How to Share an Instagram Story: Posts, Mentions, and DMs

Instagram has several built-in sharing controls, but the available option depends on what you are sharing and the original account's privacy settings. You can send an active Story in a direct message, add a Story that mentions you to your own Story when Instagram offers that option, or share an eligible feed post to a Story.

Send an Instagram Story in a Direct Message

1. Open the active Story.
2. Tap the share icon.
3. Select a person or group and add an optional message.
4. Tap Send.

The recipient still needs permission to view the original account. A Story from a private account will not become public simply because it was sent in a DM.

Add a Story That Mentions You

When another account mentions your username in its Story, Instagram may show Add to your story in the notification or message thread. Tap it, edit the reshare, and publish. The option can disappear when the original Story expires, the creator removes it, or account settings prevent resharing.

If you were not mentioned, Instagram may not offer a built-in way to repost that Story publicly. Ask the creator for permission and for the original photo or video instead of removing attribution from a screenshot.

Share a Feed Post to Your Story

1. Open the feed post.
2. Tap the share icon below it.
3. Choose Add to story when available.
4. Add context, resize the post preview, and publish.

The option depends on the original account and its resharing settings. Preserve the creator's visible photo credit and do not imply that someone else's photo or video is your own. For a Story you create yourself, you can also add an Instagram Link sticker before publishing.