How to Legally Repost User-Generated Content on Instagram

Reposting UGC Rules #2: How to Ask for Permission to Legally Repost User-Generated Content on Instagram

When it comes to sourcing UGC, brands usually go about it in two ways: browsing for interesting UGC content in your feed, or by searching a branded hashtag. 

Regardless of how you find it, as a brand you need to ask permission from the original creator — even if they tagged it with your specific UGC-focused hashtag. 

So let’s take a look at how you can reach out and ask permission. 

#1: Send the Creator a DM 

Some brands like Daniel Wellington and Lush choose to only repost content where their products have been featured, or their customers are talking about their brand.  

And this type of UGC is usually found by checking your tags and mentions. 

But some brands like to use more universal UGC — content that matches their overall theme and aesthetic but doesn’t necessarily have to have their product or service in the image. 

For example, at , we like to share content created by our community — designers, illustrators, photographers, and animators — that are working hard to create cool content on Instagram. 

And while we love to mix and match content types, the images and videos we share always tie in with our bright and bold aesthetic: 

More often than not, our social media strategist Mel Brittner finds posts by scrolling through our home feed, searching relevant hashtags, and checking our tags and mentions. 

Once she finds an image that works for the feed, she sends the creator a DM to ask permission. 

It’s important to go the extra mile and send a DM to the creator, instead of just leaving a generic comment on their post. Remember that you’re asking permission to use a creator’s work — it’s worth sending them a personalized note! 

Plus, 65% of people will grant permission to use their photos within 24 hours — so the chances are you won’t lose any time by sliding into their DMs! 

Find Your Instagram Tags and Mentions with ! 

Did you know that you can check your tags and mentions with ? 

Next time you open  on desktop, you’ll see a few options under “Collect Media” in the sidebar. Think of this as command central for finding on-brand content that you can incorporate into your social calendar.

If you click Tags or Mentions, you’ll find any content you’ve been tagged or mentioned in on Instagram.  You can then select the posts you want to re-share and add them to your media library.

It’s a great way to keep tabs on what your fans are saying about your brand and find valuable UGC content for your feed! Just don’t forget to reach out and ask for permission before you post.

Search by mentions and tags is available on all  Paid Business plans (requires an Instagram Business profile.)