Instagram is testing the ability for users to repost posts, the company confirmed Monday to TechCrunch. This move is not surprising as it was discovered that social networks are developing features back to 2022.
Some users report checking features on their accounts, noting that users can repost their content in addition to other users' posts.
Of course, if Instagram decides to officially roll out the changes, not everyone will be involved, especially as it adds yet another content format to a platform where posts, stories, reels, notes, DMS, ads and more are already crowded.
Meanwhile, some people welcome the changes as they can share and amplify interesting content like they already do on other platforms.
Currently you can share someone's posts in your story, but with the upcoming repost feature, you'll be repainting your posts in your Instagram feed. Additionally, some people now use workarounds and third-party apps to repost content, so the official redistributing feature removes the need to find alternatives.
When it comes to creators, the repost feature could be a way for them to increase reach and discoverability. Additionally, Instagram is filled with reposted memes and photos, which often don't credit the original poster, so adding a repost feature will allow creators to receive credits when content is widely shared.
It makes sense for Instagram to introduce the ability to repost. Especially since the format is adopted by other social networks such as Threads and Tiktok. It is worth noting that repost became popular with Twitter in 2009 when it introduced the “retweet” feature.
Like any other testing feature, it is unclear when or if Instagram plans to release the repost feature to all users.