The ability to “repost” another user's photo or video to one's own profile or “Reels” is rumored to be added to Instagram in the near future. Matt Navarra, a social media expert, saw it and tweeted a screenshot of the offending tweet. A brand new “Reposts” tab was displayed. In a subsequent comment to TechCrunch, Instagram confirmed that the feature was in testing.
We’re exploring the ability to reshare posts in Feed – similar to how you can reshare in Stores – so people can share what resonates with them, and so original creators are credited for their work[…] We plan to test this soon with a small number of people.
The most popular approach for users to repost or distribute content is by include it in a time-limited “story.” A new “Repost” feature would allow users to distribute a previously shared reel or post to their followers' primary feeds, rather than their stories. TikTok and Twitter have a functional analogue.
Instagram Reposts Tab on profiles?!
What’s dis Adam? pic.twitter.com/WayWCJGBfx
— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) September 7, 2022
According to the leaked screenshots, the purpose of the repost function is to “recommend a post your friends may enjoy by reposting it to a feed or story.” The Repost option will be accessible through the share menu of a post or reel, allowing viewers to give feedback to the original poster. In the meanwhile, a user's profile will include a tab labeled “Reposts,” which followers can browse. Users may also be allowed to provide commentary before they share a repost.
Instagram's original vision as a site for sharing photographs has been put on hold as the company competes with the massive success of short-video platform TikTok by emphasizing Reels and video content, and before that, the store function.
