Mostly, no. Instagram shows how many times your post or Reel was shared, but not who sent it to someone in a direct message. You only see names in two cases: when a public account shares your post to its Story (while that Story is still up) and when someone reposts it.
See how many times a post was shared
With a professional account (creator or business):
- Open the post or Reel.
- Tap View insights under it.
- Find the paper plane icon. The number next to it is the total number of shares.
The total includes shares in DMs and to Stories, without names and without a split between the two. Many posts and Reels also show a share count next to the share icon for everyone, a change Instagram rolled out in December 2023 (Adweek). Viewers can hide like and share counts in their settings, so not everyone sees them.
See who shared your post to their Story
If public accounts have shared your post to their Stories, Instagram can show you those Stories:
- Open your post.
- Tap the three dots at the top.
- Tap View story reshares. The option only appears when there is something to show.
- Tap a Story to see the account that shared it.
You’ll only see Stories from public accounts, and only for 24 hours, while those Stories are live. Not every account sees this option; guides disagree on whether it needs a professional account. Our guide on viewing Story reshares goes into more detail.
See who reposted your post
Since August 2025, people can repost public feed posts and Reels to their followers, with credit to the original creator (Meta). Reposts appear in the reposting account’s Reposts tab, so they are visible, and your insights count how many reposts a post got. You can turn off reposts of your content in your settings if you prefer. For how reposting works, see how to repost an Instagram Reel.
Shares in DMs stay private
When someone sends your post in a direct message, Instagram doesn’t notify you and doesn’t show who sent it or to whom. It only adds one to the share count.
Collab posts
On a collab post, every collaborator can open View insights and see the combined share total. Names of sharers aren’t shown there either.
Why shares matter
A share means someone thought your post was worth sending to a friend or showing to their own followers. Every share puts the post in front of people who may not follow you yet.
FAQ
Does Instagram notify you when someone shares your post?
Not for shares in DMs. You may see public Story reshares under View story reshares, and reposts are visible on the reposter’s profile.
Can I see who shared my Reel?
The same rules apply as for posts: a total in insights, names only for public Story reshares and reposts.
Can the owner see that I shared their post?
Not if you sent it in a DM. If your account is public and you share it to your Story, the owner may see it under View story reshares while your Story is up.
Why don’t I see a share count on my post?
Share counts in insights need a professional account. The public counter isn’t shown on every post, and people can hide counts in their settings.