You can repost on Instagram from a computer using the browser version, but the process is different from mobile
Instagram's web version lets you repost — share someone else's post to your own feed — but it does not have a built-in repost button the way some other platforms do. Instead, you will take a screenshot of the post, read the image file, and upload it as a new post from your computer's browser. You can also use third-party reposting tools that automate this, though they require you to grant them access to your account.
The manual method takes about five minutes and keeps full control in your hands. The tool-based method is faster if you repost often, but you should understand what permissions you are granting before you connect any app to your Instagram account.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram's web browser does not have a native repost feature, so you must screenshot the post and upload it as a new image.
- You can take a screenshot on Windows using the Snipping Tool or Print Screen, and on Mac using Command+Shift+4 or the Screenshot app.
- Third-party reposting apps like Repost for Instagram or Buffer can automate the process but require you to log in with your Instagram credentials.
- Always credit the original poster in your caption, either by tagging them or typing their username, to avoid copyright issues.
- Some accounts and posts have restrictions that prevent reposting, so check the original poster's settings before you share their content.
How to manually repost using a screenshot on your computer
Open the Instagram post you want to repost in your web browser. Navigate to instagram.com, search for the account or post, and click on it to open the full view. Make sure the entire image or video thumbnail is visible on your screen.
Take a screenshot of the post. On Windows, press the Print Screen key, then open Paint or another image editor and paste the image. You can also use the Snipping Tool (search for it in your Start menu) to capture just the post area. On Mac, press Command+Shift+4 to select the area you want to capture, or use the Screenshot app from your Applications folder.
Save the screenshot as an image file on your computer. Use a clear filename so you can find it later. Then go to your own Instagram profile on the web, click the plus icon or "Create" button, and upload the screenshot as a new post. Add a caption that credits the original poster — type their username or tag them directly.
Using third-party reposting apps from your computer
Apps like Repost for Instagram, Buffer, and Later let you repost directly without taking screenshots. These tools work through your web browser and automate the process: you find the post you want to share, click the app's repost button, and it uploads the image and a credit tag to your feed.
To use one, visit the app's website and click "Log in with Instagram." You will be asked to grant the app permission to access your account — read the permissions carefully before you approve. The app will ask which account to post to and whether to add a watermark or credit. Once you confirm, the post goes to your feed.
The trade-off is convenience for security: you are giving a third-party service access to your Instagram login. Use only well-known apps with good reviews, and revoke access in your Instagram settings (Settings > Apps and Websites > Connected Apps) if you stop using the tool.
What to do if the original poster has disabled reposts
Some Instagram accounts turn off the ability for others to repost their content. If you try to use a reposting app and it says the post cannot be reposted, the original account owner has restricted it. You can still take a screenshot and upload it manually, but you should respect the original poster's choice not to allow reposts.
Check the original post's caption or the account's bio to see if they have asked people not to repost. If they have, the best option is to share the post using Instagram's built-in Share button (the paper airplane icon), which sends it to your followers as a message rather than a new post on your feed. This respects the original poster's preference while still spreading their content.
How to credit the original poster in your caption
Always include a credit in your caption when you repost someone else's content. The simplest way is to type their Instagram username in the caption — for example, "Reposted from @username" or "Credit: @username." You can also tag them by typing the @ symbol followed by their username, which sends them a notification that you have shared their work.
Some reposting apps add a watermark or credit automatically, usually in the corner of the image. If you are taking a screenshot manually, you can add text to the image before uploading it using Paint, Preview, or any image editor. This makes the credit visible to anyone who sees the post, not just those who read the caption.
Why Instagram's web version does not have a native repost button
Instagram's browser version is a simplified version of the mobile app, and the company has not added a repost feature to either. This is partly by design: Instagram wants to encourage original content and make it clear when something is a repost rather than something you created. The lack of a one-click repost button also reduces the spread of misinformation, since it requires a moment of intention to repost.
The mobile app has a Share button that lets you send posts to friends in Direct Messages, but it does not post to your feed. The web version has the same limitation. This is why third-party apps exist — they fill a gap that Instagram has deliberately left open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I repost a video from Instagram on my computer?
Yes, you can screenshot a video's thumbnail the same way you would an image, but the screenshot will be a still image, not the video itself. If you want to repost the actual video, use a third-party app that supports video reposting, or read the video file using a separate tool and upload it as your own post (though this is less common and may violate the original creator's rights).
Will the original poster get notified if I repost their content?
If you tag them in the caption or use the @ mention feature, they will get a notification. If you just screenshot and upload without tagging, they will not be notified automatically, but they may see it if they search for their own content or if someone else tags them in the comments.
Is it legal to repost someone else's Instagram post?
Reposting without permission can violate copyright, since the original poster owns the image. However, many creators expect and welcome reposts as long as you credit them. Always check the original poster's bio or captions to see if they have asked people not to repost, and always include a clear credit to the original creator.
What is the difference between reposting and sharing on Instagram?
Sharing (using the paper airplane icon) sends the post to your followers as a message in their Direct Messages or Stories, but it does not create a new post on your feed. Reposting uploads the content as a new post on your profile. Sharing is less visible but respects the original poster's control over where their content appears.