Instagram does not provide a direct way to see who shared your post, but you can still track the number of times it has been shared. By using Instagram Insights, you can check how many people have shared your post, and if someone shared it on their public Instagram Story, you may be able to see it for a limited time.
So, can you really know who shared your post? The answer is: not exactly, but you can track post performance. Instagram prioritizes user privacy, meaning you won’t see a list of usernames, but you can access analytics that show how often your post is being shared.
How to Check If Someone Shared Your Instagram Post?
Instagram does not notify you when someone shares your post, but there are two ways to check if your content has been shared:
- Method 1: Check Shares Using Instagram Insights – This shows the total number of shares but does not reveal usernames.
- Method 2: View Public Story Reshares – This allows you to see who shared your post if it was reshared in a public Story.
🔹 Before using these methods, you need to switch to a Professional Account.
Switch to a Professional Account (Required for Insights Access)
To access Instagram Insights, your account must be set to Business or Creator mode. If you’re using a Personal Account, switch by following these steps:
- Open Instagram and go to Settings.
- Tap Account Type and Tools → Switch to Professional Account.
- Select Creator or Business, then complete the setup.
This enables Instagram Insights, allowing you to track post engagement, including shares.
Method 1: Check Shares Using Instagram Insights
If you have a Professional Account, you can track how many times your post has been shared:
- Open your Instagram post.
- Tap View Insights below the post.
- Find the paper airplane icon (✈️) – this indicates the total number of shares.
🔹 Instagram does not show usernames of people who shared your post—only the total count.
Method 2: View Public Story Reshares
If someone shared your post in their Instagram Story, and their account is public, you can check it within 24 hours:
- Open your post and tap the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner.
- Select View Story Reshares (this option appears only if your post has been reshared).
- A list of public accounts that reshared your post will be displayed.
🔹 If this option doesn’t appear, your post either hasn’t been reshared publicly or the reshares have expired.
Why Should You See Who Shared Your Instagram Post?
Tracking who shared your Instagram post can help you understand your audience and improve engagement. While Instagram does not reveal usernames, knowing how often your content is shared provides valuable insights.
Here’s why monitoring post shares is important:
- Measure Engagement and Content Performance
- Increase Your Reach and Visibility
- Identify Potential Collaborations or Advocates
- Evaluate Marketing and Growth Strategies
Measure Engagement and Content Performance
If your post is getting shared frequently, it means your content resonates with your audience. By checking Instagram Insights, you can identify which posts get the most shares and adjust your content strategy accordingly.
Increase Your Reach and Visibility
Shares expose your content to a wider audience, including people who don’t follow you. More shares can lead to new followers, increased brand awareness, and higher engagement on your profile.
Identify Potential Collaborations or Advocates
If a public account or influencer frequently shares your posts, you might have a potential brand ambassador. Tracking shares helps you identify people who support your content, opening opportunities for collaborations or shoutouts.
Evaluate Marketing and Growth Strategies
For businesses and creators, post shares act as a key performance indicator (KPI). High share numbers can indicate successful campaigns, while low shares might signal a need for content improvement.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I See Who Shared My Instagram Post in a Direct Message (DM)?
No, Instagram does not notify you when someone shares your post in a direct message (DM). Since DMs are private, there is no way to track or see who has shared your post via this method. However, you can still check the total number of shares using Instagram Insights.
How Can I Encourage More People to Share My Instagram Posts?
To increase post shares, consider these strategies:
- Create high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your audience.
- Use call-to-action (CTA) phrases like “Share this with a friend!” in your captions.
- Post at optimal times when your audience is most active.
- Run giveaways or contests that require sharing your post for participation.
Can Third-Party Apps Show Who Shared My Post?
No, third-party apps cannot show who shared your post because Instagram’s privacy policies do not allow external tools to access this information. Any app claiming to provide usernames of sharers is likely misleading or violates Instagram’s terms of service. Always rely on Instagram Insights for accurate data.
2 Comments
Didn’t know about the Story Reshares option. Useful!
Would be nice if Instagram showed names, but at least I can check the share count.