Instagram rolls out repost button, new ‘friends’ tab
The Instagram logo is seen on a cell phone, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Waking up to a surprise update? Instagram just introduced a brand-new feature that may shift how users interact with content: the ability to repost.
Instagram’s parent company META announced that users can now repost public Reels and feed posts, bringing a new way to share content you love with your friends and followers.
“With reposts, you can repost public reels and feed posts, making it easier for you to share your interests with your friends,” META stated in its news release.
These reposts won’t just be sprinkled across your followers’ feeds as they will also live in a dedicated tab on your profile, so you can revisit them anytime.
META emphasized that “reposts are credited to the original poster,” offering a discovery boost to creators.
The company added, “If your content is reposted by someone else, it may be recommended to that person’s followers, even if those people don’t follow you.” This could significantly expand reach for creatives which further gives fresh content more chances to go viral organically.
Aside from reposting, the update includes a more social twist, a “friends” tab in Reels. This section displays content your friends have liked, commented on, reposted or created. This encourages conversations and shared interests.
And for those looking to link their digital lives with the real world, Instagram now allows location sharing on its map feature, though the control remains with the user. You can choose which friends can see your location.
“People have always come to Instagram to share what they’re up to and where they are,” META explained. “Now, with reposts, the map, and the ‘Friends’ tab in Reels, it’s easier for you and your friends to stay in touch through the content you’re enjoying on Instagram.”
These updates come just weeks after Instagram rolled out safety tools in July, focusing on teen protections in DMs and content involving children. In June, they also added a profile grid-editing option, making it easier to curate your digital identity.
