Report someone who reposted your work
Only the copyright owner or someone authorised to act for them can report. Being in a photo doesn't make you its owner: copyright usually belongs to the creator, such as the photographer, unless transferred. If your brand name or logo is misused, choose the trademark option instead (copyright vs trademark).
Per Instagram's report requirements, have ready:
Instagram's copyright report form currently opens Meta's combined Intellectual Property Reporting Form, covering Instagram and Threads. Other platforms: copyright report forms.
- After you submit: an automated email gives your report number. Reply to it if Meta asks for more.
- Changed your mind? Withdraw the report with the retraction form in that email, and Instagram restores the content if it can.
- Large catalogue? Meta's Rights Manager matches uploads automatically, but you must apply. Its criteria look at whether your content is eligible for protection, your catalogue of original content, your takedown history and your account's standing.
If your post is reported
| Stage | What Instagram does |
|---|---|
| Removal | Removes the post and notifies you, possibly with the rights owner's name, email and other report details. |
| Your options | The message says whether the removal was under the US DMCA, which decides counter-notification or appeal. |
| Restrictions | Repeat infringement can limit posting, remove features, disable the account or remove a Page, depending on what was reported and where. |
| Disabled account | Log in and follow the on-screen instructions to appeal. |
The repeat infringer policy covers copyright and trademark, with no published thresholds. Content restored after an appeal or retraction is taken into account; content restored by a valid DMCA counter-notification isn't counted against you.
Appeal or DMCA counter-notification?
Instagram's first suggestion is to contact the rights owner: a withdrawn report restores the content and is the least risky outcome. Otherwise, use the route your removal message gives you.
Send toThe rights owner, directly
- Result
- A withdrawn report restores the content.
- Won’t
- Happen unless the rights owner agrees.
- Good to know
- Instagram’s first suggestion, and the least risky outcome.
Send toMeta, following the instructions in your removal message
- Result
- A review by Meta. Quick if you answer requests for information promptly; longer if more review is needed.
- Won’t
- Apply to removals made under the US DMCA procedure.
- Good to know
- No sworn statement and no court consent.
Send toInstagram, only when it says the removal was under the US DMCA
- Result
- Content is restored, if eligible, unless the reporter says they’ve gone to court. Up to 14 business days, per Instagram.
- Won’t
- Stay private: it goes to the reporter with your contact details, an easier path to suing you.
- Good to know
- Only for removals caused by a mistake or misidentification.
Instagram suggests legal advice if you're unsure which route applies. See the counter-notice timeline, and false DMCA takedowns if the report looks made in bad faith.
Instagram copyright music: what you can use
Meta's music library page says the licensed library is for personal, non-commercial use. Certain business accounts and post types can't access it, and it isn't in every country.
| Situation | Music you can use (at the time of writing) |
|---|---|
| Personal account, non-commercial post | Instagram's licensed audio library, attributed to the artist automatically. |
| Business account without library access | Meta's Sound Collection: over 14,000 royalty-free songs and sounds for Reels and Stories, including ads. |
| Boosting a reel | No licensed music. Meta recommends Sound Collection or original audio. |
| Music from outside Instagram | Only with a licence that covers posting it on Instagram. |
- Licensed tracks can be muted later when Meta's agreements change, per Instagram's audio help. The post stays up, and it isn't a copyright report against you.
- "Original audio" doesn't hide a song. If Instagram detects licensed music, it may re-attribute it to the artist and title.
- Unlicensed music can still be reported by the rights holder, and that counts under the repeat infringer policy.
FAQs
Who can report copyright infringement on Instagram?
Only the copyright owner or someone authorised to act for them, such as a lawyer or agent. If you spot someone else's work being misused, Instagram suggests telling the rights owner instead.
Will the person know I reported them?
Usually, yes. Instagram regularly shares the report number, the rights owner's name, the reporter's email and the report details with the person whose content was removed. Use a business email if that matters.
How long does an Instagram DMCA counter-notification take?
Instagram says restoring content after a valid counter-notification can take up to 14 business days, provided the reporter doesn't tell Instagram they've filed a court action to keep it down.
Why can't my business account use popular songs on Instagram?
Meta's licensed music library is meant for personal, non-commercial use, so certain business accounts and post types don't have access. Meta's Sound Collection is the royalty-free alternative.
Can Instagram disable my account for copyright?
Yes. Under the repeat infringer policy, repeatedly posting infringing content can lead to posting limits, lost features or a disabled account. Instagram publishes no fixed number of reports.
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