When the paper-airplane button shows up
Instagram shows the native share-to-story option on posts where the creator has enabled re-sharing AND on posts where you are tagged. Many creators disable re-sharing at the account level for privacy or commercial reasons. The paper-airplane button is your fastest path when it exists, but it does not always exist.
Creator must have re-sharing enabled (account-level setting)
If you are tagged, share works regardless of the account setting
Some content types (Live, certain ad formats) cannot be shared via story
When the share button is missing
When the paper-airplane is hidden, you have two workarounds. Screenshot the post, then post the screenshot to your story with the creator's @ handle tagged in your story. Or DM the creator asking permission to share, then use one of the regram apps. The screenshot method works always; the regram apps only work when permission has been granted.
Screenshot + handle tag — always works
Regram apps — request permission, then forward with attribution
Never share without credit, even when the share button exists
Three rules that keep creators happy
Even with the native share button, three rules keep you on the right side of the creators whose posts you spotlight. Tag the original handle prominently in your story so credit is unmissable. Add context for why you are sharing (otherwise it reads as random repost). And for commercial accounts, DM permission first even when the share button works — many brands have unwritten rules the share button does not enforce.
Tag the original handle prominently in your story
Add a one-line context — why are you sharing this?
DM permission first for commercial or brand accounts
Open the post and check for the paper-airplane icon
If native share is available, tap and customise
If native share is missing, screenshot the post
For commercial reposts, DM first
Share post to story FAQ
Quick answers on native sharing, the workaround, and permission etiquette.
How do I share someone else's Instagram post to my story?
Why can I not share an Instagram post to my story?
Does Instagram notify the creator when I share their post to my story?
How do I share my own Instagram post to my story?
Can I add multiple posts to one story slide?
How do I share a post to story without the airplane icon?
Is it OK to share someone's post without permission?
How do I credit the original creator when sharing?
Schedule story shares without juggling apps
PostNext lets you queue story content — including screenshot-shares and standalone story slides — to publish at your audience's peak hours. The native paper-airplane share stays manual; everything else gets scheduled.