Meta announced a major Instagram update on Wednesday, rolling out three new features: reposts, a location-sharing Instagram Map, and a revamped ‘Friends’ tab. While intended to improve sharing and discovery, the features have sparked backlash across social media — with many users accusing Instagram of copying competitors like TikTok, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter).
Instagram just announced Reposts. Users can now repost reels and feed posts, where they’ll show up in the feeds of friends of the reposter (including a new Friends tab on reels). They’ll also show up in a new “reposts” section on profiles. pic.twitter.com/RiXuc82sn0
— Rachel Karten (@milkkarten) August 6, 2025
What Is Reposting on Instagram?
The new repost feature allows users to share public Reels and feed posts from others directly to their followers. Reposted content will appear under a separate “Reposts” tab on a user’s profile and may also be recommended in followers’ feeds.
Meta says this feature is designed to boost content discovery and help creators reach broader audiences.
“Reposting lets you share public reels and feed posts from others directly to your own followers,” Instagram said. “If someone reposts your reel or post, it might reach new audiences, even if they don’t follow you.”
How to Repost on Instagram:
- Tap the repost icon on any public reel or post.
- Add an optional note using the thought bubble.
- Press Save to complete your repost.
What Is the Instagram Map?
The new Instagram Map gives users a real-time look at where their friends or favorite creators are posting from. This location-based feature aims to help users explore new places and feel more connected to their social circles.
“You can see what your friends or favorite creators are posting from fun or interesting spots — and it gives you a fresh way to explore and interact,” Meta explained.
Backlash Over Copycat Features
Despite Meta’s efforts to innovate, the update has triggered a wave of online criticism. Many users claim the platform is losing originality by mimicking features from rival apps.
“First it was Stories (Snapchat), then Reels (TikTok), now reposts (Twitter). Instagram’s whole personality is borrowed,” one user wrote on X.
Critics especially point to similarities between Instagram’s reposts and TikTok’s Repost feature, which lets users re-share videos to their followers’ feeds — though TikTok reposts don’t appear on user profiles.
