How to Repost an Instagram Reel With Credit (Without Getting a Copyright Strike)

By the ReelSaver team · Updated 13 October 2026

Instagram now gives you several built-in ways to share another creator’s reel. Most of them keep the original creator attached automatically, which is exactly what protects you. Downloading and re-uploading should be your last resort, not your first.

Option 1: Share it to your Story

The simplest and safest way. Tap the share icon (paper plane) under the reel and choose Add to story. The reel appears as a sticker that links back to the original post, and the creator’s username is shown automatically. If the account is public and allows sharing, this needs no permission at all because you’re sharing Instagram’s own copy, not a duplicate.

The downside: Stories disappear after 24 hours unless you add them to a Highlight.

Option 2: Use Instagram’s Repost button

Newer versions of the Instagram app include a Repost option on reels and posts (look for the two-arrow icon or the option in the share menu). Reposted reels are shown to your followers and collected on a Reposts tab on your profile, with the original creator credited and the views counted towards their reel. If you don’t see the option, update the app — features roll out gradually by region and account type, and creators can turn off resharing for their content.

Option 3: Remix the reel

If you want to add your own reaction, commentary or duet, tap ⋯ → Remix. Your clip plays alongside or after the original, and Instagram links back to the source. Remixing is only available if the creator has allowed it.

Option 4: Collab with the creator

For brand partnerships or joint content, the creator can add you as a collaborator when posting (or invite you afterwards). The reel then appears on both profiles and shares one set of likes, comments and views. It’s the best option when you’re working with the creator anyway.

Option 5: Download and re-upload — with permission

Sometimes you need your own copy: you’re posting to a page that doesn’t support resharing, publishing on another platform, or putting the clip in a presentation. That’s when a downloader like ReelSaver is useful — but only after you have permission. Here’s how to do it properly:

1. Ask the creator. Send a short DM: who you are, where you want to post the reel, and how you’ll credit them. Keep their reply — a screenshot is enough proof for everyday use.
2. Download the original file. Copy the reel link (share icon → Copy link), paste it into ReelSaver and save the video with its audio.
3. Don’t crop or blur their branding. Leave any watermark, name or logo in the video exactly as it was.
4. Credit them clearly. Start the caption with something like “🎥 Video by @creatorname — shared with permission” and tag them in the post itself, not just the caption.
5. Don’t monetise it unless the creator has explicitly agreed to that too.

Watch out for the music

Many reels use tracks from Instagram’s music library. Those tracks are licensed for use inside Instagram. If you download a reel and upload it to YouTube or a website, the music can trigger copyright claims there even if the creator gave you permission — because the creator doesn’t own the song. When re-uploading outside Instagram, ask for a version without the music, or replace the audio with royalty-free music.

Which method should you use?

Not sure where the legal lines are? Our guide Is it legal to download Instagram reels? covers ownership, fair use and why “credit” isn’t the same as permission.