Instagram now lets you repost public stories without being tagged: What changes and how it works

Instagram

Instagram has rolled out a significant Stories update that allows users to reshare any public Story to their own profile even if they were not tagged in it. The global rollout is underway on both iOS and Android, and the move is meant to streamline content sharing while giving creators more control over how their posts circulate.

The feature is limited to public accounts, leaving Stories from private profiles untouched. When users view a Story from a public account, they will now see an “Add to Story” button next to the standard sharing tools. Tapping it lets them repost the Story directly, with the original creator’s username shown for proper attribution. Instagram has also included opt-out controls so creators can disable resharing entirely by switching off “Allow Sharing to Story” in the privacy settings. If the option is turned off, viewers will not see the repost button.

By offering native resharing, Instagram eliminates common workarounds like screenshots and screen recordings, which often distort image quality and remove credits. The change also pushes Instagram closer to the sharing dynamics of platforms such as X and TikTok, both of which rely heavily on repost-style engagement. For creators, the feature helps expand reach while maintaining visibility and credit for original work.

Alongside the product update, Instagram is making internal changes of its own. The company has become the first major Meta division to call employees back to the office five days a week. Starting February 2026, all US-based staff with assigned desks must return to in-person work. In a memo titled “Building a Winning Culture in 2026,” Instagram chief Adam Mosseri argued that face-to-face collaboration drives stronger creativity and teamwork. He cited his experience in the New York office as an example of how in-person culture accelerates problem-solving and momentum.

Together, the resharing update and the workplace shift signal Instagram’s attempt to refine how users engage on the platform while tightening how its teams operate internally.