How to Use the Repost App for Instagram

Sharing content from your community on Instagram is one of the quickest ways to build social proof and fill your content calendar, but doing it right is essential. This guide walks you through exactly how to use a repost app to share user-generated content effectively, legally, and in a way that truly connects with your audience.

Why Reposting User-Generated Content is a Game-Changer

Before getting into the "how," let's quickly cover the "why." Consistently creating original content is demanding. Integrating user-generated content - photos, videos, or Reels from your customers and community - into your feed isn't just about saving time. It's a powerful marketing strategy.

• Builds Trust and Authenticity: When potential customers see real people enjoying your product or service, it acts as a powerful, unbiased testimonial. It's authentic social proof that you can't create yourself.
• Fosters a Stronger Community: Featuring community content makes your followers feel seen, heard, and valued. This recognition encourages more people to share their experiences, creating a positive feedback loop of engagement and brand loyalty.
• Provides a Fresh Perspective: Your audience can showcase your product or brand in creative ways you might not have considered. This diversity of content keeps your feed looking fresh and relatable, not like a constant stream of polished advertisements.
• Lightens Your Content Creation Load: Let's be real - filling a content calendar is hard work. Curating high-quality UGC supplements your original posts, helping you maintain a consistent posting schedule without burning out your creative team.

The Golden Rule of Reposting: Get Permission and Give Credit

This is the most important part of the entire process, and it’s non-negotiable. Reposting someone's content without their permission is, at its core, using their creative work without consent, which can lead to copyright issues and damage your brand's reputation. Following two simple rules keeps you on the right side of things.

1. Always Ask for Explicit Permission

Liking a post or finding it through a hashtag is not permission to repost it. You need to get a clear "yes" from the original creator. Sending a simple, friendly direct message is the best way to do this.

Here's a template you can adapt:

"Hi [Creator's Name]! We absolutely love this photo/video you shared featuring our [product/service]. It perfectly captures [something you like about it]. We'd be honored to feature it on our Instagram profile with full credit to you, of course. Would you be okay with us sharing it?"

Wait for their response. Most people will be thrilled to be featured and will happily agree. If they say no or don't reply, respect their decision and find another post. Keep a record of your permissions (a quick screenshot of the DM works) just in case.

2. Give Clear and Prominent Credit

Once you have permission, giving proper credit goes beyond just tagging them. Good credit is visible, clear, and appreciative.

• Tag in the Photo/Video: Always tag the original creator’s handle directly in the visual content itself.
• Mention in the Caption: The very first line of your caption should be a credit to the creator. Use "📸 by @[creatorhandle]" or "Video via @[creatorhandle]" so it’s impossible to miss. Hiding the tag at the bottom of a wall of hashtags is not good practice.

Giving proper credit shows respect for the creator and also directs your followers to their page, which is a great way to thank them for their contribution.

What is the 'Repost' App? A Quick Look

So, where does a dedicated app come in? While Instagram doesn't have a native "repost" button for feed posts, third-party apps like Repost: For Posts, Stories (a popular option on both iOS and Android) streamline the process. These apps solve a few technical challenges:

1. They let you download the photo or video from Instagram directly to your phone.
2. They automatically add a small, unobtrusive attribution watermark (a little overlay with the creator's username) to the corner of the content.
3. They copy the original caption to your clipboard, making it easier to paste and credit the creator.

Using one of these apps ensures the creator's username is visually attached to the content, adding an extra layer of credit that goes wherever the content is shared.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Repost App

Let’s walk through the process from start to finish. Once you've gotten permission from the original creator, you're ready to go.

Step 1: Find the Instagram Post and Copy the Link

Navigate to the specific Instagram post you've gotten permission to share. Tap the three dots icon (...) at the top-right corner of the post. From the menu that appears, tap on "Link" or "Copy Link." The URL of the post is now copied to your device's clipboard.

Step 2: Open the Repost App

When you launch your reposting app, it should automatically detect the link you just copied. The post will pop up within the app's interface. If it doesn't, there's usually a field where you can paste the URL manually.

Step 3: Customize the Attribution Watermark

This is a key feature of the app. You'll see the original content displayed with a small watermark bearing the creator's Instagram handle. Most apps allow you to customize it:

• Position: You can typically choose to place the watermark in any of the four corners (bottom-left, bottom-right, etc.). Pick a spot where it's visible but doesn't obscure an important part of the photo or video.
• Color: You can usually switch between a light or dark theme for the watermark text. Choose the one that provides the most contrast against the content's background so it’s easy to read.

Step 4: Tap the 'Share' Button

Once you're happy with the watermark's appearance, look for a "Share," "Repost," or similar button. Tapping this will usually perform two actions at once:

1. It saves the photo or video (with the watermark) to your phone's camera roll.
2. It copies the original caption from the Instagram post to your clipboard.

The app will then prompt you to choose where you want to share the content.

Step 5: Share to Instagram (Feed, Story, or Reel)

You'll see a pop-up with your phone's sharing options. Select "Instagram." From there, you can choose if you want to post it to your Feed, your Story, or as a Reel. Let's assume you're posting to your feed.

Step 6: Edit, Filter, and Finalize the Visual

You'll now be in the familiar Instagram posting flow. The downloaded image or video will be ready for you to share. You can crop it if needed or apply one of your brand’s go-to filters to maintain a consistent aesthetic on your feed. Once you’re satisfied, tap "Next."

Step 7: Craft Your Caption

This is where you bring it all together. Tap and hold in the caption box and select "Paste" to add the original caption you copied. Now, clean it up and add your own touch.

• Give Proper Credit (Again!): The first line should be your credit. Example: "Incredible shot from the talented @[creatorhandle]! 📸" Don't rely solely on the watermark.
• Clean Up the Original Caption: The original caption might mention things not relevant to your brand or audience. Delete any parts that don't fit and keep the parts that do.
• Add Your Own Commentary: This is a chance to connect the UGC back to your brand. Why are you featuring this post? Do you love how they styled your product? Is their experience a perfect example of what your service offers? Adding 2-3 sentences of your own commentary adds value and context.
• Add Relevant Hashtags: Include your brand's hashtags and any relevant community or campaign tags.

Step 8: Tag the Creator and Post

Before hitting "Share," make sure to tap "Tag People" and tag the creator’s handle directly on the image. This sends them a notification and links the post back to their profile from your feed.

Once everything is in place, tap "Share," and you're done! You've successfully reposted content while giving proper credit and celebrating a member of your community.

Best Practices for a Killer UGC Strategy

Using the repost app is easy, but great brands use it strategically.

• Create a Branded Hashtag: Encourage your audience to use a unique hashtag (e.g., #YourBrandCommunity) when they post about your brand. This makes it incredibly easy for you to find and collect all the best UGC in one place.
• Curate with Your Brand in Mind: Don't just repost everything. Choose content that aligns with your brand's aesthetic, values, and messaging. The UGC you share should feel like a natural extension of your own feed.
• Engage After Posting: Once the post is live, drop a comment thanking the creator one more time. It’s a small gesture that shows genuine appreciation and reinforces your positive relationship with your community.

Final Thoughts

Reposting content on Instagram is an excellent way to connect with your community and keep your feed populated with authentic, engaging posts. As long as you remember the golden rule - always get permission and always give clear credit - you can confidently make UGC a cornerstone of your social media strategy.

Managing a calendar packed with both original content and user-submitted features can become complicated quickly. That’s why we built Postbase with a clean, visual calendar that lets you see your entire content plan at a glance. You can easily drag and drop your scheduled original posts and community highlights to find the perfect mix, ensuring your Instagram feed is always balanced, fresh, and engaging.