Threads gives you two ways to share someone else’s post: Repost and Quote Repost. Many users are unsure which one to pick in a given situation. Repost simply shares the original post to your followers without adding your own text. Quote Repost lets you attach your own commentary to the shared post. This article explains the difference between the two options and helps you choose the right one based on your goal.
Key Takeaways: Choosing Between Repost and Quote Repost
- Repost button (double arrow icon): Shares the original post to your followers without adding your own text. The post appears in your followers’ feeds as a reshare.
- Quote Repost button (double arrow icon > Quote): Lets you add your own message above the shared post. Your commentary appears in your followers’ feeds along with the original content.
- Profile visibility: Reposted content does not appear on your profile. Quote Reposted content appears on your profile as a new post with the original embedded.
What Repost and Quote Repost Do in Threads
Both features let you share content from another user. The key difference is whether you add your own text. When you Repost, the original post appears in your followers’ feeds exactly as the original author wrote it. Your followers see that you shared it, but no additional text from you is attached. The repost does not appear on your profile page.
When you Quote Repost, you write a message that appears above the original post. The original post is embedded below your text. Your Quote Repost appears as a new entry on your profile page, just like any other post you create. Both options preserve the original author’s username and content.
Prerequisites for Using Either Feature
You need a public Threads profile to share posts. Private accounts can only share posts with their approved followers. The original author must have their post set to public. If the original post is from a private account, you cannot repost or quote repost it.
When to Use Repost vs Quote Repost
The choice depends on whether you want to add your own reaction or simply amplify someone else’s message. Use Repost when you agree with the content and want your followers to see it without any additional context from you. Use Quote Repost when you have something to say about the original post.
Use Repost When You Want to Amplify Without Commentary
Repost is ideal for sharing news, announcements, or content that stands on its own. If a colleague posts a job opening and you want your network to see it, a simple Repost works. If a thought leader shares a quote you find valuable, Repost spreads it without diluting the message. Repost is also faster because you do not need to write anything.
Repost works well for time-sensitive information. Breaking news, event reminders, and product launches benefit from quick resharing. Your followers see the original post with its full context and timestamps.
Use Quote Repost When You Want to Add Context or Opinion
Quote Repost is better when you want to react to the original post. You might agree with the post and want to add a personal story that supports it. You might disagree and want to explain why. You might want to add a clarification, a warning, or a call to action related to the original content.
Quote Repost also helps you create threaded discussions. You can quote a post and then ask your followers a question about it. This encourages engagement and can lead to more replies and likes on your post.
How to Repost or Quote Repost in Threads
The process is the same on the mobile app and the web version.
- Find the post you want to share
Scroll through your feed or navigate to the specific post you want to share. - Tap the Repost icon
Look for the double arrow icon below the post. It is located between the Like and Reply icons. Tap it to open the sharing menu. - Choose Repost or Quote
Tap Repost to share without commentary. Tap Quote to add your own text. If you choose Quote, a new post composer opens with the original post embedded at the bottom. - Write your message (Quote only)
Type your commentary in the text field. You can add up to 500 characters. You can also add images or a link to your quote. - Post the content
Tap the Post button. For a Repost, the action completes immediately. For a Quote Repost, your new post appears on your profile and in your followers’ feeds.
Common Mistakes and Things to Avoid
Reposting Without Checking the Original Post Is Still Relevant
If the original post contains time-sensitive information, it may become outdated quickly. A Repost does not let you add a note about the date or context. Quote Repost lets you add a disclaimer like “This was posted last month but still applies.”
Using Repost When You Want to Start a Discussion
Repost does not give your followers a reason to engage with you. If you want to spark conversation, use Quote Repost and ask a question or share your perspective. Your followers can reply to your quote, which creates a thread under your post.
Quoting a Post That You Fully Agree With
If you have nothing to add, a Quote Repost with a simple “This” or “Agreed” can look like filler. Use Repost instead. It keeps the feed cleaner and avoids cluttering your profile with posts that add no new value.
Forgetting That Quote Reposts Appear on Your Profile
Every Quote Repost becomes a permanent entry on your profile unless you delete it. Reposts do not appear on your profile. If you share content that you might later want to remove, consider whether you want it visible on your profile indefinitely.
Repost vs Quote Repost: Feature Comparison
| Item | Repost | Quote Repost |
|---|---|---|
| Add your own text | No | Yes |
| Appears on your profile | No | Yes |
| Followers see original author | Yes | Yes |
| Can include images | No | Yes |
| Supports threaded replies | No | Yes |
| Best use case | Quick amplification | Adding commentary or starting discussion |
You can now choose between Repost and Quote Repost based on your specific goal. Use Repost to share content quickly without adding your own voice. Use Quote Repost when you have a reaction or question to share. For deeper engagement, try adding a question in your Quote Repost to encourage replies from your followers.