Social media apps such as Twitter and Facebook have long had
features which allow their users to share content with others. However, as
social media apps develop and change, other platforms such as TikTok and
Instagram are following suit by developing their own way of sharing content.
In a recent email, a Meta spokesperson confirmed that
Instagram are
“exploring
the ability to reshare posts in Feed”. However, initially this feature will
only be available to a select number of Instagram users to trial.
Instagram’s Current Features
Currently, there is no official way to share other users’
content to an Instagram Feed, although content can be shared to another users’
Story and through direct messaging within the app. There are also third-party
apps which allow you to repost content. However, Instagram’s new sharing
feature will allow you to do this without the need to download further apps.
This development shows the app is encouraging further
interaction among its users, creating a more open and sharing community.
The Popularity of Reposting
Content
Twitter were the pioneers in sharing social media content,
with other platforms following their lead.
TikTok has since released its own update which allows
accounts to reshare another user’s content onto their own feed. However, it is
not currently possible to view all of the user’s shared posts; the shared
videos only appear on your Friends For You Pages.
What Will the Repost Feature
Include?
Original content creators on Instagram often don’t get
credited for their work due to the inability to share posts. The new Repost
feature overcomes this issue.
The Repost tab is likely to be home to all the posts and
Reels which have been shared to a user’s account. The tab is located on the
account’s home page,
as
shared by Matt Navara earlier this month.
Is the Repost Feature
Necessary?
Although this update helps Instagram to catch up with other
social media platforms, some may see the feature as unnecessary, with the
potential to overcrowd the app.
Similarly, with the introduction of Reels,
many
users have since complained about the app becoming reminiscent of TikTok.
So, is Instagram losing its identity or will the repost feature help it keep
pace with other platforms?
What’s Next for Instagram?
In recent years, Instagram has moved away from its original
identity as a platform for sharing images with friends and family; it is now
much more ‘influencer focused’. Because of this, users have been calling on the
platform to avoid further developments and return to its roots. Considering that many Instagram users want the app to go back to basics, it
raises the question of whether introducing another new update will initiate
positive change or if it is really needed at all.
