How to Share an Instagram Post to Threads

Sharing your latest Instagram post to Threads is an easy way to get more eyes on your content and kick-start a conversation on a different platform. This guide will walk you through the simple, direct steps to share any post and offer some smart strategies to make your cross-posting even more effective. Let's get your content working harder for you.

Why Share Instagram Posts to Threads in the First Place?

Before we get into the "how," it's worth understanding the "why." While it might seem like just another task on your social media to-do list, connecting your Instagram and Threads content is a powerful strategy for brands and creators. The two platforms, both owned by Meta, are designed to work together, and leveraging this connection can give you a significant advantage in building your community.

Here’s what makes this cross-promotion so valuable:

• Audience Growth and Engagement: Your Instagram followers are your most likely fans on Threads. By sharing popular content from one platform to the other, you create a bridge that encourages your engaged Instagram audience to follow and interact with you in a new space. It’s the easiest way to grow your Threads following without starting from scratch.
• Smart Content Repurposing: Not every piece of content needs to be brand new. A stunning photo, an informative Reel, or an engaging carousel you created for Instagram can find a second life on Threads. Sharing it over gives you more value from the hard work you already put in, saving you time and creative energy.
• Adding Context and Deeper Conversation: Instagram is visual, while Threads is conversational. This dynamic creates a perfect opportunity to add another layer to your story. You can use your Instagram post as a visual anchor and your Threads caption to share behind-the-scenes details, ask open-ended questions, or offer opinions that wouldn’t fit in an IG caption.
• A Consistent Brand Presence: Sharing posts between platforms helps create a more cohesive brand identity. It shows your followers that you’re active in both spaces and helps them connect your visual brand from Instagram with your conversational voice on Threads. This consistency builds recognition and trust.

How to Share an Instagram Post to Threads: The Step-by-Step Guide

The good news is that Meta has made this process incredibly straightforward. You can share feed posts (photos, carousels, and Reels) as well as your Stories directly to your Threads profile in just a few taps. Let’s walk through exactly how to do it.

Sharing an Instagram Feed Post to Threads (Photo, Carousel, or Reel)

This is the most common use case. Follow these simple steps to share an existing post from your Instagram feed.

Step 1: Open the Instagram Post

First, open the Instagram app and navigate to the feed post you wish to share. This can be your own post or a public post from another account that you found interesting.

Step 2: Tap the Share Icon

Look for the paper airplane icon located directly underneath the post, next to the "like" and "comment" buttons. Tap this icon to open the sharing menu.

Step 3: Select "Share to Threads"

In the list of sharing options that appears, you'll see a prominent button with the Threads logo. Tap on “Share to Threads.”

Step 4: Compose Your Thread

After tapping the button, the Threads app will automatically open with a new post draft. You will see a neat, embedded link preview of the Instagram post you’re sharing. This is your chance to add your magic. Write a caption above the embedded post. Ask a question, offer a hot take, or share a behind-the-scenes story related to the post. This text is what turns a simple link drop into an engaging conversation starter.

Step 5: Hit "Post"

Once you’re happy with your added context, just tap the "Post" button at the bottom right. Your new Thread, complete with the embedded Instagram post, is now live for your followers to see and interact with!

Sharing an Instagram Story to Threads

The process for sharing a Story is just as easy, whether it’s your own Story or someone else's public Story.

Step 1: Open the Instagram Story

Navigate to the Story you want to share. If it's your own, simply tap your profile picture. If it's from another account, find it on their profile or at the top of your feed.

Step 2: Tap the Share Icon

At the bottom right corner of the Story screen, you'll see a paper airplane "Share" icon. Tap on it.

Step 3: Select "Share to Threads" and Post

Once again, you’ll see the "Share to Threads" option. Tapping it will open a new Thread with an embedded preview of the Story. Add your conversational text to give it context, and then hit "Post."

