How to Repost Reels Content

Understanding Reels

Reels represent the short-form video format available on both Instagram and Facebook, designed to compete with TikTok's explosive growth. With millions of Reels posted daily, this format has become essential for creators, brands, and businesses seeking to reach audiences through engaging, snackable video content. Reels combine video, audio, effects, and text in vertical format optimized for mobile viewing, creating unique challenges and opportunities for content sharing and reposting.

Why Repost Reels?

Reels offer tremendous value for various content strategies. Brands showcase user-generated content to build authenticity and social proof. Content creators collaborate through remixes and duets. Educators curate educational content in easily digestible formats. Businesses highlight customer experiences and product demonstrations. Understanding how to ethically share Reels content allows you to leverage this powerful format while respecting creator rights and maintaining platform compliance.

Copyright Considerations for Reels

Reels content involves multiple layers of copyright protection. The video itself is protected as an audiovisual work, any music or audio is separately copyrighted, visual effects may have their own protections, and choreography or creative performances receive copyright protection. This complexity means reposting Reels requires careful consideration of multiple rights holders and licensing requirements.

Key copyright principles for Reels:

• Video creators retain copyright ownership of their Reels
• Music and audio tracks have separate copyright protections
• Platform licenses don't grant third-party reposting rights
• Commercial use requires explicit permission from all rights holders
• Downloading and re-uploading violates Terms of Service
• Effects and filters may have usage restrictions

Methods for Reposting Reels Content

1. Instagram and Facebook's Remix Feature

The Remix feature (Instagram's version of TikTok's Duet) allows you to create new content alongside existing Reels. This maintains attribution to the original creator and creates collaborative content that benefits both parties. Remix automatically credits the original creator and provides a seamless way to engage with trending content while adding your own creative perspective.

NOTE: Reposting content from Instagram or Facebook Reels without the author's permission is copyright infringement and is not permitted on repost.com's copyright compliant repost app.

2. Native Sharing Features

Both Instagram and Facebook provide built-in sharing options for Reels. You can share Reels to your story, send them via direct message, or share them to your feed with automatic attribution. These native sharing methods respect privacy settings and copyright while making content discovery easier.

NOTE: Reposting content from Instagram or Facebook Reels without the author's permission is copyright infringement and is not permitted on repost.com's copyright compliant repost app.

3. Collaborative Posts

Instagram and Facebook now offer collaborative posting features that allow two accounts to co-author content. This feature is perfect for planned collaborations and ensures both creators receive credit and engagement metrics from shared Reels.

4. Professional Platforms like REPOST®

Specialized platforms like REPOST® provide comprehensive tools for managing Reels reposting across platforms while maintaining copyright compliance, tracking permissions, and building creator relationships.

Music and Audio Licensing in Reels

Reels often feature popular music from platform-provided libraries. Instagram and Facebook have licensing agreements with music labels that allow users to include licensed music in their Reels. However, these licenses apply only to content created within the platform and don't extend to downloaded or reposted content. When reposting Reels, you must consider both the video copyright and the audio copyright separately.

Requesting Permission from Reel Creators

Professional reposting requires explicit permission from creators. Here's how to request permission effectively:

• Contact creators via direct message or listed business contact
• Explain specifically how and where you'll use their Reel
• Be clear about commercial vs. personal use
• Offer prominent attribution and tagging
• Specify the platforms where you'll share the content
• Document all permissions in writing
• Respect any conditions or time limitations they set

Best Practices for Reels Reposting

• Use Remix: Leverage platform features that maintain automatic attribution
• Add Value: Provide commentary, reactions, or creative additions when remixing
• Credit Visibly: Ensure original creators are tagged and credited prominently
• Respect Audio Rights: Consider music licensing when reposting
• Build Relationships: Engage authentically with creators whose content you share
• Follow Trends Ethically: Participate in trends while respecting origin creators
• Monitor Performance: Track which reposted content resonates with your audience

User-Generated Content (UGC) Campaigns with Reels

Many brands run UGC campaigns encouraging customers to create Reels featuring their products or services. To repost this content legally, establish clear terms and conditions when launching campaigns. Use branded hashtags with published usage terms, implement permission request workflows, and provide easy opt-in mechanisms for participants. Tools like REPOST® streamline UGC management and ensure proper rights clearance for all shared content.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Protect yourself and respect creators by avoiding these frequent errors:

• Downloading and re-uploading Reels without permission
• Removing creator watermarks or username tags
• Using Reels commercially without rights clearance
• Claiming others' creative work as your own
• Ignoring music and audio copyright implications
• Reposting private or friends-only Reels publicly
• Violating platform Terms of Service through unauthorized downloads

Cross-Platform Reposting of Reels

Many creators want to share Instagram Reels on Facebook or vice versa. While Instagram and Facebook are owned by the same parent company (Meta), copyright considerations still apply. Use native cross-posting features when available, as these maintain attribution and respect creator settings. When sharing Reels to other platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Twitter, additional copyright clearance becomes necessary.

Reels Analytics and Performance

Understanding Reels performance metrics helps inform your reposting strategy. Track engagement rates, reach, and audience growth from both original and reposted content. Analyze which types of Reels resonate most with your audience and build relationships with creators in those niches. Strategic reposting combined with original content creation creates balanced growth and authentic community engagement.

The REPOST® Advantage for Reels

REPOST® provides comprehensive tools specifically designed for managing short-form video content like Reels. Our platform offers permission request workflows, automated attribution systems, multi-platform posting capabilities, and relationship management tools. Whether you're running UGC campaigns, curating industry content, or building brand awareness, REPOST® ensures you're sharing Reels content ethically and effectively.

Building a Sustainable Reels Strategy

Success with Reels requires balancing original content creation with strategic reposting. Create authentic content that showcases your unique perspective while curating valuable Reels from others that add context and value for your audience. Build genuine relationships with creators in your niche, engage meaningfully with their content, and collaborate through Remix and other platform features. This approach creates sustainable growth while contributing positively to the creator ecosystem.

Future of Reels and Short-Form Video

Short-form video continues to dominate social media, with platforms constantly evolving their features and policies. Stay informed about platform updates, new collaboration tools, and changing copyright policies. As the Reels format matures, expect more sophisticated attribution tools, enhanced creator protections, and innovative collaboration features. Maintaining ethical sharing practices positions you well for long-term success regardless of platform changes.

Conclusion

Reels represent the cutting edge of social media content, offering unprecedented opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and engagement. However, the viral nature of short-form video makes copyright compliance and ethical sharing more important than ever. By leveraging platform features like Remix, respecting music and video copyrights, seeking proper permissions, providing clear attribution, and using professional tools like REPOST®, you can share Reels content effectively while building trust and relationships within the creator community. Remember that behind every viral Reel is a creator who deserves recognition and respect – approach content sharing with integrity, and you'll build a reputation and audience that lasts far beyond any single trending video.