Instagram, allows users to share photos, videos, and reels with a global audience. For brands, influencers, and creators, understanding how their content is shared and received is crucial for building engagement and expanding reach. But, can you really see who shared your Instagram post? The answer is both yes and no, depending on the type of account you have.
In this article, we will check everything you need to know about seeing who shared your Instagram posts, including:
- Requirements and Limitations
- How to Check Post Shares and Insights
- The Importance of Post Shares on Instagram
- Tips to Increase Post Shares and Engagement
Let’s get started!
Can You See Who Shared Your Instagram Post?
The Short Answer:
No, Instagram does not allow users to see exactly who shared their posts. However, you can view the total share count if you have a business or creator account. You may also be able to see who shared your post to their public story if the “View Story Reshares” feature is available to you.
Requirements:
- You must have an Instagram Business or Creator Account to access Insights and see share counts.
- Personal accounts do not have access to Insights or the ability to see who shared posts.
- Even with a Business or Creator account, you will only see the share count, not the identities of the users who shared your post.
Limitations:
- The “View Story Reshares” feature is not available to all professional accounts.
- You can only see who shared your post to their public stories within the last 24 hours.
- Private shares or shares in direct messages are never visible.
How to Check Who Shared Your Instagram Post or Reel
To view insights and see how many times your post or reel was shared, follow the steps below:
1. Switch to a Business or Creator Account (If Not Already Done)
If you’re using a personal account, switch to a professional account to access Insights.
- Go to Settings > Account > Switch to Professional Account.
- Choose either Business or Creator Account depending on your needs.
Note: Switching to a professional account won’t show you past shares, but you will see this information for future posts.
2. Viewing Insights for Photo Posts
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
- Select the photo post for which you want to check shares.
- Tap on “View Insights” located just below the post.
- In the Insights panel, look for the paper airplane icon. This icon shows the total share count, indicating how many times the post has been shared.
- If available, tap on “View Story Reshares” to see who shared the post to their public stories within the last 24 hours.
Note: If nobody shared the post, you’ll see two dashes (–) under the share icon instead of a number.
3. Viewing Insights for Reels
- Go to your Instagram profile.
- Tap the Reels tab (clapboard icon).
- Select the reel you want to check.
- Tap on the three dots at the bottom-right corner.
- Choose “View Insights” to see the total number of shares and other metrics, including plays, reach, and interactions.
- If the option is available, tap “View Story Reshares” to see who shared the reel to their public story in the last 24 hours.
Why Post Shares Matter on Instagram
1. Expanding Reach
Each share introduces your content to a new audience, helping you reach people outside your follower list. This naturally enhances brand awareness.
2. Measuring Content Quality
High shares indicate high value. If people find your content valuable or interesting, they’re more likely to share it.
3. Building Brand Loyalty
When followers share your posts, they become advocates for your brand, helping build a loyal community.
4. Improving Engagement
Shared posts often receive more interactions, including likes, comments, and new followers.
Tips to Increase Post Shares and Engagement
- Create Shareable Content
- Design infographics, quotes, tips, or how-to guides that provide value to your audience.
- Use visually appealing images and videos that resonate with your target audience.
- Use Strong Calls-to-Action (CTAs)
- Include phrases like “Share if you agree” or “Tag someone who needs to see this” to encourage shares.
- Post at Optimal Times
- Post when your audience is most active. Studies show that 11 AM to 2 PM on weekdays is typically the best time for engagement.
- Leverage Instagram Stories
- Share your post to your story with a “Tap to View” CTA, encouraging followers to check out and share the post.
- Engage with Your Audience
- Respond to comments and direct messages to build a community that’s more likely to share your content.
How to Measure Success from Shared Posts
1. Analyze Post Insights Regularly
- Keep track of shares, likes, comments, and saves. A post with high shares but low likes indicates informational value, whereas high shares with high likes indicate engaging content.
2. Check Mentions and Direct Messages
- People might mention you or send DMs when sharing your post. Monitoring these can provide insights into who is amplifying your content.
3. Use Third-Party Analytics Tools
- Meta Business Suite and SocialPilot offer advanced analytics, including share trends, engagement rates, and top-performing posts.
4. Identify Share Sources
- Shares can come from stories, direct messages, or other social platforms. Knowing the sources helps in targeting the right audience.
Privacy Considerations
- Instagram prioritizes user privacy, which is why you can’t see who exactly shared your post.
- You can only see share counts and public reshares in stories.
- Always respect user privacy by not demanding shares or prying into private interactions.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Tracking Instagram Shares?
Absolutely! While you can’t see individual sharers, understanding share patterns helps you:
- Create more shareable content that resonates with your audience.
- Increase reach and visibility by leveraging the power of shares.
- Optimize content strategies based on what works and what doesn’t.
Even without knowing the names, the share count provides valuable feedback about your content’s effectiveness and audience engagement. By consistently monitoring shares and optimizing your strategy, you can boost engagement, grow your audience, and build a loyal community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I see who shared my post if I have a personal account?
No. Only Business or Creator accounts can access post insights and share counts.
2. Will switching to a professional account show past shares?
No. You will only see share data for posts made after switching to a Business or Creator account.
3. Why can’t I see “View Story Reshares” on my post?
This feature is not available for all accounts and only appears if someone shared your post to their public story within the last 24 hours.
Conclusion
Instagram may not allow you to see exactly who shared your post, but with the right strategies and tools, you can gain valuable insights into your audience’s behavior and content performance. By understanding what resonates with your audience and optimizing your content accordingly, you can increase post shares, boost engagement, and grow your brand presence on Instagram.
