identity.

Their breakneck success ensures ongoing investment. Expect Instagram to keep rapidly iterating to improve analytics, controls, creation tools and discovery for professional usage in the future.

And the barriers keeping Reels regional to date will accelerate global expansion ahead.

But perhaps most intriguing will be seeing creators and brands find wholly new utility and niches for short-form video communication vs simply mimicking existing formats…

Repost Case Study: Mega Brand UGC Campaign

To make things crystal clear, let‘s analyze a real-world case study in efficient Reel marketing.

Recently, the skincare company Olay wanted to raise awareness for sustainability initiatives across social media. Rather than developing costly branded video ads, their marketing team took a different approach:

Step 1: Crowdsource User Content

Olay put out an open call asking followers "Show us how your skincare routine is sustainable for a chance to be featured!"

Hundreds of users eagerly submitted short Instagram Reels showcasing their upcycling tips, zero-waste product replacements, package recycling tricks, and even using plant-based ingredients from their gardens.

Step 2: Strategic Reposting

Olay then reposted over 50 of the best community videos to their brand Instagram profile. Each shared user clip featured a caption like:

"Inspiring sustainability from Olay fan @zero.waste.queen! ♻️ Share your eco tips with #OlaySustainableBeauty."

This gave full credit while empowering viewers to engage across both profiles.

Step 3: Measure Impact

In just 1 month, the UGC Reels campaign achieved:

• Over 2.3 million organic Reel views
• 35% higher engagement rate than previous content
• 11% increase in awareness of sustainability programs

Clearly a smashing success! Let‘s recap why…

The authenticity of real customers showed Olay listens while saving huge content costs. Strategic reposting at scale magnified the most inspiring messages globally.

This case study reiterates the power of repurposing Reels as part of a multifaceted Instagram approach.

Final Takeaways

Reels take creativity straight from your loyal community. Combined with proper attribution and some production finesse, reposting unlocks immense potential for both engagement and operational efficiency.

We covered a lot of ground here! Let‘s review the key tips to skillfully repost Reels on Instagram:

• Use handy apps like Preview or manual downloads to save Reels
• Always credit original creators visibly in your captions
• Consult analytics to identify high-momentum candidates
• Add your own flair through remixing reposted content
• Leverage hashtags and links back to broaden visibility
• Follow best practices for co-branding etiquette
• Monitor future Instagram updates around analytics and algorithms

Whew – now you have an in-depth blueprint for taking your Reel reposting to the next level!

What other advice would you add around remixing Reels? What creators inspire your content sharing? Let us know in the comments!