Bye-bye third-party apps: Instagram is working on new 'Repost' feature
What's the story
Instagram has been on the path of reinvention for a while now. Despite being battered in its rivalry against TikTok, the social media platform continues to experiment.
The Meta-owned site has now confirmed that it is working on a new feature that will let users "Repost" someone else's content on their own feed.
This feature was arguably first introduced by Twitter.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Instagram is working on yet another new feature. This time, it is "Repost."
It is the same kind of resharing seen on Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr. It has its obvious benefits, but the question is: Will Instagram's users embrace this change?
Instagram has faced criticism for its recent efforts to become more like rival TikTok. It has even had to roll back some features.
Repost
The feature was first spotted in May
Instagram will soon start testing the "Repost" feature. It was spotted by social media consultant Matt Navarra earlier this week.
He posted a screenshot of Instagram head Adam Mosseri's profile with a Repost tab. He then shared more details about the feature, courtesy of a screenshot by app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi.
Paluzzi noticed the feature was in development back in May.
Feature
There will be a dedicated tab for reposted posts
Instagram is introducing "Repost" as a new way to share with followers. Users will be able to repost Reels and public posts of others for their followers.
According to Paluzzi's screenshots, the option to repost will be in the share menu. Users will also be able to add their thoughts before reposting.
A dedicated tab for reposted posts will be in the user's profile.
Twitter Post
This is how Instagram's 'Repost' will look like
Instagram Reposts Tab on profiles?!
— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) September 7, 2022
What’s dis Adam? pic.twitter.com/WayWCJGBfx
Past
Instagram users are not new to the idea of 'reposting'
Instagram users are no strangers to the idea of reposting. Users have been sharing posts to their Stories or via direct messages for a while.
Those who wanted to share posts to their feeds have been using third-party apps for the same.
They also use screenshots of original posts and share them with their followers. But the new feature will certainly make sharing easier.
Reason
Why is Instagram working on 'Repost' feature?
Instagram's reasoning behind introducing a "Repost" feature could be multifold. Apart from making sharing easier, this feature will also ensure that original creators get credit for their work.
From a competitive perspective, Instagram's "Repost" certainly has something to do with its main rival TikTok.
TikTok started testing the feature at the beginning of 2021. Since then, the feature has gained popularity.