Important Note on Privacy: You can only share posts and Stories from public Instagram accounts. If an account is set to private, the option to share their content to Threads will not be available. A user on Threads without an Instagram account cannot click to see your Instagram content unless your post is on a public page.

Smart Strategies for Cross-Promoting Content to Threads

Knowing how to share is the first step. Knowing why and what to say is how you master the strategy. Simply dropping a link with "new post" is a missed opportunity. Instead, think of your Threads post as the director's commentary on your Instagram movie. Here are a few proven strategies to make your shares more impactful.

1. Start a Genuine Conversation

Don't just announce, entice. Use your Instagram post as a visual prompt to spark a real conversation. Frame your Thread with an open-ended question that invites participation.

• Instead of: "Check out my new reel."
• Try This: Posting the Reel and captioning it, "Making this video reminded me how important [key topic] is. What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone just starting with [this topic]?"

This approach transforms a passive announcement into an active discussion, leveraging Threads' conversational nature.

2. Share a Behind-the-Scenes Take

People love feeling like they're getting an inside look. After you post a polished photo or carousel on Instagram, use Threads to pull back the curtain.

• Example: Share an expertly edited landscape photo to Threads with the comment, "The final shot! What you don't see in this photo is me nearly falling into a creek just seconds before this was taken. Tell me about a time a 'perfect photo' was actually a moment of total chaos."

This builds authenticity and relatability, making your brand feel more human.

3. Amplify User-Generated Content (UGC)

Sharing posts from your customers or community members is one of the most powerful forms of social proof. If someone tags your brand in an awesome Instagram post, ask for their permission to reshare it on Threads.

• Example: "We absolutely love this post from @customername showing how they styled our new jacket! It's so inspiring to see our designs out in the real world. Thanks for sharing this awesome look!"
• Encourage your community to post content using a branded hashtag. You can then easily find great customer posts to highlight on Threads, further building your community and brand voice.

This not only makes the original creator feel great but also showcases your product or service in an authentic context to your Threads audience.

4. Repurpose Educational Content with Additional Value

If you've shared a quick-tip Reel or an informative carousel on Instagram, you can provide more depth on Threads.

• Example: Share your Reel about "3 Tips for Better Productivity" and write in your Thread: "Here’s a video with my top 3 productivity tips. But for those who want more, here are two bonus tips that didn't make the cut. Let me know your best productivity trick of all time below."

This rewards your Threads followers with "exclusive" content and encourages them to engage with both posts to get the full picture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sharing between platforms is easy, making it just as easy to fall into some bad habits. Here are a few common pitfalls to steer clear of:

1. Forgetting to Add Context. Simply dropping a link to your Instagram post without any additional text is a wasted opportunity. The caption is your chance to start a new conversation and give your Threads followers a reason to engage.
2. Ignoring the Conversation. Don't just post and ghost. Threads is a conversational platform, so if your shared post generates replies, be sure to engage with them. Answering questions and replying to comments makes your audience feel heard.
3. Assuming All Content Works Everywhere. What works well in the highly visual world of Instagram may not land the same way in the text-driven environment of Threads. Be selective about what you share, prioritizing content that can spark a good discussion.
4. Automating Without Authenticity. While scheduling is great, avoid making your sharing process feel robotic. Your Threads audience follows you for your voice and perspective, so ensure your captions feel genuine and tailored to the platform.

Final Thoughts

Sharing your Instagram posts to Threads is more than just a convenient feature, it's a strategic move to build a cohesive, engaged community across both platforms. By turning your visual content into dynamic conversation starters on Threads, you unlock another dimension of brand storytelling and audience connection.

Managing a consistent content strategy across Instagram, Threads, and other social media accounts can feel like a lot to juggle. As we built Postbase, our goal has always been to simplify that chaos. With tools designed specifically for today's visual, video-first world - like a unified visual calendar and seamless scheduling for Reels and short-form video - we help creators and brands plan their multi-platform content in one place. This lets you focus less on the technical details and more on creating conversations that matter.